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SWCA Webinar Series

The Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) provides synchronous, online webinars for those interested in topics related to writing center pedagogy and operations. We also invite proposals for topics that would interest a variety of our region’s audiences, including writing tutors (professional, peer, and graduate), administrators, and members.

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Leading from the Center: Crafting a Successful Proposal for the 2026 SWCA Conference "

Presented by 2026 Conference Hosts, Dr. Kathleen Richards, University of North Alabama and Dr. Kem Roper, Athens State University

Tuesday, September 23rd, at 4 PM EST / 3 PM CST

The theme for the 2026 SWCA Conference is Leading from the Center, and we look forward to seeing shining examples of leadership from writing centers everywhere! Wondering how to be selected as a presenter for SWCA 2026? Join us on Tuesday, September 23, at 4:00PM EST (3:00 CST) for an interactive workshop and Q&A. We’ll explain the options for presentation types and offer tips for making your proposal stand out. This workshop is for everyone, but will be especially helpful for first-time presenters and students.

Kathleen "Kat" Richards, PhD is the current director of the Center for Writing Excellence at the University of North Alabama (UNA). Kat has been serving as the director for eight years, and prior to that, she was the assistant director for five years. She has a master's in English and a doctorate in English composition and TESOL. She has presented at numerous conferences, including local and national TESOL Conferences, English composition conferences, and writing center conferences.

Kem Roper, PhD has over twenty years of experience in academia working as a lecturer and assistant professor of English. Her writing center work began in 200- while she was in graduate school at UA Huntsville. In 2019 she became director of the writing center at Alabama A&M and in 2022 accepted the position as writing center director at Athens State University in Athens, AL. Dr. Roper teaches various writing courses, is active in several professional organizations, contributes to her local church and community, and is proud to be co-editor of the forthcoming collection, Writing Center Administrators as Campus Leaders, along with Candis Bond, Joy Bracewell, Wonderful Faison, and Stacia Moroski-Rigney, to be published by Utah State UP in 2026. 

Download Flyer

FREE for all SWCA members and other interested parties (donations welcome)


Webinar Resources

The Southeastern Writing Center Association (SWCA) Webinar Committee was formed to offer synchronous, online webinars for those interested in topics related to writing center pedagogy and operations.  The webinar committee currently consists of the following members:

  • Deidre Garriott (Committee Chair), University of South Carolina
  • Maegan Mercer-Bourne, Wake Technical Community College
  • Billie Jo Dunaway, Daytona State College
  • Candis Bond, Augusta University
  • Joy Bracewell, Athens State University
  • Eric Mason, Nova Southeastern University

The SWCA webinar committee invites proposals for webinars on topics that would interest a variety of our organization's membership, including writing tutors (professional, peer, and graduate), administrators, and members.

You may propose a 60-minute webinar of your own design. The SWCA will provide the Zoom platform and marketing for the event. We will record all events to post for members to consult later.

Possible topics may include (but are not limited to):

  • Representing Writing Center consulting (WCC) work on CVs/resumes and university reports
  • English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL)
  • Writing in the Disciplines
  • Multimodal Project Consulting
  • Engaging Students in Tutoring Sessions
  • How to Tutor Ethics and Critical Thinking
  • How to Decolonize or create more Socially and Racially-Just Centers

Workshopping opportunities are available for applicants who may appreciate feedback before submission. Additionally, the committee also offers partnering opportunities for potential presenters who are seeking collaborators. Contact webinar committee chair Deidre Garriott for more information.

Deadlines

  • April 1 for Fall webinars
  • October 1 for Spring webinars

Please propose your webinar idea, including, if known, your preferred dates and times using the form linked below.

Propose a Webinar

Upcoming SWCA Webinars

    • 23 Sep 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    Register

    Join us for

     Leading from the Center: Crafting a Successful Proposal for the 2026 SWCA Conference 
    Date/Time/Location: Tuesday, September 23rd, at 4 PM EST / 3 PM CST via Zoom: 

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83810225220

    Presenters: 2026 Conference Co-Hosts, Dr. Kathleen Richards, University of North Alabama and Dr. Kem Roper, Athens State University.

