By KIMBERLY PILON
Beloit College is selling campus buildings, and our beloved Writing Center is one of them. Bought in the early 2000s, it has housed English professors and tutoring for over twenty years, with many students enjoying the privacy and vibe of the environment offered.
When speaking to Chuck Lewis, director of the Writing Center, about the move to the library, he acknowledged both the benefits and drawbacks of moving. He addressed the accessibility as a main benefit but says the current Writing Center has high levels of charm and attraction for students. However, the advantages are significant, as the new Writing Center will be able to serve more students effectively and conveniently.
Many locations were discussed as possibilities, including the Powerhouse and Pearsons, but the library is a common spot for students and is very practical. This will lead to more tutoring overall in the library, with LEADS, TA’s and the Writing Center now in one spot. Students looking for support can now head directly to the library, as it is the only hub for tutoring and assistance.
The Round Table also reached out to President Eric Boynton about this decision and were directed to Dan Schooff, Vice President for Advancement and Facilities at Beloit College. Mr. Schooff says that the college is planning to “align campus resources with long-term goals.” In doing so, they want to optimize space around campus, while also prioritizing accessibility and maintaining ADA compliance. The library is a state of the art facility, with the newest ways to help students and maximize productivity.
Students across campus seem to not really know about this decision. Few of the students interviewed had knowledge of this plan, and only the Writing Center staff and those who have recently talked to administration have heard about this change. Lewis said that his tutors are enthusiastic about the new opportunities within the library. They do like the Writing Center and the charm it brings, but tutors have had input to make the new space attractive, and they plan on purchasing signage and furniture to make it comfortable to students.
Jamie Edwards‘28 and Ivy Salmi-Perry‘28 both mentioned that they don’t care that the Writing Center is moving. Jamie said that they are unsure where the Writing Center currently is, and placing it in the library will make it easier for students to find and use.
Lauryn Volza‘24 has used the Writing Center frequently throughout her Beloit career, but she has never had an in-person meeting because of the location. She says it has been a major help for personal essays as well as research applications for graduate school. She believes this move will help accessibility issues, and give more students the chance to utilize the valuable resources that they provide.
Ella Walters‘27 has not used the Writing Center, but believes its new location in the library will increase its popularity, as she calls it an “underutilized program.” Walters believes that the Writing Center is an amazing resource, and she feels “it brings me a lot of comfort and strength knowing if I needed it or wanted it, there would be something that could help me.”
Chuck Lewis and Dan Shooff both say that the Writing Center will be rebranded under a new name: Writing Works. Chuck Lewis said that this change comes to acknowledge that it is no longer a set apart space, make the title less generic, and hopefully give it a “Beloit vibe.”
The Writing Center that Beloit College has known and loved for twenty years will now become part of the newly renovated Morse Library, and many believe that is for the good of all students. Students will miss the charm of the old building, but new options for accessibility and convenience will hopefully bring more popularity and more students looking for success in their writing.
Graphic by Sophia Nitsche’25
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