Each of the Writing Center's three (3) enrichment programs focus on different aspects of a liberal arts education: Academic Skills pairs campus writers with tutors trained to enhance a writer's academic development. Conversation Partners supports non-native speaking students as they advance their English-speaking skills. Kenyon Writes pairs tutors with campus writers looking for weekly one-on-one assistance. Students can be enrolled in all three enrichment opportunities simultaneously.

The purpose of each program is to foster a relationship between peers through writing, conversing and growing as students in line with our liberal arts education. Brief descriptions are as follows:

  • In Academic Skills, students who apply are typically eager for advice on everything from time management, to note taking, to studying. Tutors undergo additional training to assist in these areas, offering support with many of the topics our Thrive Through Thursdays programs (every Thursday class is in session during common hour; coordinated with Advising, CGE, ODEI, and SASS) concentrate on in a more individualized setting.
  • For Conversation Partners, students who enroll in this enrichment opportunity are generally hoping to further advance their English-speaking and writing skills. Our tutors are trained for this work, assisting those writers who have less familiarity with the English language in growing more confident with regard to their communication skills. Trained tutors help their peers practice English conversation, read and respond to professor comments or emails, discuss traditions from across cultures and help peers prepare for interviews. 
  • For Kenyon Writes, students who apply are usually eager for assistance with managing their writing and course work. This program is particularly useful for first years adjusting to a college schedule and those more-acclimated students who need to work on larger assignments for a semester (or longer). It also helps with accountability and stability in your writing process.

In each program, pairs meet weekly (or every other week) for up to one hour; topics of meetings depend on the specific relationship of the tutor and their peer(s).  To find out more about each program, please consult the Google Form application links. After you fill out your form(s), Writing Center Director Anna Scanlon will contact you to set up a mentorship pairing.

These programs provide personalized, one-on-one mentorships which enhance a student's academic experience at Kenyon. Trained writing center tutors develop a relationship with students looking for enrichment in a variety of areas. Because we recognize that students at Kenyon are tasked with many responsibilities throughout their time here, our goal with these enrichment opportunities is to help facilitate learning and development of skills that will last them the rest of their academic and professional careers. Specifically, we work:

  • To increase equity by providing students with inclusive learning opportunities to advance their knowledge bases in ways that encourage them to find answers, make qualified judgements, further develop positive learning habits and use campus resources, thus developing the important qualities of a leader who is both civically and academically engaged.
  • To further retention efforts at Kenyon College by providing students with a tutoring partner in the area or areas in which they encounter challenges or are looking to be challenged. This partner will listen to student concerns, address areas that provide challenges, encourage success and assist in holding them accountable for their academic enrichment.
  • To assure that underrepresented students who find parts of their academic experiences challenging due to macro/microaggressions, racism, elitism, or other concerns have brave spaces in which their voices are heard, respected, and amplified.

  • To assist students as they acquire knowledge and understanding of the fine arts, humanities, natural sciences, and social sciences, communicating these experiences effectively in speaking and writing and engaging with diverse cultures in the process.

If you're interested, we encourage you to apply for additional, personalized, regular (weekly or biweekly) guidance during your time at Kenyon. Kenyon faculty and staff should also feel comfortable and encouraged to refer students to any or all of these enrichment opportunities. Therefore, they are invited to fill out the above Google referral forms for students they think will benefit from these programs.

Anna Scanlon

Director of Writing Center
Contact
Phone Number
740-427-5510
Email Address
scanlon1@kenyon.edu
Location
Chalmers Library, 211