Run by students’ peers, the Reading and Writing Center offers a wide variety of services and resources to help students generate better assignment quality, according to Mari Murdock, assistant to the director.
“We aren't an editing and proofreading center,” explained Murdock, comparing their responsibilities to the proverb about teaching a man to fish. “We definitely like it when students come in with specific problems so we can work on the solutions together.”
Murdock, a BYUH graduate of three years, said she worked as a tutor and did other jobs and internships until the beginning of this year, when she found her place at the Reading and Writing Center. “It's great getting to interact with students and actually work one-on-one with some of them to help improve their skills. It's really fulfilling and rewarding.”
“I've loved getting to meet a lot of people, make a lot of new friends, and learn more about different cultures.”
The Center offers aid to students of all majors. Aside from tutors who will help students write papers and read literature, the center sponsors a series of workshops throughout each semester. “We had a lot of teachers asking us to come to their class and explain certain topics to their students,” said Murdock.
“With the workshops we are able to cover a bunch of different classes all at once. It's really nice for the teachers because it covers what they otherwise would've had to include in their syllabus.”
Topics from workshops range from analyzing poetry to avoiding plagiarism. The schedule for workshops can be found at www.readingwritingcenter.byuh.edu, or at the center located across from the McKay Auditorium.
Additionally, the Center is an “acting library,” said Murdock, and students can check out books at basic EIL levels as well as advanced literature and books on grammar, research, dictionaries, and other reference tools.
“The center is also an acting computer lab,” said Murdock, “where students can come if they need a place to do homework.”
The tutors at the Reading and Writing Center undergo extensive training before and after being hired, said Murdock.
“I like it when I see that it clicks,” said senior Sean McClellan, a social work major from Utah who has worked at the Reading and Writing Center for 3 months. “It's really fun working with people and getting to help, especially the international students. You learn a lot more about the English language and how to work with people.”
Junior TESOL major Erin Baker from Florida, said, “I really value listening and asking questions. I try to ask questions to really understand their concerns. I like it when I can lead them to find the answer on their own.”
Baker, employed 5 months ago, worked at the LDS Business College Reading and Writing Center before coming to BYUH. “Our tutors are equipped and trained not just to edit and proofread,” said Murdock, who explained they are trained not only on grammar and English, but also cultural awareness and how to use visual aids and improve their communication skills.
“Because we have such a diverse demographic, it can be very interesting to be a tutor,” said Murdock. “You have to be aware of intercultural communication. You have to be able to tutor on a very basic level, but also a very advanced level, which I think is something that's very unique to BYU–Hawaii.”
The center is open 8:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Monday through Thursday and closed for devotionals every Tuesday.