Welcome to the WCC!

Here you can find all of your writing and communication needs.

• Writing a paper? We’ve got you covered.
• Working on a speech? We’ll listen.
• Looking for new writing assignment ideas? Let’s talk!

To schedule a conference, just click on the button below!

Schedule a Conference

Be sure to also check out our "Visiting" link on the left to learn more about the WCC, and stay informed about events through the "Resources and "Workshops" links on the left.

For any WCC information, feel free to contact:

Don Moore, Ph.D.
WCC Coordinator
x7268
L133 Cayan Library
mooredr@sunypoly.edu

Mission Statement

SUNY Poly’s Writing and Communications Center (WCC) is dedicated to fostering academic excellence, inclusivity, and impartiality. We ensure that every member of our academic community has the support and resources needed to excel in their writing endeavors. Encouraging collaboration across campus, the WCC is an apolitical space striving to develop collaboration across disciplines. Our mission is to provide a welcoming environment where all students, faculty, and staff can develop their writing practices and achieve their academic goals.

We are committed to offering comprehensive writing support tailored to the diverse needs of our students. Understanding that writing is a fundamental skill crucial for academic success, the WCC provides individualized writing consultations, workshops, and resources for writers at all levels. By offering flexible, student-centered practices and collaborative work, the WCC emphasizes ongoing, long-term improvement. Our personalized feedback empowers students to improve their writing processes, develop critical thinking skills, and express their ideas clearly and effectively. We hold ourselves to the highest standards of transparency, integrity, and professionalism, continuously enhancing our offerings and staying abreast of the latest developments in writing center pedagogy.

Inclusivity is a cornerstone of our philosophy; we believe every voice deserves to be heard and every student deserves access to the tools necessary for success. The WCC is a safe space where all students, faculty, and staff, including those from underrepresented groups, can find support and encouragement. We strive to create an environment that respects and values diversity in all its forms, including race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, and ability. Through our programs and services, we aim to build bridges and eliminate barriers by providing unique opportunities for students, faculty, staff, and Mohawk Valley community members to see their work as a value-creating practice, ensuring everyone has an equal opportunity to thrive.

The WCC is more than just a support service; it is a vibrant community where students can connect with peers, faculty, and staff who share a passion for writing. By building a strong community of writers, we provide opportunities for skill development, confidence building, and a sense of belonging.

Through our unwavering commitment to writing support, inclusivity, academic excellence, and neutrality, we strive to empower our students to become confident, competent writers who can contribute thoughtfully and effectively to their academic and professional communities. We invite all students, faculty, and staff to join us in this mission, as we work together to create a more inclusive, equitable, and intellectually vibrant university.

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Anti-Racist, Equity, and Inclusion Position Statement for the WCC

SUNY Poly’s Writing and Communications Center (WCC) is committed to fostering positivity within our apolitical space. Our mission centers on offering flexible, student-centered practices and collaborative work, actively engaging with colleagues across campus, and building bridges to the surrounding community. At the heart of our mission is a commitment to positivity, anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.

Positivity

At the WCC, maintaining positive attitudes is essential to cultivating a supportive and inclusive ethos. A positive environment enhances the learning experience and strengthens relationships among students, consultants, and staff.

In collaborative spaces, positivity fosters open communication, mutual respect, and a willingness to learn from diverse perspectives. It encourages constructive feedback and facilitates productive dialogue, essential for growth in writing and communication skills. By promoting positivity, we create a welcoming atmosphere where individuals feel valued, supported, and motivated to engage actively in their academic journey.

Positivity is integral to our commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion. It reinforces our efforts to celebrate diversity and honor the unique contributions of every student. Positive attitudes among our staff contribute to a culture of empathy and understanding, crucial for addressing challenges and promoting academic success. 

By nurturing a positive ethos, we ensure that the WCC remains a supportive hub where students feel empowered to explore their potential and succeed in their academic endeavors.

Anti-Racism, Equity, and Inclusion

The WCC strives to ensure that all members of our university community, regardless of background or identity, have equal access to our services and resources. Equity goes beyond equal access; it requires actively identifying and dismantling barriers that prevent individuals from fully participating in academic and professional discourse. Our policies and practices are designed to create a welcoming and supportive environment where everyone feels valued and respected, accommodating diverse abilities and learning styles.

The WCC is dedicated to actively challenging and eradicating racism in all its forms. This commitment requires ongoing self-reflection, education, and dialogue to understand and address systemic racism within academia and society. We believe in amplifying marginalized voices and perspectives and are committed to integrating anti-racist principles, grounded in Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP), into our everyday practices. Through our work, we aim to contribute to a more just and equitable university community.

Our approach is rooted in student-centered pedagogy, where the needs and goals of each student guide our interactions and support strategies. We recognize the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our student population and tailor our services to meet individual learning styles and preferences. By empowering students to develop their writing and communication skills, we promote academic success and lifelong learning.

Recruitment and Hiring

We recognize the importance of diversity among our staff to best serve the SUNY Poly community. Therefore, we actively invite leaders and members from multicultural student organizations to apply for consulting positions, resulting in increased applications and hires from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, we encourage students who have utilized our services to apply, particularly welcoming applications from international students and students of color. Our hiring practices emphasize multilingualism and experience supporting language learners, integrating commitments to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion as essential qualifications.

Professional Development and Consulting Practice

Our consultants undergo continuous professional development focused on advancing anti-racism, equity, and inclusion within consulting sessions. This includes respecting diverse identities, supporting writers in various languages and English varieties, and addressing oppressive language. We engage with scholars from marginalized populations to enrich our consulting practices and promote student expression in multiple languages, facilitating Safe Spaces to foster a supportive environment.

Collaboration Across Campus and Community Engagement

We actively collaborate with faculty, staff, and administrators across disciplines to enhance the integration of writing and communication skills into the broader curriculum. Our outreach efforts extend across campus, supporting interdisciplinary learning and contributing to the development of well-rounded graduates prepared for the challenges of a global society. We also promote the WCC through various channels and collaborate with student organizations to highlight multilingual writing and celebrate diverse voices. We continue to expand partnerships with offices and programs dedicated to diversity, equity, and inclusion, aiming for meaningful engagement and mutual learning.

Beyond campus borders, we seek to build bridges with the surrounding community, including local schools, organizations, and businesses, supporting initiatives that prioritize inclusivity and access to resources. By forging these connections, we create opportunities for students to apply their writing and communication skills in real-world contexts and contribute to the intellectual and cultural vitality of the community.

Assessment and Accountability

To ensure accountability, we collect demographic data and actively seek input from underrepresented student populations. We regularly assess our initiatives through student feedback and formal research, adjusting our practices to better meet the needs of our diverse community. Transparency is key, and the WCC is committed to sharing our progress annually to solicit constructive feedback and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to anti-racism, equity, and inclusion.

SUNY Poly’s WCC is steadfast in its dedication to fostering a positive environment where all voices are valued and supported. We strive to be a catalyst for positive change and a supportive resource for all members of our university community and beyond, as they develop their writing and communication abilities in pursuit of academic and professional success.

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