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 ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask] ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ To access the LRNASST-L archives or User Guide, or to change your subscription options (including subscribe/unsubscribe), point your web browser to http://www.lists.ufl.edu/archives/lrnasst-l.html To contact the LRNASST-L owner, email [log in to unmask]