By Briana Williams–

The U of L Writing Center has been saving the papers, and grades, of students for years. Recently the center got an upgrade, moving to the first floor of Ekstrom Library. On March 3, the center celebrated the new center.

The celebration allowed students and faculty to walk through the renovations and learn more about what the Writing Center offers. Prominent members of campus attended, including the dean of the College of Arts and Sciences, Kimberly Kempf-Leonard.

“I hope the new, larger space will attract more students to the resource and everything it offers,” Writing Center Director Bronwyn Williams said. “It’s an easily seen room, surrounded by glass walls that have already started to do the job. We have seen more students coming here and receiving help from our dedicated staff.”

The staff includes a large number of graduate students, who are excited for the changes.

“I think the move is really great. It’s good to be somewhere so visible on the first floor. Students can look and see who we are and what we do,” said staffer Emily Blair. “It’s not as mysterious and out of the way. The facility is really dynamic and nicely renovated. We have private rooms to accommodate more students also.”

A change in floors and new furniture are not the only changes the Writing Center has undergone. “The overall feel has been really nice since we’ve moved. Student artwork is hanging on the wall and everything is really bright and positive,” Blair said .

Staff members hope the nicer, laid-back environment makes students feel comfortable to come for help. “There is a ‘notable difference’ in student attitude as the semester progresses,” said staffer Alex Wasson.

“Usually students come in around midterms or finals and are really stressed. Of course we work through the paper with them, but sometimes sitting with students and just talking relaxes them.”

When asked what it was like to work for the Writing Center, the staff agreed it is an enjoyable experience. “We work in a relaxed environment, but everyone also works really hard to help the students who come. It’s a great place to be and the students are amazing,” said Blair.

The Writing Center helps students with almost any form of writing and the staff encourage students to come in with not only class material, but also creative assignments. “I get a little more excited when students come in with their creative work,” said staffer Cheyenne Franklin.

“People come in with research papers, poems, and novels. Someone even came in needing help with their wedding vows. Everyone is welcome,” said Williams.

The changes made at the Writing Center have helped the staff achieve many of their objectives. Williams plans for the Writing Center to eventually have an even bigger impact.

“We have already started to work with other organizations on campus like The White Squirrel and the LGBTQ community. We’ll even want to expand and work with the Louisville community as a whole,” Williams said.

“It’s not asPhoto by Rachel Knue / The Louisville Cardinal