Concurrent Sessions Q – 10:00 AM to 11:15 AM (EST)
Q1
Clare Wongwai, Zoe Miller, and Pajai Vue; St. Olaf College; Steps Towards More Introspective and Anti-racist Work in Writing Centers
This workshop introduces and reviews the power of language and the connotations of semantics. Our workshop aims to teach writing tutors about the history and debates surrounding Standard (Written) English and aid writing tutors with anti-racism frameworks, specifically language-conscious efforts such as anti-racist terminology, that can transform writing centers into a linguistically inclusive space. Attendees will engage in a series of reflections and discussions to acquire tangible skills to transform their tutoring practices.
Concurrent Sessions R – 11:20 AM to 12:35 PM (EST)
R1
Tabitha Fisher and Elizabeth Parfitt; Penn State University; How WPAs and Writing Tutors Can Recalibrate the Work-Life Balance
This session will explore how the pandemic has reinforced and continued to normalize a lack of boundaries between work and everyday life for student employees and how WPAs can balance the need to offer flexible services and their responsibility to foster healthy work-life balance in their writing tutors. This session will feature recommendations on how WPAs can implement policies that protect tutors from overwork and promote a culture of wellness in the center.
R2
Isaac Wang, Hafsa Farooq, and Kanika Garg; Purdue University; Embracing A Brave New World: Writing Center Pedagogies and Practices Post-pandemic
The COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally shifted the work of writing centers into digital spaces, forcing writing center practitioners to reconsider our work. This panel explores how moving online has effected accessibility, shifted our pedagogy, and influenced who comes to the center. We offer practical suggestions for writing center practitioners looking to navigate the complex relationship between our physical centers and online spaces.