Writing Center justified in charging fee

Admittedly prepared to take some heat for changing their policy, the Writing Center is now charging students not enrolled in an English class for its services. While the change may be inconvenient for some students, we find the reasoning more than justified.

The Writing Center exists solely because of funds paid by students enrolled in English courses. For fairness’ sake, students not paying the $35 fee, which also allows use of the Ray B. West computer lab and 200 printouts, must now pay for their visits. The fee is small, $2 or less per visit and can be paid in the Cashier’s Office.

Students who would normally take advantage of the center should not be deterred by the fee. The new policy will also allow others previously not able to receive the one-on-one tutoring, such as faculty and graduate students, to come in for consultations.

We encourage the Writing Center to use its new revenue to continue to improve a good thing. Regardless of a student’s major, being able to write with clarity is an essential skill. Whether preparing applications for post-graduate work, or just getting a second opinion on a persuasion essay, in this information age, students need a place to improve their communication skills through the written word.