By Elizabeth Reichert
University Relations student writer

Jumping across Catlin Avenue did more than just give the Writing Center staff a work-out. The recent move from now-closed Sundquist Hall to the new Swenson Hall has brought increased user traffic - more than the center has ever seen for this time of year.

"We can tell it definitely makes a difference," said Dr. Deborah Schlacks, professor of Writing and Writing Center director. "The best promotion is location."

In addition to the new location, eight new faces joined the Writing Center student staff this semester - six consultants and two office assistants. The Writing Center also is considering offering branded shirts, pens, and pencils.           

The Writing Center is sponsoring a campus event for the National Day on Writing on Oct. 19. To celebrate, an open mic session will be held at noon in the Erlenbach Gathering Area on the first floor of Swenson Hall. Students, faculty, staff, and the community are encouraged to read their works, whether they be poems, research papers, stories, or even grocery lists.

"We want to encourage (the idea) that all kinds of writing are significant," said Schlacks.

As part of the event's beatnik theme, participants are encouraged to wear black clothing and a beret. Readers will be provided with dark sunglasses and backed by a bongo beat.

Following the National Day on Writing, four student writing consultants along with Schlacks and Yvonne Rutford, assistant professor and assistant to the Writing Center director, will travel to Madison on Oct. 20 for the Midwest Writing Center Conference. This is the first year participants from UW-Superior have attended.

Schlacks is especially excited about a workshop focused on working with multi-lingual writers for the student consultants.

"We're very pleased that some of the student consultants will be going," Schlacks said. "We'll hear a lot of speakers from all over the region."