Here at Frostburg State University, we recently merged content tutoring
services and writing center services. After one semester, the success
of the operation, and the number of tutors we have been able to train
and retain, has proven fruitful. The number of students who received
services did not decrease; although, there was not a great spike in
numbers either.
The idea of one place where students can go to get assistance for
selected 100 and 200-level courses, as well as writing assistance for
any course level, has created a sense of centrality and camaraderie
among tutors across multiple disciplines. Math tutors can now "talk
shop" with writing tutors, and they can also work in the same space.
This has proven beneficial for students, tutors, and the Director
because we are all working together with similar methods in order to
achieve the same goal. It also gives the tutors a central work and
training place, which gives them a sense identity and place in the
academic setting.
I thought I would give you some reasons why the merging of a Tutoring
and Writing Center can be beneficial. I do understand the reasoning and
importance of the different centers maintaining individual autonomy, but
at FSU the merger has reaped some wonderful benefits.
Best,
Mark E. Smith, M.A.
Director of the Tutoring Center
Frostburg State University
151 Pullen Hall
(301)-687-4066
We're on the Web: http://www.frostburg.edu/clife/tutor/index.htm
-----Original Message-----
From: Open Forum for Learning Assistance Professionals
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Masuda, Howard
Sent: Thursday, January 08, 2009 7:43 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Reasons Against Merging of Tutoring Center and Writing Center
Hi Everyone,
Happy New Year!
I am hoping I might get some reasons or arguments for not
merging our University Writing Center (in existence about 15 years) and
our University Tutorial Center (in existence for 30 years). We are both
located in separate rooms on the first and second floors in the Library.
The Provost would like to bring the Writing Center down to the first
floor and possibly consolidate the two Centers. Both Centers have been
functioning effectively and efficiently separately for all of these
years. If you need any more information to respond to this inquiry,
please let me know.
Thanks,
Howard Masuda
Dr. Howard Masuda
Director, University Tutorial Center
California State University, Los Angeles
Library Palmer Wing 1062A
(323) 343-3972
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