Tag Archives: Writing Center

UCU Writing Center students share experiences

August 7, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Social Sciences#News, #students, #technology, business, Social Sciences, Writing CenterPatty Huston-Holm

(On October 20, 2022, the main campus of Uganda Christian University (UCU) officially opened a writing center located at Hamu Mukasa Library. Guided by Prof. Tom Deans, director of a writing center at the University of Connecticut, USA, the purpose was to help students improve their writing skills in all disciplines. The model is one of personalised support to students through one-on-one coaching, workshops, and other resources. According to Kajubi Martin, the center’s acting manager, over 200 students have been served. Michael Ainomugisha, a student in the UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication, interviewed a few of these students.)

Said Muhamod – School of Social Sciences
“As an international student from Somalia, I used to struggle to write essays and tasks. The Writing Center has helped me develop my skills in essay writing, research methodologies, and dissertations. They offered individual feedback on my work, including advice on proper formatting and directions. Weekly lessons aimed to improve my grammar and fluency, which greatly improved my abilities to write and speak English. Furthermore, the Center taught me how to write resumes and application letters. The Writing Center has been excellent in assisting me in adapting to my assignments and overcoming language barriers, considerably improving my academic achievement and communication skills.”

Agenorwot Daphine Amone – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
“One of the reasons I went to the Writing Centre was because I needed help to improve my writing skills in terms of essays and answering assignments. I was connected to a coach in a course unit, and I have learned a lot and improved my writing. I believe that learning is an ongoing process, so I will continue to attend the sessions at the Writing Center. Also. I have learned communication skills, particularly in public speaking. Mr. Kajubi helped us with presentations in class, and we practised talking about ourselves, which helped me gain confidence and be the best version of ourselves when speaking to a large audience. I believe that I will continue to learn from the Writing Center and continue to improve my writing skills.”

Nambuya Whitney Gladys – School of Business
“I got to know about the Writing Center after visiting the library regularly, and I saw the poster outside. I also had two of my classmates who are members of the Writing Center so I got to know more about it from them. The coaches have guided us on how to write our dissertations, which is one of the requirements as you are graduating in our final year of the course. It’s interesting, we learn more and this is a point in time where I was supposed to write something like a review which was one of the questions that we were doing in game Writing and Study skills two, so it kind of challenged me. I would rate my writing to 8.5 (out of 10) before seeking help. I would really struggle with how to write particular things like limits of the CV, the letters. I was narrowed down to some basic things but after interacting more with them, I got guidance and more things that would be beneficial for me when I move out of the university.”

Kukundakwe Hope – School of Business
“The UCU Writing Center has been a transformative resource for me. I’ve learned how to make proper references and citations, write essays and approach my coursework with greater confidence. The guidance I’ve received on how to write my course units has been invaluable. This support has significantly elevated my coursework marks and improved my CGPA. The coaches at the Writing Centre have been helpful, providing assistance and ensuring I understand the best approaches to my coursework. They go above and beyond to help us excel in our dissertations and research work, which has greatly enhanced my overall academic performance. My experience at the Writing Centre has been exceptional, and I am grateful for the skills and knowledge gained. Their commitment to student success is evident, and I highly recommend their services to any student looking to improve their academic writing and performance.”

++++

To support Uganda Christian University programs, students, activities and services, go to www.ugandapartners.org and click on the “donate” button, or contact UCU Partners Executive Director, Mark Bartels, at m.t.bartels@ugandapartners.org.

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

UCU Writing Center coaches share how they help others

August 6, 2024Faculty of Engineering, Design & Technology, News, Students, UCU School of Business, UCU School of Education#News, #students, #technology, business, Education, Writing CenterPatty Huston-Holm

Busobozi Ian John Baptist, right, coaches a group of students in the UCU Writing Center.

(With a team of 29 dedicated student coaches from various schools and faculties, Uganda Christian University’s writing center, located within the Mukono campus’ Hamu Mukasa Library, plays a key role in academic enrichment. Officially opened in October 2022 and currently under the leadership of Kajubi Martin, the acting manager, the center strives to help students amplify their writing skills, scholarly voice and academic success. Christine Mirembe, a student in the School of Journalism, Media and Communication, got some insights into the center through interviews with four coaches.)

Christy Asiimwe – School of Education
Christy Asiimwe, alongside Joshua Gira, is working to develop an English language program tailored specifically for international students.

