Re: Writing Center Research

["Cliff-Bob Barnett" <WRCENTER@lucy.ch.pdx.edu>]

>Date:          Fri, 2 Feb 1996 17:04:08 -0600
>Reply-to:      wcenter@unicorn.acs.ttu.edu
>From:          CAMILLE LANGSTON <g_langston@VENUS.TWU.EDU>
>To:            Multiple recipients of list <wcenter@unicorn.acs.ttu.edu>
>Subject:       Writing Center Research
>
>Hello Everyone!
>
>I have a bit of a favor to ask.  In hope of expanding our writing center, I am
>participating in a research project which will compare Texas Woman's
>University's Writing Lab to the writing centers of other campuses.  In hopes of
>gathering cutting-edge data from the writing center pros, I have attached an
>interview, which I hope you will take the time to complete and return to me. 
>If you are interested in the outcome of collected data, let me know, and I'll
>share.
>
>Thanks,
>Camille Langston
>TWU Writing Lab Coordinating Assistant
>g_langston@venus.twu.edu
>_______________________________________________________________________________
>
>Name of university:
>Approximate # of university students:

14,000 full time, some 40,00 part-timers

>Name of writing center:

Portland State University Writing Center

>Name and title of writing center director:

Marcia Silver, Administrator  (3/4 time, 1/4 time writing instructor)

>How is your writing center funded?

Through the English Department

>Who staffs your writing center?  How many staff people?

One fulltime office specialist (who also tutors about 6 hours a week)
4 GAs per term who each tutor 14 hours per week
Average of 5-10 volunteers per term who each tutor 5 hours a week

>Do you have a workshop/seminar/class to train your tutors?  What does it
>involve?

Each Fall a 3-credit hour course is taught: Tutoring & Teaching
Composition.  Volunteers who do not take this course are asked
to do a combination of required readings and observations before
tutoring.

>Is your writing center operated through the English dept.?

Yes

>What are your writing center operating hours?

M-F, 8-5, and W evening, 5-8

>How many students use your writing center per semester?

approximately 500

>Do you use computer-assisted instruction in your writing center?  How?

Minimally.  Freewriting mainly.  Some revision.  Demonstrate how
WP programs can be used (Spellcheck, Search & Replace functions,
Cut & Paste functions, etc.)

>How many computers are in your writing center?  What types of hardware and 
>software do you use?

4 PowerMacs (6100s), 2 Apple LC IIs. Software:  MS Office on the PowerMacs,
MS Word 5.0 on the LCs.  We also have 3 grammar check programs--Grammatik,
RightWriter, Correct Write, and a Spelling Coach program--all of which see
very little use.

>Do you have a grammar hotline?

Yes

>Do you have an OWL or any other electronic services?

No, but are considering establishing one.  We do have an email account
where writers may post specific questions and tutors will respond by
email as they find the time.

>What major changes have occurred in your writing center during the past 5
>years?

Larger space, PowerMacs, Administrator from 1/2 time to 3/4 time, Office
Specialist from 1/2 time to full time, added furniture, purchased reference
books.

>Have I forgot anything?

Nothing comes to mind, but IMHO the main issue is always staffing.

>If you have any brochures or other information pertaining to your writing
>center (policies, etc.), I would love to see them.  You can snail mail them to: 
>Camille Langston, Texas Woman's University, Dept. Freshman English, PO Box
>23972, Denton, TX 76204-1972

>Thanks for your help!

You're welcome, and good luck!

Cliff Barnett
Portland State University Writing Center
PO BOX 751
Portland, OR  97207-0751
503-725-3570
wrcenter@lucy.ch.pdx.edu