FINAL_Stone Writing Center 50th
Chronological Stone Writing Center History (provided by SEC staff as factsheet):
The 70s
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. For the remainder of the 1970s, development of self-paced, diagnostic, and tutorial instruction was initiated in the ELC.
The 80s
Throughout the 1980s, the ELC’s reputation as an innovative educational facility continued. Because of increased demand for services, the ELC moved into the English Annex building, which was renamed the English Learning Center. It then housed the Stone English Learning Lab. Emphasis was on hiring professional tutors, purchasing computers—TRS80s—for computer-assisted instruction, and expanding the focus to include all aspects of the writing process.
The 90s
The 1990s were characterized by a focus on technology and diversification of services. The ELC began teaching newly-required One-Hour Labs for English courses. This resulted in upgrading of computers and infusion of internet technology in the lab curriculum. Alternative delivery methods, such as virtual labs and a comprehensive website, were also created. The ELC also began serving as a distance learning testing center for the College and offering tutoring services to all academic disciplines, not just English. These changes ultimately instigated a shift in name from the ELC to the Stone Writing Center (SWC) to better reflect its broader services.
The 00s
In the 2000s, SWC continued to build upon the milestones from its past, while paving the way for future innovations. What began primarily as a pencil-and-paper, grammar-based, drill-and-practice, self-paced resource has evolved over a quarter of a century into a more technological, professional, and instructional center.
The 10s
The 2010s ushered in a period of exciting changes. In 2012, the SWC moved to the 4th floor of the White Library due to the expansion of the Music building. The One-Hour English Labs were discontinued in 2014, and the SWC became a stand-alone area. The online writing tutoring program was expanded and housed in Canvas.
The 20s
In 2020, the SWC easily pivoted to operating completely online due to the pandemic. Tutoring was available 24/7 via Canvas in SWC Online. Workshops were conducted via Teams, and online resources were shared with students and faculty via email. Student questions were answered via a new service called Ask a Writing Tutor, which allowed students to call and speak with a SWC writing tutor during posted hours. Once the College reopened the campuses, the SWC offered on-campus tutoring on all three campuses (Heritage, Oso Creek, and Windward) in addition to its online tutoring program.
In 2025, the SWC moved to the 2nd floor of the newly-renovated White Library on the Heritage Campus. SWC’s redesigned website, with expanded research and writing resources, was also launched in 2025.
Currently, the SWC provides 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. SWC offers spaces, devices, and other study areas for students to use individually or in groups. Much has changed in the 50 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.
###
‘;