“I am excited about the curriculum,” Christy, an English major in the UCU School of Education, said. “I would love to do a masters in Education, Management and Curriculum Development using experience from the writing center as a base. I wish to have an online presence where I teach English.”

Having a background in the French language as part of her high school curriculum has accorded Christy an advantage when tutoring students from Francophone countries. While she encourages them to speak and write English, she greets them in French.

“I am assigned students based on their needs and my competencies,” said Christy, who has been a tutor, working twice a week for 90 minutes each, since 2023. “As much as I would have loved to engage more with my students, my busy schedule does not allow more.”

She credits supportive colleagues, particularly Joshua, also an English major, for any success she has.

“Working at the writing center has been very fruitful,” Christy said. “I cherish the bonds I’ve built with students. Watching them grow and being part of their journey brings me immense joy and fulfillment as a teacher. Helping them fit into the society by engaging them with the English language is an opportunity the writing center has availed.”

Two improvements she suggested are more tutor trainings and stronger collaboration with the International Students Association.

+++

Milton Abel Opio – School of Business
“Writing should be a compulsory skill for every student; its power speaks a lot more if we go into details. Effective communication is crucial in all fields, business inclusive.”

These are the words of Milton Abel Opio, a writing center coach and student in the School of Business. He has a passion for writing and helping others share his passion. He is grateful that Martin Kajubi recruited him as a tutor in February 2023.

“I tutor accounting in business administration because that is where my strength is channeled,” Milton said. “I find it more transparent; it is way more than just numbers, something that most people do not know. My sessions are usually two to four hours, depending on my students’ workload and their ability to grasp concepts.”

Helping others is a win-win as he has discovered improvements in his own work as he does more reading and research to have a better grasp of concepts and to share with those who he tutors. His own writing about finance has multiplied.

“Tutoring at the writing center has been amazing; you get to meet and interact with people from all walks of life,” Milton said. “I have hence used this space to learn, unlearn and re-learn from various people, making me better.”

He cited an example – “one of my most rewarding moments” – of working with a student who had difficulties structuring essays and how together, they organized ideas, developed thesis statements and incorporated evidence.

He acknowledged that time management has been difficult as he juggles his own work with time to help others with theirs.

“I try to maintain a schedule that allocates time for my personal assignments and office duties,” Milton said. “Multitasking has become the standard practice. I would love to continue tutoring. The past year has been amazing and with unwavering support, I know there is still room for me to learn and create impact where passion lies. Learning never stops.”

++++

Busobozi Ian John Baptist – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Before coming to the writing center in September 2023, Busobozi Ian John Baptist had a reputation for sharing knowledge with colleagues. He believes that teaching has rewards for both teacher and student.

“You can teach someone; they get 90% and you get 80%,” he said.

With average sessions running for two-to-three hours each, he guides groups of five to six students.

“Engineering requires a lot of time and dedication,” Baptist said. “I recall conducting a study session that lasted from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. during which we thoroughly reviewed all the work from across all the course units in preparation for exams.”

Prior to all sessions, he gives students a heads-up on what will be discussed and when. This allows prior preparation, hence making the work more effective. Meeting and interacting with a diverse audience is an opportunity tutoring has provided.

Baptist has been impacted by the “learning by teaching” principle, where teaching others has helped him solidify his own understanding of concepts and retention of knowledge. He grasps concepts much better and attributes his good grade-point average to this.

+++

Isooba Mbeiza Rachel – Faculty of Engineering, Design and Technology
Since childhood, Isooba Mbeiza Rachel has enjoyed passing on what she knows to others.

“Helping someone understand concepts brings me joy,” she said.

Since assuming her writing center coach role in September 2023, she has met with one-to-two students for two hours each week. While helpful, she feels sessions could be more beneficial if they were longer and more frequent.

“Mr. Martin Kajubi, our director, is amazing, helpful and very understanding,” Rachel said. “It is such a blessing to be part of the writing center. People are very kind, friendly and embrace teamwork. Generally, the atmosphere is very conducive for all.”

She also lauded the 2024 writing week that exposed students to different types of literature.

As with other tutors, balancing their own academics with tutor duties can be challenging, according to Rachel who added that the benefits outweigh obstacles.

“Witnessing the great academic impact the writing center has had on the student body and my passion for teaching others, I would love to continue working with the writing center,” she said.

