This is 40!

Undeniably, the most well-known component of The Fourth is the Stone Writing Center. SWC is my retreat - my place to be when I’m not riding the waves. It’s my home away from home.

So, here’s the story of how it all started. In 1976, the concept of a writing center began in one room of the English Building. This resource soon expanded to include a second room, more staff, and text and audio-visual materials, formally becoming The English Learning Center (ELC). This center fulfilled the late Dr. Virginia Stone’s dream that Del Mar College provide a place and the staff for students to get one-on-one instruction, supplemental to the classroom, in English skills. We became the Writing Center in the 90s. In 2006, we officially changed our name to Stone Writing Center.

What happens at the SWC? We provide one-on-one and small group writing instruction to help students from all disciplines develop and strengthen their writing skills. Students can meet with a tutor on campus or they can submit their work to the Stone Writing Center Online in Canvas. The SWC offers spaces, devices, and other technology for students to use individually or in groups; students are also encouraged to bring and use their own devices. The SWC and its services are also available to the community.

Much has changed in the 40 years the Stone Writing Center has been open. Yet, it has never lost sight of its original mission...to help students become better writers and lifelong learners.

Happy Birthday, Stone Writing Center!