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Ready for College-Level Writing?

Fri, 07 Jun 2013 12:45:00 -0400

Today's post was contributed by Julie Moore, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Cedarville University Writing Center.

No matter the academic major, students quickly discover they have to write papers (many of them!) throughout their experience at Cedarville University. Fortunately, Cedarville's Writing Center is available to assist with all their writing needs.

The Writing Center enjoys a large and relaxing space equipped with comfortable sofas and swivel chairs as well as work tables and tutor carrels. Here is the place where students can access free tutoring on all their writing. If they are working on an outline for speech, they can come see us. If they're working on essays for scholarship or graduate school applications, they can seek our guidance. And of course, if they're working on one of the dozens of papers they'll be composing as part of their academic experience — whether two pages or 50 pages long — they can make appointments to work with writing consultants who are their peers.

The tutors are excellent writers and communicators from a wide variety of majors, including business, engineering, English, history, music, nursing, psychology, Spanish, and technical and professional communication. I train these students to become effective writing consultants in the required, 3000-level course Writing Center Theory and Training. Thus, they are knowledgeable about effective tutoring techniques and are as adept at working with freshmen in composition as with seniors in capstone courses. In fact, because they recognize the value of discourse and a fresh perspective on their work, they even tutor each other!

They also effectively assist students with special needs and writers who are English Language Learners. The writing consultants truly care about every student who meets with them, and they come alongside each writer, helping develop ideas thoroughly, clearly, and accurately. For that reason, the students who often visit the Writing Center are the same ones who improve the most over time.

We especially work closely with first-year students, many of whom struggle to adjust to university-level expectations for their writing. Both students who earned A's on essays in high school and students inexperienced with paper-writing find Cedarville's writing assignments challenging. How relieved and excited they are to discover the Writing Center! Their peers are here — the same students they sit with in chapel, eat lunch with in the dining hall, and live beside in the residence halls. So the Writing Center is a welcoming place where students can explore ideas, take risks in their writing, and learn successful strategies for composing complex and effective essays.

Students can visit us as soon as they get an assignment to start brainstorming ideas, and they can come as often as they want for help on the same paper. We start where the writers are — at the moment an assignment is given, in the midst of writing a draft, or when it is time for revisions. In addition, if students really enjoy their consultant, they can check the schedule online to see when that tutor works again and make the next appointment(s) with that same person.

During the consultation, the writing tutor will read your student's paper and help set up an agenda for the session to follow. In the next thirty minutes, the tutor will work through that agenda, offering guidance on how to build upon strengths and improve weaknesses. But even at this stage, your student will be actively involved in the conference. Students may "free write" for five or 10 minutes, do some outlining or revising, and even consult a manual.

The Writing Center's place isn't limited to the building in which it's housed, however. Its website also provides many helpful resources. For example, information about the center's mission and objectives, a description of what students can expect from our services, and even directions about how to make an appointment are all on our website.

Because the Writing Center also conducts workshops weekly, the PowerPoint presentations and, in some cases, the videos of those workshops are posted online. In addition, we house many links to discipline-specific writing guides and documentation styles as well as grammar resources and style tips. Please encourage your student to access these useful resources.

By discussing ideas and goals with a trained tutor who both enjoys writing and understands how to reach an audience, every writer, no matter the level of proficiency, discovers paths toward successful revisions and credible, persuasive writing. For that reason, even I sought the assistance of one of my tutors on this very piece! And the guidance she provided helped me reorganize this blog and polish my sentences. Your student can also greatly benefit from such valuable services and resources, and we truly hope we get the chance to work with him in the fall.

Now for some very practical advice ...

For those students who still have some time in high school, here are 10 tips for university-level writing. Begin implementing these tips into your high school writing and get a head start on college writings skills.

10. Keep your chin up. “Writing is hard work,” writing expert William Zinsser says. “A clear sentence is no accident. Very few sentences come out right the first time, or even the third time. Remember this in moments of despair. If you find that writing is hard, it’s because it is hard.”

