US Embassy RELO, Pres. Abella unveil CLSU’s ‘academic writing center’, int’l students lounge
April 19, 2024
Dr. Carleen C. Velez, the Regional English Language Officer at the US Embassy Manila, and CLSU President Dr. Evaristo A. Abella spearheaded the unveiling ceremony of CLSU's academic writing center dubbed as the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio at the International Affairs Office complex last April 18, 2024.
The Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio is named after Hannah W. Tibbs, the first English teacher (1913-1917) who served at the then Central Luzon Agricultural School. This facility mirrors the support services offered in US universities, providing a space for writing conversation and collaboration.
Co-funded by the Regional English Language Office – Manila under its 2023 Academic Writing Center Support Funds Program, the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio marks the RELO’s inaugural project of its kind in the Philippines with a grant amount of USD 25,000.
In her inspirational message, Dr. Velez underscored the role of a writing support service to develop better student writers in universities being an academic writing expert herself at the University of California Los Angeles prior to her RELO post.
“Writing is really hard. However, by finding a way to support the students to the process, all these resources that we have available, including the writing center…we can help our students from being hesitant writers to confident writers,” she emphasized.
As an academic writing center, the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio offers a dedicated writing space for students working on their theses, individual/small group writing consultations for undergraduate STEM students, assistance for those applying for international scholarships, and tailored workshops. The space is furnished with reconfigurable trapezoidal activity tables, adjustable chairs, a smart board, and WiFi connectivity.
President Abella reiterated his commitment to supporting the project’s initiative by providing a writing space and support for students. He also announced plans to furnish additional student lounges on campus.
Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, the chief of the International Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Unit at the IAO and project leader of the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio, shared that the project was inspired during his time as a Fulbright-CHED scholar at the University of Memphis from 2017-2020, where he gained firsthand experience of the US concept of an academic writing center, ultimately publishing a paper in this field.
Before being qualified to apply for this project grant, Dr. Ubaldo completed a five-week MOOC camp on Establishing Academic Writing Centers at International Higher Education Institutions.
Moreover, the Writers’ Studio also functions as the international students lounge at the IAO complex, fostering a welcoming environment for visiting exchange students and full-time international students.
Emmily Assasira, a Ugandan national and a graduate student in the Biology program, highlighted during the launch how the new space could assist her fellow international students residing in campus dormitories in crafting their graduate papers.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, the acting Vice President for Business Affairs; Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office; Mr. Darcel Parungao, Vice Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council; Mr. Winchester Santos, the Editor-in-Chief of the CLSU Collegian, project staff, and other faculty members.
For inquiries regarding the services of the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio, please contact the project via email at writingsupport@clsu.edu.ph.
The Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio is named after Hannah W. Tibbs, the first English teacher (1913-1917) who served at the then Central Luzon Agricultural School. This facility mirrors the support services offered in US universities, providing a space for writing conversation and collaboration.
Co-funded by the Regional English Language Office – Manila under its 2023 Academic Writing Center Support Funds Program, the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio marks the RELO’s inaugural project of its kind in the Philippines with a grant amount of USD 25,000.
In her inspirational message, Dr. Velez underscored the role of a writing support service to develop better student writers in universities being an academic writing expert herself at the University of California Los Angeles prior to her RELO post.
“Writing is really hard. However, by finding a way to support the students to the process, all these resources that we have available, including the writing center…we can help our students from being hesitant writers to confident writers,” she emphasized.
As an academic writing center, the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio offers a dedicated writing space for students working on their theses, individual/small group writing consultations for undergraduate STEM students, assistance for those applying for international scholarships, and tailored workshops. The space is furnished with reconfigurable trapezoidal activity tables, adjustable chairs, a smart board, and WiFi connectivity.
President Abella reiterated his commitment to supporting the project’s initiative by providing a writing space and support for students. He also announced plans to furnish additional student lounges on campus.
Dr. Emil F. Ubaldo, the chief of the International Mobility and Intercultural Exchange Unit at the IAO and project leader of the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio, shared that the project was inspired during his time as a Fulbright-CHED scholar at the University of Memphis from 2017-2020, where he gained firsthand experience of the US concept of an academic writing center, ultimately publishing a paper in this field.
Before being qualified to apply for this project grant, Dr. Ubaldo completed a five-week MOOC camp on Establishing Academic Writing Centers at International Higher Education Institutions.
Moreover, the Writers’ Studio also functions as the international students lounge at the IAO complex, fostering a welcoming environment for visiting exchange students and full-time international students.
Emmily Assasira, a Ugandan national and a graduate student in the Biology program, highlighted during the launch how the new space could assist her fellow international students residing in campus dormitories in crafting their graduate papers.
Also present during the ceremony were Dr. Ravelina R. Velasco, Vice President for Academic Affairs; Dr. Karenina B. Romualdo, the acting Vice President for Business Affairs; Dr. Parsons N. Hail, Director of the International Affairs Office; Mr. Darcel Parungao, Vice Chairperson of the University Supreme Student Council; Mr. Winchester Santos, the Editor-in-Chief of the CLSU Collegian, project staff, and other faculty members.
For inquiries regarding the services of the Hannah W. Tibbs Writers’ Studio, please contact the project via email at writingsupport@clsu.edu.ph.
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