Eastern Student Laura Perez-Handler of Willimantic Presents at Writing Center Conference

2016 May 16

Student tutors from the Writing Center at Eastern Connecticut State University presented research and received scholarships at the New England Writing Centers Association (NEWCA) conference at Keene State University this spring semester.

Laura Perez-Handler '16 of Willimantic, who majors in Sociology, presented research titled "Stepping Out: Creating a Safe Space for Minority Identities in Writing Centers," which focused on tutoring practices, relevant writing center and literary theory, and the presentation of tutoring spaces as more welcoming for all students.

Perez-Handler also received the NEWCA Scholarship Award for representing and presenting on underrepresented groups in writing center work. She also presented the same research at Eastern's CREATE conference, focusing the presentation on performative spaces on campus.

NEWCA is a regional affiliate of the International Writing Center Association. Its purpose is to foster communication among writing centers and provide a forum for concerns for faculty and peer supporters.