9. Take risks. Don't play it safe with your writing. Explore new ideas. Raise the unasked questions. Go where no man, or woman, has gone before. Be original. Own what you write.

8. Abandon high school style. Learn how to vary your sentence patterns, use strong, active verbs, and develop fluency in your writing.

7. Research well. Nothing drives a professor more crazy than a student who cites from Wikipedia or Sparks Notes. Research and cite scholarly sources. Enough said.

6. Be original. Avoid clichés, trite phrases, and evangelical jargon. Sorry, but the first thing that comes to your mind usually is not brilliant. Begin again.

5. Be precise. Mark Twain once said, “The difference between the right word and the almost right word is the difference between lightning and the lightning bug.” Listen to the man.

4. Know your audience. Keep your readers’ perspectives in mind as you write. Work to establish common ground and to demonstrate an awareness of and sensitivity to opposing views.

3. Pay attention to the process. Writing a paper isn’t a one-draft deal. Brainstorm ideas. Read about your topic. Sketch outlines. Write (hear us now!) multiple rough drafts.

2. Start early. Seriously, don’t procrastinate. Certain Death=Waiting till the week of the paper’s due date to begin your paper.

1. (Drum roll, please) Seek feedback! Seek someone who can help you brainstorm and develop outlines. The Writing Center will never tire of helping your student!

This entry was posted by Julie Moore, Associate Professor of English and Director of the Cedarville University Writing Center. Julie's new book of poetry, Particular Scandals, is forthcoming from Cascade books. Her first book, Slipping Out of Bloom, may be ordered through Amazon or other retailers.

Announcing Cedarville's 10th President

Wed, 05 Jun 2013 14:26:00 -0400

With thankfulness for God’s direction and provision, the Board of Trustees introduced Dr. Thomas White as the 10th president of Cedarville University this morning during a ceremony in the Jeremiah Chapel of the Dixon Ministry Center. The event was attended by trustee members, administrators, faculty, and staff along with area students, members of the media, and other friends of the University. Dr. White will begin his presidency on July 1, 2013. Read today’s news release.

Honoring his predecessors in leadership, Dr. White voiced his excitement to join the campus community and shared his vision for Cedarville University to be marked by Scholarship on Fire. “We will continue to embody academic excellence within a framework of conservative theology set ablaze by Great Commission passion,” he shared. “Cedarville will equip students with knowledge for a brighter future, virtues for a godly life, and a desire to impact eternity.”

We invite you to get to know Dr. White, his wife Joy, and their two children by visiting the Cedarville University President’s website. We have provided a variety of resources related to Dr. White’s professional experience, education, published works, and preaching ministry. A video of today’s program will also be posted shortly.

Thank you for being a part of the Cedarville family and for praying for God’s leading and direction in this presidential search. God has answered, and we are excited for what He has in store for our future!

Advice from a Cedarville Mom

Fri, 31 May 2013 11:57:00 -0400

What advice would you give to parents who are sending a new student to Cedarville University this fall? Is there anything you wish you'd known?

Today's short post answers those questions and shares tips from a mom whose son just completed his first year as a Cedarville University student.

"I was a bit hands off with letters, packages, and calling for the first 12 weeks or so. Looking back, I don't think that was a good choice. I should have sent letters of encouragement and care packages. I was trying to be "hands off" and let him adjust, but I noticed that when I started sending prayers to him and scripture cards, he taped them up all around his dorm room.

PRAY daily for your student. I know that sounds self-explanatory, but I pray three things every day for our son and tell him that I am praying those three things everyday. It helps me to rejoice with his wins and encourage him when he is discouraged.

I always knew that the Lord would meet me when we left our son at Cedarville. I had no idea how life would look without him in our home. But, I would encourage parents that this next season isn't a loss of your young person but is really exciting and a huge gain as we get to see the Lord working directly with and on our son."

Foreign Language and Career Opportunities

Tue, 28 May 2013 09:03:00 -0400

Today's post -- provided by Dr. Annis Shaver, Associate Professor of German -- highlights the value of foreign language study.

