Grand Opening: HU Writing Center
A student-run tutoring center for building stronger writers.
What is the HUWC?
Our mission is to provide free tutoring to any student who wishes to become a better writer. We don't write papers for the students; we create better writers.
Why did we start a Writing Center?
- One-on-one tutoring is most effective.
Individual attention and social learning have been proven most effective for learning. - There isn't time for teachers to provide one-on-one attention to every single student.
The Writing Center takes some of the burden off teachers to address every single student's needs individually. Teachers can focus on certain high-needs students in the classroom, while other students may be just fine with a peer tutor. - Universities and colleges have Writing Centers. We at HU needed one too!
Our early college offerings are unparalleled in Indiana, and we need college-level supports along with them. - We will be partnering with MTSS to reach even more students.
Decide whether you might send a student to MTSS or the HUWC... and if we need to move the student from one to the other, we can. - Students look up to their peers.
We want to make writing "cool!" Often, students are too anxious, shy, or scared to ask a teacher for help, but will ask a friend instead. - Our tutors are trained with the same qualifications as the tutors at traditional college campuses.
Our tutors have researched best practices for one-on-one tutoring, taken all prerequisite classes, and can provide strong, research-based support for their peers. All our writing tutors could currently be employed at a university or college. - Our tutors are trained in AI.
They will encourage students to only use AI responsibly and ethically, according to our school's policies and teacher policies. - Our tutors are paid.
This on-campus job is a lucky opportunity for seniors with college credit in English. HHS's Writing Center tutors will have one of the strongest resume-boosters in their graduating cohort, will stand out to any college they apply for, and will graduate with invaluable college- and career-readiness skills.
Meet Our Tutors!
Teachers, please help by...
- Option A: For a writing assignment, make it a requirement to attend a Writing Center appointment. If you assign a difficult writing assignment, you might decide to make it a requirement to visit the Writing Center before your students submit their paper. Try giving points to students for scheduling a session!
- Option B: Make it extra credit to attend a Writing Center appointment. Students might jump at the chance for some extra credit, and their paper will be stronger if they've had a peer tutor look at it with them!
This isn't just for English class! Social studies and science teachers, we need your support in this, too. Please find your own way to compel students to visit.
P.S. -- College instructors do this frequently. Many professors require their students to attend Writing Center appointments, and make them mandatory for larger assignments and essays. I encourage all HHS teachers to try it this school year at least once.
How to Book a Workshop:
Let the HUWC know about a difficult essay or project coming up in your class, and the Writing Center tutors can lead a workshop on it -- including any important requirements and tips you want us to share with students who attend!
Schedule a workshop by emailing Theresa Haus at the email address listed:
Information needed:
- The assignment/essay guidelines, in detail
- The rubric used to grade it
- The AI policy you will enforce
- Any common errors you anticipate students making
- Any common questions you know students constantly ask
- The style you want students to use (APA, MLA, etc.)
Contact Us
Hours: 7:45am - 3:15pm, by appointment. Walk-ins available only if a tutor isn't already in an appointment.
How to send students: Everyone must use E-hallpass. Only send students to the HUWC during the student's study hall, Power Hour/Academic Assist, or during their Student Assist period if they have one. Please encourage students to make an appointment first.
How students make an appointment: Click the button above, or go to hobart.mywconline.com
Email address: thausclass@hobart.k12.in.us
Phone extension: 8147
Staff:
Writing Center Director: Mrs. Theresa Haus, HHS English Dept.
Assistant Writing Center Director: Mrs. Carolie Warren, HHS MTSS
Student Administrator: Madelyn Burton, senior at HHS
Email: thausclass@hobart.k12.in.us
Website: hobart.mywconline.com
Location: Room 1309
Phone: 8147