Advice from consultants and others about writing in different styles and variables.
Positive changes at Denison are underway, especially for writing competency. Since last year, the Denison Writing Center has introduced nine new writing consultants and it continues to grow substantially.
Students have a direct hand with the responsibilities of the writing center by upholding important positions. They can utilize their skills for jobs beyond Denison’s campus.
The writing center is representative of the different curriculums students have to take at Denison, with members varying in several different majors and concentrations.
Director of the Writing Center, Brenda Boyle, previously worked in the Ohio State University Writing Center before she accepted her position at Denison, where she has worked for the past 11 years.
“I think that writing is central to the liberal arts experience,” says Boyle. “Writing doesn’t just happen alone in an attic. It’s a compilation of being vulnerable and working with others. It’s a really excellent way for everyone to enhance their educations.”
Boyle has purposely chosen student staff members based from their diverse backgrounds in academics and experience in several different disciplinary orientations. This multiplies the opportunities for several students to work for the writing center.
The writing center offers resources for all phases of writing, such as application materials, professional statements, lab write ups and essays. More importantly, students can arrive at the center without anything yet written by bringing in the prompt.
Students can’t elect a certain consultant to work with, because it enhances the opportunity for a different and collaborative experience.
“I’m excited to start working here,” says Dana Phillips ‘20 a women and gender studies and international studies double major from Atlanta. “It’s a great environment.”
To work at the writing center, there isn’t training or expertise involved, but experience with several different types of writing is preferred..
For first years, it can be difficult to adapt to campus life, including college course rigor. Boyle offers advice on writing for those who may be struggling.
“You need to be very flexible about the five paragraph essay,” says Boyle. “While that as a formula can be a useful organizing principle, the strict following of it can be restricting.”
Liberal arts schools tend to encourage students to get out of their comfort zone, and writing is no exception.
“It’s scary to leave the known for the less known,” says Boyle regarding writing. Pay a visit to the Writing Center by making an appointment online via MyDenison.
Writing Center Hours:
Sunday: 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Monday: 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Tuesday: 11:30 am-12:30 pm, 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Wednesday: 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Thursday: 11:30 am-1:30 pm, 4:00 pm-9:00 pm
Friday: Closed
Saturday: Closed