As freshmen struggle through their required academic writing course and upperclassmen draft their theses and scholarship applications, a growing number of undergraduates are turning to the Writing Studio to refine their skills--and also to please their instructors.
The Writing Studio, created last fall, serves twice as many students as it did this time last year. During the first four weeks of this semester, the studio scheduled 220 appointments and is using seven of 12 tutors.
Director Vicki Russell said the studio can accommodate 106 appointment hours per week at four sites in the Academic Advising Center, Perkins Library, Lilly Library and the Schwartz-Butters Building.
Students can either brainstorm or discuss drafts with tutors. Although tutors are not allowed to write directly on students' papers, students may converse with them to improve their writing.
Derek Malone-France, a writing instructor, praised the Writing Studio for providing knowledgeable tutors, who tailor to the needs of each student. "[They] really listen and communicate with the students," he said. "The students receive individualized attention."
Although the Writing Studio does not guarantee improved grades, many students find themselves making appointments to do just that and to demonstrate enthusiasm for writing to their professors. Malone-France conceded that instructors realize how grade-focused Duke students are and that many attend the studio for that purpose.
Sheka Ellison, a freshman, acknowledged that her Academic Writing 20 instructor looks "favorably" upon students who work with Writing Studio tutors. Many professors receive summaries from the tutors when their students seek out appointments. Ellison noted that she received a higher grade on the paper she revised at the Writing Studio and has scheduled three more appointments before fall break.
Sameer Deshmukh, another freshman, also scheduled an appointment in pursuit of a better grade. Deshmukh said that going to the Writing Studio forced him to revise his paper.
The influx of new writers could also be attributed to a massive advertising campaign.
Tutors gave five-minute presentations during the first week of the fall semester in many classes. In addition, the studio has placed posters in several departments and computer clusters and distributed fliers.
Lecturer Christina Askounis said that the studio was sorely needed. "The Writing Studio is long overdue at such a major university," she said.
Furthermore, Russell hopes students will take advantage of the studio on a regular basis. "We're looking forward to a time when going to the Writing Studio becomes a habit," she said.
Russell added that even if students are satisfied with their writing techniques, they should consider meeting with a writing tutor. Chris Armstrong, a tutor and graduate student, emphasized that the Writing Studio's services are not simply remedial aid, but a tool for everyone.
"The best writers gain just as much with the exposure and expertise of the tutors," Malone-France said.
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