Mounger Writing Center Special Support for SOSH Paper

Under the leadership of CDT Cameron Voigt ’17, who was inspired by his attendance of the annual conference of the International Writing Centers Association in October 2015, the Writing Center conducted its first large-scale event in direct support of a specific writing assignment: the SOSH Paper. Held 3-4 April, 1930-2230, the Writing Center’s “SOSHIAL” facilitated expanded numbers of individual appointments for Cadets who worked with Writing Fellows specifically trained to assist them. In all, the Center conducted nineteen forty-five minute one-on-one consultations, in addition to serving several other Cadets who dropped in with briefer questions. Meanwhile, CDTs Nathan Hernandez and Erin Savage conducted special workshops on “Evidence: Research & Integration” and “Chicago Citation Style,” respectively. Finally, the Yoga Club helped out by conducting ‘relaxation sessions’ to support Cadets through the long writing process. The event received significant support from MAJ Renee Ramsey (SOSH), Course Director of SS307, and Ms. Laura Mosher (Library), in addition to the West Point Parents Club, which provided plentiful snacks to sustain CDTs as they worked. Overall, feedback from all Cadets who participated was extremely positive, despite the limited number of appointments the Center was able to offer, and through CDT Voigt’s leadership and the dedicated efforts of nearly two dozen Cadet Writing Fellows, the event set an important precedent and standard for the future.