Writing Center gets support for in-demand services

The Writing Center received $4,600 in CMU 2010 funding for FY06 to hire a quarter-time faculty position during the spring 2006 semester to better address the growth in demand for service and to support writing across the university.

The additional staffing was needed to increase on-site supervision for Writing Center consultants, complete the center’s Web site, and stabilize a system for off-campus, online submissions. Demand for Writing Center services has risen each year since it opened in 1998.

In 2005-06, the center already has provided 4,570 sessions, a 38.5 percent increase over last year. Online submissions have risen more dramatically, from an average of fewer than 30 per month in 2004-05 to some 400 just for March 2006.

“We are updating our Web site and developing a system for assigning online papers, tracking responses, and providing additional training for consultants to meet the growing demand,” said MaryAnn Crawford, Writing Center director.

“Thus far, we have been able respond to online submissions within our promised 48-hour turnaround – usually in less time than that – while still accommodating on-campus appointments. It’s great to see writing play such an important part in our university curriculum.”

Writing Center clients and consultants work together at Park Library, one of many center locations across campus.