 "Photo: Corlis Pauling/Echo staff photographer")
Sometimes change is not always for the worst. For N. C. Central University's writing studio, change has proved favorable.
The former writing studio has received a major facelift and also a new name.
The Writing Studio is now known as the Writing and Speaking Studio.
Previously located in the Farrison-Newton Communications building in room 339, the studio has moved to the Taylor Education building room 102.
The new space is much larger than the old location. It houses 14 computers with internet access and a speech lab equipped with a small studio.
The studio also allows students to record themselves speaking, listen to themselves, and make proper adjustments.
Over the last few years the need for a larger, better equipped Writing Studio presented itself.
During the 2004-2005 school year the Writing Studio held almost 200 tutorial sessions, according to Director Karen Keaton-Jackson. Last school year, nearly 900 tutorial sessions were held at the writing studio.
Funding for the studio was supplied by the University.
The studio's transformation came when the Quality Enhancement Plan (QEP) for N.C. Central University recognized a need to help further students' speaking skills as well as their writing skills.
The QEP's motto for this year is "Communicating to Succeed."
"The new Writing Studio is a giant step towards making positive changes," said Regina Alston, director of the QEP.
"The QEP intends to keep the momentum long after the Writing Studio has been moved, and opened," Alston said.
The layout of the new facility was a joint effort of the QEP and the NCCU design and construction department.
"There was a need for more space, upgraded technology, and a more centralized location on campus," said Keaton-Jackson.
Ten graduate students work as consultants at the studio. The consultants hail from a variety of disciplines such as English, history, education and biology.
Soon to join the Writing and Speaking Studio staff will be a speech coordinator who will work specifically with the speaking department of the studio.
"The range of tutor's backgrounds is a positive thing. It ensures that each student that comes in for a tutorial session has a tutor that can relate to their individual needs," said Keaton-Jackson.
Consultants help students with everything from metaphors, similes and independent clauses to constructing a paper that any professor would approve of.
Depending on the time of year, the tutorial sessions become more frequent.
The most sessions are held during mid-terms and finals.
The University takes pride in the new Writing Studio, and the change that it brings.
Students may make appointments at 530-6035 or e-mail writingstudio@nccu.edu.
Hours are Monday-Thursday 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. Friday 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
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