Throughout Tuesday morning, the university’s Writing Center tutors circled tables, ready to take questions and assist students. Students’ laptops were open. Donut boxes were nearly emptied. And a hum of students listened to the sage advice of their Jaguar Writing Center tutors while they offered feedback on students’ writing projects.
The Spring Write-In, hosted by the First-Year Composition Committee and the Jaguar Writing Center on April 18, offered students quick feedback during crunch time. With just two weeks of classes remaining of the spring semester, students said they were glad to receive extra support.
Scott Gage, assistant professor of English, said the write-in was intentionally scheduled for the last leg of the semester because students are usually working on final projects and papers. The event gave students time to work with writing tutors to perfect their work.
As a refresher, every 30 minutes Gage gave away prizes for writing contests and Q&A brainstorming. Prizes included Fiesta-prep items such as sunscreen, sunglasses and tumblers.
“Our idea, in our effort to support our students and promote writing practices here at the university, was to give real time feedback from those teaching in the writing program and also those who tutor in the Writing Center,” said Gage, who serves as director of the First Year Composition Committee.
University curriculum requires all first-year students at Texas A&M University-San Antonio to enroll in English 1301 and 1302. With a cohort of more than 400 students required to take these classes, Gage said it was necessary to form a First Year Composition Committee.
Gage said he and his colleagues established the committee to oversee and ensure consistency and teaching quality. The committee ensures faculty provide a consistent curriculum focused on student development.
The Write-In event will happen again in the fall, which is good news for students like freshman biology major Kyla Puckett, who came to the event for feedback on her Persuasive Dramas essay.
“I got some good feedback from the instructors and I think it is something students should come to in the future. It was very helpful,” Puckett said. “I think it would be very beneficial if they had it for other subjects as well.”
Although the event was strongly encouraged to first-year students, it will continue to be available to all students.
Business junior Horst “Ric” Wagner said he enjoyed attending the event for ideas and to network.
“I got to meet some of the professors and tutors who work in the lab, and I got to hear some great ideas,” he said.
For additional assistance, students can visit Jaguar Writing Center located in Central Academic Building, Room 208.
Hours:
Spring 2017
Monday 10 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Tuesday 9 a.m. – 11 a.m., Noon – 5 p.m.
Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Friday 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
