“Hopes and Fears”: What Do Writing Center Administrators Think of Merging with or Converting into a Learning Center?

Authors

Jenny Goransson, George Mason UniversityFollow

Abstract

This article shares findings from a survey study (n = 73) focused on writing center administrator (WCA) perceptions of two phenomena we see on many secondary and postsecondary campuses in recent years: writing centers expanding to become learning centers, and writing centers consolidating or merging with other tutoring services on campus. Through analysis of the qualitative, open-ended survey responses, the study revealed that WCAs’ views of these trends are greatly impacted by local conditions and levels of autonomy, as well as WCAs’ beliefs about expertise. Also, consolidation and expansion are seen by WCAs as shifting writing center identity in threatening, unpredictable, or generative ways. Differences in the ways these trends have played out in secondary versus postsecondary writing centers are also discussed. Overall, this study discusses WCAs’ experiences and “hopes and fears” regarding writing center expansion or consolidation, shares a framework of considerations for those facing potential expansion or consolidation, and identifies areas for future research.

Recommended Citation

Goransson, Jenny (2024) "“Hopes and Fears”: What Do Writing Center Administrators Think of Merging with or Converting into a Learning Center?," Writing Center Journal: Vol. 42 : Iss. 3, Article 5.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.7771/2832-9414.2030