In our struggling economy, it pays to write well. Luckily, it’s a skill that can be learned, and UVU is set to help teach that skill to everyone, not just students.
Thanks to the partnership UVU has created with the Orem Public Library, this new resource is possible. In furthering UVU’s goal to be actively engaged in serving the community, a Community Writing Center has been created for anyone who wants knowledgeable assistance with almost any kind of writing.
This project was initiated by Dr. Joshua Hilst, faculty director of The Writing Center, and Leigh Ann Copas, the Writing Center coordinator. The two have worked hard to involve UVU with the public and provide this beneficial resource. The Writing Center is open to everyone and it’s completely free of charge.
“We see this as an overall responsibility as a learning institution to be engaged with and to help answer the needs within the community,” said K.D. Taylor, dean of the University College at UVU.
The Center will be staffed with UVU’s skilled and trained tutors, both students and faculty. Any member of the community who wishes to improve their writing skills, polish a resume, write a family history or receive help or feedback on other forms of writing now has access to a myriad of resources. These include one-on-one tutoring sessions, workshops, handouts, peer revision groups and more. Requests for special topics and specific aspects of writing will be welcomed, as the community’s general desires are more thoroughly gauged.
“The services we’d like to offer are based on surveys,” Taylor said. “They’re based on what we’ve been able to find in the way of expressed interest in the public already. We’re also responding to what employers have said they’d like to see from people
looking for jobs.”
Supplying tutors to the Community Center is an investment on the university’s part, but the expected benefits far outweigh the cost to UVU.
“Hopefully we can give the message to people, not only can we help you with your personal and job-related writing, but if you have an interest in becoming better educated, we have resources that can help you with academic achievement as well,” Taylor said. “Our whole purpose is to empower people, to help them at their own level of skill, and to help them see themselves as having greater possibilities.”
According to Louise Wallace, director of the Orem Public Library, UVU and the Orem Library have often joined forces to publicly
share various cultural programs, including music, student art, lectures, drama and visiting authors.
“We’re honored to partner with UVU in this important project, and we’re very grateful to UVU’s administration and leadership for their expansive vision of the role of the university in the community,” Wallace said.
On Feb. 10 at 11 a.m. there was a ribbon cutting ceremony to celebrate the opening of the new Community Writing Center, and a public open house from 2-5 p.m. The Center will officially open its doors on Feb. 13.
The Community Writing Center is funded through a phased grant from UVU’s Office of Engaged Learning. Operating hours will be 2-7 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and noon-4 p.m. on Friday. It is located at the Orem Public Library, 56 N. State Street in Orem.
by Lindsey Nelson
News Writer
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