As students begin their coursework at Cedarville University, I always encourage them to consider adding a minor in language or area studies. Cedarville University offers French, German, Spanish, Western European Studies, Asian Studies, Middle Eastern Studies, or Latin American Studies. In addition to the opportunity for personal enrichment and a broadened educational experience, there is a potential job benefit down the road! Consider this 2012 Chicago Tribune story entitled "Bilingual Jobs: Foreign-Language Careers on Rise." Employers consider favorably graduates with ability in another language!

If your son or daughter had foreign language in high school, it is possible to earn college credit for one year or even two years of the language through the Advanced Placement (AP) Program or College-Level Examination Program (CLEP). Students who have completed foreign language study through the Advanced Placement program should plan to take the AP exam at the conclusion of their last year of study. Other students may wish to pursue credit for foreign language by taking the CLEP test in the language as soon as possible after graduation. Contact the Office of the Registrar for more information about CLEP testing.

Students without AP or CLEP credit should plan to take the language placement test during Getting Started week in August.

And remember, it is possible to start language study during the first semester. If interested, encourage your student to talk to his/her advisor about adding a language course during the final registration process in August.

Dr. Shaver has been teaching at Cedarville University since 2005. In addition to German, she teaches English Composition, English for Academic Purposes, and Linguistics. As the wife of a career Army officer, she has taught German and English in locations across the United States and in Germany, in both academic and non-academic venues. Dr. Shaver has published in The Journal of Research in Science Teaching andJournal of Teaching and Teacher Education.

Growing in a Local Church

Thu, 09 May 2013 11:31:00 -0400

This blog post is provided by Robert K. Rohm, vice president for Christian ministries at Cedarville University.

There is an old Chinese proverb that says, “The best time to plant a tree is 20 years ago. The second best time is today.”

This saying is not primarily a horticultural maxim. The proverb is talking about the relationship between the present and the future. The tree will take time to grow, and what happens today affects the future of the tree.

Cedarville University is not primarily responsible for planting trees. Instead, we are privileged to care for the growth of some of the best university-aged students on our planet -- including your son or daughter. We take this charge very seriously. Your student's spiritual growth is of uppermost importance to us. It's what drives us every single day. None of us on the faculty, staff, or administration has arrived at perfection -- and never will, this side of heaven. But discipling and mentoring students who become part of the Cedarville family is an exciting priority!

One of the elements in the spiritual growth dynamic here at Cedarville is seeing to it, as best we are able, that each student connects with a local church. The years of their academic training could leave them separated from any type of effective fellowship with the body of Christ, except for what takes place within the boundaries of our campus. Chapel is exciting and distinctive to a Cedarville education, but it does not take the place of the local church.

We are blessed to have many great churches in the greater Miami Valley region. The top-10 churches (based on number of Cedarville students in attendance) are:

We are blessed with many more churches as well! We will continue to impress the importance of the local church upon our students, with the goal of seeing them grow spiritually while they attend Cedarville and then watching them naturally step right into a solid local church wherever they land in the years ahead. To God be the glory!

Graduating from Cedarville University

Tue, 07 May 2013 09:25:00 -0400

In today's blog post, graduating senior Emily Sweet reflected on her last four years at Cedarville University ...

Cedarville University has played a huge role in shaping and molding me into the woman I am today. The institution and its faculty have come alongside me to help shape me into a student who pursues excellence and thinks critically.

For some, choosing a college is very difficult, but for me the choice was clear. After looking at many other colleges in Minnesota, Illinois, Michigan, and Indiana, I visited Cedarville and loved it. Despite being 13 hours from home, I have enjoyed Cedarville more than I could have ever imagined.

One of the first aspects that attracted me to Cedarville was the fact that the University was serious about developing students with a solid faith in Jesus Christ AND an excellent academic education. Other schools we visited may have excelled academically, but were only Christian in name. Other schools were very obviously Christ-centered but suffered academically. Cedarville University had the perfect balance between the two. While students graduate attending daily chapel and obtain a Bible minor, it was very evident that they also received a top-rate education as well.

