Monday, October 9, 2006
VIDEO: Opening of the Writing and Reading Center – Oct. 5, 2006
The De Anza College Writing and Reading Center held a grand opening Thursday in its new location in room 309 of the Advanced Technology building.
The WRC held an open house, lead by co-directors Karen Chow and Julie Pesano. Students and staff were invited to drop by and enjoy doughnuts and coffee.
For many, it was their first look at the new location since its move from the Science Center building over the summer. The wall between ATC 308 and 309 was knocked down to make room for the new center.
The WRC was designed to be easy to use. Students scan their De Anza Student Body card upon entry, and are then set up with their own personal tutor.
“You don’t need an appointment, so it was designed to be flexible to work with students’ schedules,” Chow said. “It’s an inviting and welcoming place.”
The center provides an opportunity for students to be one-onone with a knowledgeable tutor, and to get help with any assignment or subject.
“The main goals for the program this fall is to first help our students with any kind of language arts help that they need,” said Pesano.
“Even if they’re writing their personal statement for transfer to another college, writing a resume, anything that is writing related, we can help them with drop in tutoring.”
The center has been five years in the making and was meant to address student concerns.
“We have surveyed the students and have identified their needs,” said Gregory Anderson, director of the Student Success Center.
“We provide them with integrated services, like the Open Media Labs, the tutorials, and now the WRC.”
Anderson encourages students seek their services. “We are here to help our students succeed.”
“I think [the WRC] is a good idea,” said De Anza student Ezekiel Calubaquib, who attended the event.”Some students need help, and having this place will help them, especially the ESL students.”
The center offers other programs as well, such as faculty volunteers who lead writing workshops, guest speakers, student writing groups, and author readings.
The WRC is open to students on a drop-in basis Mondays and Tuesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Wednesdays and Thursdays 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
