THE UNIVERSITY OF NIZWA WRITING CENTER EXPANSION

Presented to the U.A.C.: February 28th 2012 By: Derek M.N. O’ConnellDirector of TWC

TWC EXPANSION 2012

VISION

The Writing Center will be recognized as an educational facility that provides quality instruction and academic support across all disciplines to further develop student’s diverse writing abilities.

MISSIONThe Writing Center will cater primarily to academic students currently enrolled in their degree programs that need to improve their English, Arabic, and other essential languages proficiency in writing. The Writing Center is a learning support service designed to promote a dynamic writing culture for students. The center will aim to improve student writing composition skills, reinforce quality study habits, support critical thinking, and encourage creativity and innovation. The Writing Center’s programs, services, and extracurricular activities will reflect the Islamic and cultural values embraced by the Sultanate of Oman in order to assist in the development of quality graduates.

OBJECTIVES1.Promote quality academic writing skills and habits

2.Design innovative programs and services conducive to writing

3.Promote academic excellence and integrity

4.Enhance the development of peer tutorial mentoring

5.Build professional affiliations with international and regional writing centers

“On the other hand, a positive aspect of the University’s academic support for students is its dedicated and heavily utilized Writing Centre”. -OAAA, 2011

Academic Excellence

The Promotion of

Writing

Respect and Understanding

Teamwork and

Collaboration

Learning and

Innovation

CORE VALUES OF TWC

TWC EMPHASIZES ACADEMIC SUPPORT GEARED TOWARDS:

1. Writing2. Reading Comprehension3. Vocabulary Acquisition

COMPOSITION OF TWC STEERING BOARD

Vice Chancellor

for Academic Affairs(Chair)

Academic Advisor to the

Chancellor(Vice Chair)

Assistant Dean for

Undergraduate Studies CAS

Assistant Dean for

Undergraduate Studies CEA

Assistant Dean for

Undergraduate Studies CPN

Assistant Dean for Academic Affairs CEMIS

Director of the UoN Library

Director of Student Support

Fund

TWC Supervisor (Provisional

Appt.)

Director of TWC(Convener)

TWC MANAGEMENT STRUCTURE

TRANSFERABLE FRAMEWORK AND CURRICULUM

Workshops

Academic Consultations

Peer Tutorials

Conversation Sessions

OMAN ACADEMIC ACCREDITATION AUTHORITY (O.A.A.A.)

“The Oman Academic Accreditation Authority commends

the University of Nizwa for the establishment of its Writing

Centre as a well-planned, dedicated facility to support

student learning and promote academic excellence”. - Page 9 of UoN Report of Audit by OAAA, 2011

CORE TWC PROGRAMS AND SERVICES

TWC HAS PRODUCED EXCEPTIONAL RESULTS

1. As of October 2011 TWC has received a distinctive commendation from the Oman Academic Accreditation Authority (OAAA)

2. As of February 26th 2012 TWC has surpassed 40,000 appointments in less than 3 ½ years

3. As of February 23rd 2012, the UoN Director of TWC has been appointed as Vice President of MENAWCA for a two year term.

4. Served as consultants for other academic institutions to model in the Sultanate of Oman and within the G.C.C.

WE ARE DEDICATED SERVICING THE WRITING NEEDS OF STUDENTS AND BECOMING A MINARET FOR OTHER WRITING CENTERS IN THE REGION TO FOLLOW AND EMULATE AS THE UNIVERSITY OF NIZWA TWC CONTINUES TO GROW AND PROVIDE FURTHER ASSISTANCE TO STUDENTS THROUGH VARIOUS LANGUAGES.Thank you for your time and consideration…