    Abstract: The theme for the 2026 SWCA Conference is Leading from the Center, and we look forward to seeing shining examples of leadership from writing centers everywhere! Wondering how to be selected as a presenter for SWCA 2026? Join us on Tuesday, September 23, at 4:00PM EST (3:00 CST) for an interactive workshop and Q&A. We’ll explain the options for presentation types and offer tips for making your proposal stand out. This workshop is for everyone, but will be especially helpful for first-time presenters and students.

    Dr. Kathleen "Kat" Richards is the current director of the Center for Writing Excellence at the University of North Alabama (UNA). Kat has been serving as the director for eight years, and prior to that, she was the assistant director for five years. She has a master's in English and a doctorate in English composition and TESOL. She has presented at numerous conferences, including local and national TESOL Conferences, English composition conferences, and writing center conferences.

    Dr. Kem Roper has over twenty years of experience in academia working as a lecturer and assistant professor of English. Her writing center work began in 200- while she was in graduate school at UA Huntsville. In 2019 she became director of the writing center at Alabama A&M and in 2022 accepted the position as writing center director at Athens State University in Athens, AL. Dr. Roper teaches various writing courses, is active in several professional organizations, contributes to her local church and community, and is proud to be co-editor of the forthcoming collection, Writing Center Administrators as Campus Leaders, along with Candis Bond, Joy Bracewell, Wonderful Faison, and Stacia Moroski-Rigney, to be published by Utah State UP in 2026. 

    Download Flyer

    FREE for all SWCA members and other interested parties (donations welcome)

    • 01 Oct 2025
    • 4:00 PM
    • Online via Zoom
    Register

    Join us for

     Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Applying for SWCA Awards, Scholarships, and Grants
    Date/Time/Location: Wednesday, October 1st, at 4 PM EST / 3 PM CST via Zoom: 

    https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84545180709

    Presenters:Dr. Kem Roper, Athens State University & Dr. Caitlin Kelly, Georgia Institute of Technology, SWCA Awards and Scholarships Committee Co-Chair

    Abstract: During this webinar the Co-Chairs of the SWCA Awards and Scholarships Committee will provide an overview of the three types of competitive awards offered by SWCA: Tutor and Achievement Awards, Travel Scholarships, and Christine Cozzens Research Grants. In addition to providing information about the nomination/application processes for these opportunities, this webinar will provide strategies for putting your best foot forward in any award or grant application.

    FREE for all SWCA members and other interested parties (donations welcome)

Past SWCA Webinars

28 Apr 2025 SWCA Webinar - “University Partnerships: Demystifying the High School Writing Center for Teachers and Administrators"
27 Nov 2024 SWCA Webinar - “Beyond the Center: Translating Writing Consultant Skills Beyond Academia"
19 Sep 2024 SWCA Webinar - Leading from the Center: Crafting a Successful Proposal for SWCA Conference 2025
12 Sep 2024 SWCA Webinar - Putting Your Best Foot Forward: Applying for Awards, Scholarships, and Grants
28 May 2024 SWCA Webinar - Pursuing Center Certification via SWCA-CARE: A Workshop for Preparing Your Application
22 Apr 2024 SWCA Webinar - “Data Storytelling (or How to Tutor Graphs)"
16 Apr 2024 SWCA Webinar - “Promoting the Essential Skills of Writing Center Work: Helping Consultants Plan for Life after Graduation"
04 Apr 2024 SWCA Webinar - “GenAI in the Writing Center: Perils, Possibilities, and Policies"
28 Nov 2023 SWCA Webinar - Pursuing Center Certification via SWCA-CARE: A Workshop for Preparing Your Application
03 Nov 2023 SWCA Webinar - SWCA Conference Proposal Workshop
27 Sep 2023 SWCA Webinar - “Incorporating User Experience (UX) Research into Writing Centers"”
22 Sep 2023 SWCA Webinar - “Our Language, Ourselves: 10 years later”
07 Sep 2023 SWCA Webinar - “Improving inclusivity through conversation style awareness in writing center consultations”
19 Apr 2023 SWCA Webinar - Helping Consultants Plan for Life after Graduation
09 Dec 2022 SWCA Webinar - Helping Consultants Plan for Life after Graduation
26 Sep 2022 SWCA Webinar - “Developing Writing Center Support for Multimodal Work Across the Curriculum ”
06 Jun 2022 SWCA Webinar - C.A.R.E. Certification
03 May 2022 SWCA Webinar - “Engaging Students in Tutoring Sessions”

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