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| Wittenberg Writing Center student adviser Megan Weber of Wadsworth, Ohio, class of 2007, works with Andrew Tomko of North Olmsted, Ohio, class of 2009 |
The Writing Center, located in Hollenbeck Hall, Room 112, has been accredited by the CLRA on the first and second levels. To earn a Level 1 certification, advisers at the institution applying for accreditation must demonstrate basic tutoring techniques and knowledge of the tutor’s role and responsibility, and they must complete 25 hours of direct tutoring. A Level 2 certification is obtained with the completion of Level 1 certification, 10 additional hours of training and 25 additional hours of experience.
Wittenberg’s Writing Center creates opportunities for anyone on campus to consult with student advisers, who provide assistance on any stage of a writing project. The goal is to assist students with their writing skills and to make them more effective communicators.
The 25 students who work as Wittenberg Writing Center advisers are majoring in a diverse array of disciplines. To become advisers, students must be personable, have a strong interest in writing and complete a semester-long, four-credit class. Students must be recommended by professors to take the course in which they learn style, revision and advising strategies, and they must observe other advisers as they work with students in the Wittenberg Writing Center.
The certification from the CRLA adds credibility to the Wittenberg Writing Center’s already strong reputation.
“As well as being paid for their work, [the students] are now also recognized by an international organization, which allows them to indicate this certification on their resumes or in job interviews,” said Provost Kenneth Bladh.
Maureen Fry, director of the Writing Center, submitted a proposal for accreditation last spring after Wittenberg’s Math Workshop was similarly accredited by CRLA. When the Math Workshop went through the accreditation process, Fry realized that the training program in the Writing Center already met the advanced accreditation standards.
“The accreditation adds the element of international certification,” Fry said. “Our advisers do a great job, and they are finally being recognized.”
Student advisers such as Caitlin Augustus of Springfield, Ohio, class of 2008, feel that the accreditation is well deserved.
“I’m not too surprised we met the requirements to be certified,” Augustus said. “The program is very strong and the class offers great preparation.”
Although the tutors are excited about the certification, more than anything, they enjoy their jobs as advisers. The experience has proven to be extremely valuable for both the tutors and the students who make use of the Writing Center.
“Advisers often learn more than the students who use our resources,” Fry said.
Writing Center advisers also seem to share a great deal of enthusiasm for their jobs. Laura Russell, a 2004 Wittenberg graduate, now works as the assistant director of the Writing Center. She would not trade her experiences as a Writing Center adviser and director.
“I loved working as an adviser in the Writing Center, and I would do my job for free,” Russell said.
- Leslie Banas '06
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