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! 

New Favorite Places

Hello Roxy Readers! I’m still oohing and ahhing over The Fourth! It’s such an incredible space, and today I’d like to spotlight one of my new favorite areas, the Student Complex.

Here’s what you’ll find at the Student Complex:

Re-Charge Zone

Probably (arguably?) the most popular place in the Student Complex, the Re-Charge Zone is located between the entrances to The Hub and the Stone Writing Center and serves multiple purposes. Students can collaborate on group projects or work on individual assignments at the tables provided in this area. Students can also just take a quick break and hang out between tutorials and classes while recharging their devices and enjoying a free cup of coffee.

The Hub

The Hub, a space characterized by movement, activity, and discourse, located in L433, features

• designated zones for specific types of activities.
• non-traditional learning space with adaptable workstations and numerous technologies that enable and encourage students to participate actively and collaboratively.
• workstations which are easily reconfigured to the needs of students working individually as well as in groups. 
• cutting-edge technologies to facilitate learning and to move the learning environment from ordinary to innovative.

Interview Resource Center

The Interview Resource Center (IRC) provides students a place to practice, develop, and implement effective interview skills. The room is spacious enough to allow for individuals or small groups to collaborate on interview techniques. Providing mobile workstations allows students to create a configuration to best suit their needs.

Career Readiness Institute

Ready to transition from student to career? The Career Readiness Institute (CRI), the final component of the Student Complex, just opened this Fall 2016 semester. Students receive help with Career Readiness, planning, development, internships, résumés, cover letters, presentation practice skills, and effective interview skills.

Students will have the ability to use web-based career planning and mapping software such as Focus 2 and Purple Briefcase on the Fourth with the assistance of Career Mentors assigned to these rooms. The rooms will also provide a well-equipped area for students to practice interview and presentation skills and create PowerPoints, Prezis or other presentation programs.

So, what are you waiting for? Come check it out!

See you next time the breeze is cool, the sun is up, and the waves roll into view! ‘Til then, hang ten!