The Writing Centre has grown considerably since its beginning in 1995. Now, students book around 3000 appointments at the centre each year.
Current Programs Offered by the Writing Centre
The eXcel program is an optional non-credit course for first-year students. The purpose is to help students develop and improve their academic skills in order to succeed in university. The combination of classes and tutorials throughout the year gives these students an advantage as they pursue their university education. Follow the link for more details on the program and the fee.
The APEX program (Academic Program of Excellence at X) is a requirement for students who have been under academic penalty and have returned to StFX for a fresh start. The classes (75 minutes each week of first term) focus on critical thinking and effective writing, along with documenting and time management strategies. Students are responsible for arranging individual appointments with their instructors once a month throughout the entire academic year. Follow the link for more details on the program and fee.
The LEAP (Learning English for Academic Purposes) programs are designed to improve English proficiency and preparedness for university-level courses. LEAP complements academic courses by concentrating on critical reading, analyzing, and succinct writing in English. Follow the link to learn more about LEAP and the fees.
The History of the Writing Centre
In 1994, Anne Simpson proposed the establishment of a writing centre at St. Francis Xavier University. She felt students needed access to a place where they could take drafts of their term papers, essays and assignments and receive writing assistance on a one-to-one basis with an instructor. In 1995, the Learning Centre, as it was then known, was set up in an office in Morrison Hall. An Advisory Committee, consisting of administrators, faculty members and at least one student, helped to shape the vision of the centre. Today the Writing Centre has a staff of nine including seven instructors, a coordinator, and a secretary.