++++

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook

UCU Writing Center: Enhancing students’ academic journey

August 5, 2024Journalism, News, Students, UCU School of Education, UCU School of Journalism, Media and Communication#News, #students, JMC, School of Education, Writing CenterPatty Huston-Holm

Some coaches wear writing center shirts outside the library. Pictured left to right are: Bidali Bosco (Economics and Statistics); Mulondo Shamiru (Accounting and Finance); Acio Rebecca (Business Administration); Opio Milton (Business Administration); Christy Assimwe (Education); Rugambwa Isaac (LLB); Kiggudde Emmanuel (Social Work and Social Administration); and Esther Nashuha (Social work and Social Administration).

By Yasiri J. Kasango
Uganda Christian University (UCU) has a longstanding commitment to improving student writing skills, a crucial part of the university’s academic fabric. This commitment is embodied in the UCU Writing Center, which, since its inception in 2022, has played a pivotal role in this pledge across various genres and disciplines.

Martin Kajubi, acting manager of the Writing Center, plays a fundamental role in the pledge, overseeing coaches who help students refine their ideas and perfect their drafts.

A 2016 UCU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in languages and literature and a student pursuing his master’s degree in strategic communications, Kajubi is a passionate advocate for writing. Prof. Tom Deans of the University of Connecticut has served as Kajubi’s mentor, helping him publish several articles with the International Writing Center Journal. Deans, director of a writing center at his American university, has spent time on the ground and virtually to help develop a UCU model that Kajubi wished he had as an undergraduate student.

Kajubi Martin, left, in session with some students at the writing center

“When I was studying, I used to struggle on how to approach writing and other assignments on my own and with friends, since we didn’t have a support system like this,” he said.

Kajubi, who hails from Masaka, says his experience while studying for his bachelor’s degree is part of his inspiration to help students develop their ideas and put them into writing. Kajubi says he has zeal for academic writing.

The UCU center, housed within the Mukono campus library, is extremely important for international students, many of whom struggle with English ability.

“I’ve had challenging moments with international students, particularly those who are not fluent in English,” Kajubi noted. “However, the training we received from Professor Deans has equipped us to help these students improve their English writing skills.”

The center, which has 29 coaches, attempts to pair students with similar ethnicity to guide them in their writing.

Prof. Deans conducted workshops on nurturing young writers and enhancing writing skills of prospective writing center staff, especially writing and study skills for lecturers in March 2022, in preparation for the launch of the center in October 2022. The trained team led by Martin Kajubi has been instrumental in the success of the Writing Center. The center’s creation was supported by the UCU Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Aaron Mushengyezi, and Bukenya David, the librarian, who designated a tutoring space within the Hamu Mukasa Library.

As of the summer of 2024, over 200 students from different UCU schools/faculties had been assisted by the Writing Center.

Despite its successes, the Writing Center faces significant challenges, primarily related to staffing and funding. Currently, the center relies heavily on student coaches who volunteer an average of three hours a week, limiting the number of students who can be helped. The Center is designed to allocate each student 30 minutes per coaching session with the reality that most sessions go longer.

“Ideally, each coach can only assist about nine students per week in one-on-one sessions,” Kajubi said. “With the high demand, it’s challenging to meet all the students’ needs.”

Additionally, the Writing Center operates largely on donations, such as those from Uganda Partners.

“We are working towards having the university formally integrate the Writing Center into its budget to ensure sustainable support,” Kajubi stated.

Looking ahead, Martin envisions a Writing Center where all students who seek help can be attended to sufficiently and promptly.

“I hope to recruit more coaches and ensure they are compensated for their time,” he said. “This will allow us to accommodate more students and provide consistent support.”

The Writing Center’s impact on students is profound, transforming their approach to writing from a mere academic requirement to an opportunity for personal and intellectual growth.

“I want students to view writing as a chance to express their ideas, not just an obligation to fulfill coursework requirements,” said Martin, who also lectures about writing in various courses at UCU. “Good writing skills enable students to communicate their ideas effectively, which can take them far in their academic and professional journeys.”

Martin’s passion for writing and dedication to the Writing Center is evident in his ability to balance his roles as a lecturer, manager, and writer. He attributes his success to meticulous planning and a strong support system.

“Proper planning and dedication are crucial,” he said. “I also rely on a team of student coaches who play administrative roles in my absence, ensuring the center operates smoothly.”

++++

Also, follow us on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Facebook