BSU’s Writing Studio Is More Engaging than Ever
As the 2025–2026 school year began, Bridgewater State University’s Writing Studio was hit with a major setback. Not only was the Writing Studio Director announcing that she was going on sabbatical and stepping back for at least the year, but the Academic Achievement Center was facing some unexpected problems that hindered consultant production and funding.
As a result, the Writing Studio was in need of new leadership and a completely new consultant schedule.
Despite the unexpected reality the studio was facing, Wendy Rockne (the new Writing Studio Director) and Alex Vera ( the graduate assistant for the Writing Studio) took the challenge in stride and got right to work.
Throughout this year, both Rockne and Vera have worked tirelessly to build a culture within the studio that not only feels welcoming for students in need of assistance but also for the consultants, or tutors, who work there.
“I have taken a very hands-on role in the daily operations of the Writing Studio,” Rockne explained. “In conjunction with Alex, we make sure there is almost always someone available on the floor to answer questions and handle concerns as they arise.”
Promotion of the department has also been an extreme point of emphasis throughout the year, with Rockne and Vera finding different ways to bring visibility to the Writing Studio.
Vera described, “Wendy and I have resolved to make in-class presentations and faculty involvement a large part of our role on campus. By interacting with students in class, we have been able to reach them where they most often are. I like to think that many of our appointments are made due to our glowing endorsements in class presentations.”
Looking at the data, the two’s efforts have been working. “In the early months of the fall semester,” Vera stated, “we looked into the data of Learning Assistance at the Academic Achievement Center, and resolved to try to increase the number of appointments relative to last year. Up to this point, we have been able to achieve this goal.”
“Everyone should have a second set of eyes on any written assignments,” Rockne suggests. “Those students who feel as though they are not ‘good writers’ should come see us so we can help coach them in their writing and build their confidence in their writing skills.”
Vera also added, “We [at the writing studio] can offer personalized assistance for any of the writing assignments on campus. We make sure to work on the traits and skills that make writing easier and more effective, rather than just helping students get to the ‘right answers.’ Because of our structure, we can focus on skill development instead of test preparation.”
