Writing help available but not taken

By Elizabeth Galang

The Writing Workshop is a place where students of all majors can go for help with their writing and paper assignments. It serves under the Manoa Writing Program at the University of Hawaii but isn’t commonly used or even known about.    

It was started in the 1970s by English professors LaRene Despair and Suzanne Jacobs.

The Writing Workshop, located at Kuykendall 415, is open to the public and not limited to just English majors and minors, even though that’s a common misconception. In fact, according to current Writing Workshop director, Daphne Desser, not many English majors and minors go to the workshop since “they already know certain things about writing papers that other majors might not.”

The workshop is staffed by 7 graduate students but also has student volunteers that tutor and help people learn to outline papers, find theses, and execute writing those papers for any class.

All you need to do to get help at the workshop is sign up for a 30 minute slot at English department office in Kuykendall room 402. You can also make an appointed with one of the Writing Workshop tutors by calling 956-7619.

Getting the Word Out

Although getting to the Writing Workshop is really simple, most students don’t even know the place exists. “That has been an issue,” Desser said. “I don’t know exactly why.”

The Manoa Writing Program offers support for the Writing Workshop since another of their programs is to offer writing intensive courses. Any writing intensive course offered includes fliers that advertise the workshop as a place to get extra writing help.

Senior Political Science major, Kaprice Rita said, “I never heard of the workshop even though many of my classes have been in the Kuykendall building. I must’ve passed it all the time.” 

Desser said, “It’s an ongoing challenge” to get the workshop’s name out. “We do provide a very extensive service for anyone; faculty, staff, and students,” but word of mouth and fliers just don’t seem to be enough to get people to come in.  

However, compared to 6 years ago when only 1 student worked in the workshop, there has been an increase in the number of people who do come in. Yet, the fact that there is an empty room on many days is a sign that more people should take advantage of the workshop's availability.

Advice to Students

When asked what message Desser had for students, she said, “We realize that it is intimidating to walk into a new space, but everyone here is really friendly.” The workers there aren’t “looking to find errors but to support students’ in their writing and to encourage them.”

Many students complain about writing intensives and the amount and/or type of papers they must do. The Writing Workshop is available to those people who struggle. “Don’t try to do it on your own if you’re struggling,” Desser said. “Come in. We can help the experience.” So no matter what type of class it is, if writing is involved then the Writing Workshop is there to help.  

Recommended Links:

Manoa Writing Program http://mwp01.mwp.hawaii.edu/

The Writing Workshop http://www.english.hawaii.edu/workshop/workshop.html