Another aspect of Cedarville that I found attractive was the effort, time, and energy that was placed on the Student Life division. Even after my short visit to Cedarville, I observed the love and dedication the staff had toward the students. The freshmen class party, the Getting Started activities, the week-long Christmas party, campus-wide outdoor movie and game nights, and everything in between – I knew this was a university where I would have a great college career.

As a freshman I had no idea the impact that Cedarville would make on my life. Now, four years later, I have grown more in love with my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, but I have also been prepared for my career through real life experiences. Because Cedarville is a liberal-arts school, students receive a well-rounded education, not only focused on their particular field of study, but also in other areas as well. Cedarville offered me countless opportunities to grow as a person and a professional.

When I think about walking across the Commencement stage, my mind is flooded with memories of these last four years. The lifelong friends I have made, the faculty I have known, and the learning experiences of both life and academia have become an essential part of my very being. It has been an honor and a privilege to attend this institution, and I am proud to say that I will soon be an alumni of Cedarville University.

Thank you, Cedarville! God has used you to change my life.

Walking across the stage on May 4, 2013, Emily is now an Organizational Communications graduate from Minneapolis, MN. She also holds a double minor in Bible and Writing for the Professions. She is the daughter of Michael and Trisha Sweet. After graduation she planned to return to Minneapolis and continue her search for jobs in the corporate business world.

Reservation Deposit Due

Tue, 30 Apr 2013 11:23:00 -0400

May 1 (Wednesday) is the reservation deposit deadline! If your student has been accepted to Cedarville but has not yet deposited, now is the time to take that next step by faith, affirm your college choice, and start what will be an amazing academic journey.

Plan to submit the $250 reservation deposit tonight or tomorrow to ensure your student's place at Cedarville in the fall. Note that deposits may be paid after May 1, but if the class is full, a place cannot be guaranteed.

We hope Cedarville University is your choice, but wherever God leads, we wish your family His very best!

Summer 2013 Academic Camps

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 11:10:00 -0400

Your student's college experience is just around the corner. It's time to explore the options and prepare for the future.

That's what Cedarville Academic Camps give students the opportunity to do! Spend a week at one of the finest Christian universities in the nation, and explore the world of art and design, criminal justice, engineering, geology, journalism, medicine, music, psychology, theatre, worship ministry or writing.

And students will accomplish much more than career exploration. Camp faculty will challenge them to make their career their calling. Students will consider how their gifts, skills, and interests can make a difference in this world for Christ.

Registration is now OPEN for all 2013 camps!

Outfitting A Dorm Room

Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:46:00 -0400

To access the best deals, start shopping now for your student's dorm room and other needs. We've posted a helpful list of "What to Bring" items on the Destination: Cedarville accepted student website.

Thinking about a cell phone or computer purchase? Be sure to check out discounts available to Cedarville students. (Having a computer is not required; we provide a desktop computer upon request.)

If your student has been accepted and plans to attend Cedarville in the fall, please take the next opportunity (no later than May 1) to secure your student's place in the fall class. Submit the $250 reservation deposit today.

Any Final Questions?

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:25:00 -0400

Along with our admissions and financial aid team, I have enjoyed communicating with our Parent Prep subscribers this year as you have considered Cedarville University.

As you finalize this decision as a family, I thought it may be helpful to share the top reasons your student's future classmates tell us they have chosen Cedarville:

Academic reputation: We have the in-demand majors students want, and our grads are excelling at places like Harvard, NASA, and Procter & Gamble (just to name a few). Cedarville doesn't just "talk" about quality. It is validated by national surveys, college rankings, job and graduate school placement data, competition results, and test scores.
Christ-centered focus: It's not just a buzz-word here; it's intentionally part of every aspect of classes, residence life, activities, and ministries.
Outstanding value: The rigorous academic experience is life-changing, costs and scholarships are competitive, and Cedarville is worth the investment.

If you have any last-minute questions or concerns that need to be addressed, we want to help. You are welcome to e-mail us, or call your student's admissions counselor at 1-800-CEDARVILLE (233-2784).

To ensure your student's place in the fall class, submit the $250 deposit this weekend! May 1 is the reservation deadline.