UWC Tutor Wins Dean's Award at STU Undergraduate Research Symposium

by Aileen Valdes
Miami Gardens (4/11/2011)- UWC senior tutor, Aryanne Schommer, won the Dean's Award (first place) at the 2011 STU Undergraduate Research Symposium for her project on the history of the Southeastern Writing Center Association, entitled "SWCA @ 30: Past, Present, Future." She was one of only three students selected to deliver an oral presentation, choosing to talk from memory rather than read.

"The research project was almost a year in the making, and I really wanted to present well. When practicing before the symposium, it just didn't feel right to read. With a quick pep-talk to myself, I decided that I knew this project, and I didn't need my pre-written speech," Aryanne stated. "Now looking back on it, I am so thankful that I did because I was able to showcase how much this project has truly meant to me!"

UWC Tutor Presents Research at Prestigious Conference on College Composition and Communication Convention

by Aileen Valdes
Atlanta (4/9/2011)- UWC tutor Aileen Valdes and Dr. Kevin Dvorak presented at the 2011 Conference on College Composition and Communication in Atlanta, Georgia on April 8. Their presentation, entitled “Usando Espanol para Tutoria en Ingles: A Study of Writing Center Tutoring Sessions involving Bilingual Tutors and Students,” also included Dr. Shanti Bruce from Nova Southeastern University, and Dr. Paula Gillespie and Dariel Suarez from Florida International University.

The presentation focused on discussing how Spanish is used during writing center-based tutoring sessions between bilingual (English- and Spanish-speaking) tutors and students at two critical points during sessions: 1) to develop rapport through linguistic solidarity and 2) to work through occasional moments of confusion when words and/or ideas are clear in the primary language (Spanish) but not the secondary (English).

UWC Tutors Announced as Co-Winners of the 2011 SWCA Undergraduate Tutor Award

by Brittany Griffin
Kennesaw, GA (1/29/11)-The Southeastern Writing Center Association Awards Committee announced on Friday that Aileen Valdes and Karen Mejia, senior tutors at the University Writing Center at St. Thomas University, have co-earned the 2011 SWCA Undergraduate Tutor Award!

This marks the second consecutive year that a UWC tutor has won this prestigious award. Denise Pichardo earned the award in 2010. For more info, check out SWCA's award page.

Eight UWC Tutors to Present at Regional Conference

Miami Gardens (1/20/11)- The UWC is proud to announce that 8 tutors have been accepted to present at the 2011 Southeastern Writing Cetner Association Conference, Feb. 17-19, at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa, AL.

UWC Introduces New R.I.S.E. Writing Scholar

Miami Gardens (1/16/11)- The UWC has added a new R.I.S.E. Writing Scholar to its staff this semester. Jarrel Hall, a junior Business major from the Bahamas, has earned this distinction based on his performance at last year's R.I.S.E. Writing Contest. R.I.S.E., an acronym for "Recognizing Incoming Students Essays," will be hosting its annual contest again in April.

Spring Hours Announced

Miami Gardens (1/15/11)- The UWC has announced its Spring 2011 hours: M/W 10am-6pm; T/Th 1-6pm; F 10am-2pm.