University News
University Writing Center Opens Fall Semester in Malpass Library
August 21, 2012
MACOMB, IL – As the 2012 fall semester begins, students and faculty will find the University Writing Center (UWC) in Malpass Library rather than Simpkins Hall.
"This move gives WIU students, faculty and staff easier access to the Writing Center, and better supports writing on campus," said Mark Mossman, chair of English and journalism. "It demonstrates that writing is an important part of the education one receives at WIU."
In addition to its central location on the Macomb campus, the Writing Center in Malpass will provide access to individuals with disabilities, which was not available in the longtime Simpkins Hall location.
For Neil Baird, who has directed the University Writing Center for the last four years, the move makes the Writing Center not only physically, but philosophically, central to WIU's writing life.
"The move to Malpass signals that the Writing Center recognizes that each field has its own forms, conventions and values for writing," Baird added.
WIU College of Arts and Sciences Dean Sue Martinelli-Fernandez agreed, saying, "Moving the main location of the University Writing Center to Malpass is just one of the many efforts we are making in the College to highlight the importance of writing and emphasize the culture of writing across departments."
"I thank Neil and Mark and Associate Dean Jim Schmidt for their efforts in bringing this project to fruition," Martinelli-Fernandez said. "We also appreciate our great collaboration with Dean Phyllis Self and her staff, including Chet Derry and Mary Day."
While the main writing center has moved to Malpass Library, the Simpkins writing center continues to be open in satellite center for student convenience and to help serve the large population of first-year composition students. In addition, satellite centers in Higgins and Tanner will continue to serve FYE students.
For more information, including locations and hours, www.wiu.edu/uwc or contact Baird at (309) 298-1534 or at np-baird@wiu.edu.
Posted By: University Communications (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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