Auburn University Community Writing Center (AU CWC) is opening its doors to enhance the culture of writing and writing instruction in the Auburn University and Lee County communities in late December.

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AU CWC is a collaborative, community-centered organization sponsored by the CLA’s Center for Arts and Humanities, the English department and the Office of University Writing.

“We wanted to offer writing opportunities for the entire community,” said Jay Lamar, director of the Center for the Arts and Humanities. “For example, we can help with cover letters, resumes or applying for a drivers license.”

Writing seminars and virtual resources will also be provided by the CWC. Writing partners are available to commute to any community member seeking help. The CWC emphasizes Auburn University’s land-grant mission to serve the people of Alabama through instructional, research and outreach programs.

The CWC will offer a wide range of services oriented toward individual development with such programs as writing coach and writing workshops.

“The Community Writing Center is here to support, motivate and educate people of all abilities and educational backgrounds who want to use writing for practical needs, civic engagement and personal expression,” said Lamar. “We hope the Community Writing Center becomes a place where people feel comfortable to write, meet with others and express their ideas.”

The AU CWC recruits faculty and undergraduate students to partner with Lee County community members and share mutual expertise as they write, revise, publish and thus learn together.  The CWC’s primary mission is to develop and implement educational writing programs that value diverse writing cultures throughout Alabama.

Stephanie Young, senior in public relations, works with the AU CWC in her public relations writing class. Young and a group of her classmates have been assigned to the AU CWC throughout the semester to put together a media kit for the newly established service.

“Working with the Auburn University Community Writing Center has been a great experience to gain knowledge in my field of study and to help the Auburn community,” said Young. “I can’t wait to see what the writing center can do for Lee County.” 

Two co-directors lead the CWC: a program director; Beth Savoy, who collaborates with partners to assess the community and oversees the CWC operations daily and a faculty director; Tricia Serviss from the English Department who collaborates with the steering committee to develop programming aligned with current research in writing studies.