Florida A&M University’s School of Journalism & Graphic Communication’s new writing lab provides students with a valuable resource to enhance their writing skills and compete in the media industry.
Initially conceptualized by Professor William Jiles, the lab was established in response to faculty concerns about many students’ writing skills. This led Jiles to advocate for a dedicated space to support student development.
“Whether you go into journalism, public relations, graphic design, or even engineering, your written communication skills will tell people who you are and what you’re all about,” Jiles said.
The writing lab, located on the first floor of the SJGC building, is tucked near the loading dock, providing students with a discreet space where they can seek assistance without the perceived stigma of needing extra help. According to Jiles, the location, chosen by Dean Mira Lowe and former interim associate dean Sonya Stevens, was designed to encourage all students to use the facility freely.
The lab not only supports students needing remediation but also challenges proficient writers to refine their skills and set themselves apart from graduates of other institutions. “If you can write better than your peers from schools like North Carolina A&T or the University of Florida, you can distinguish yourself in a competitive job market,” Jiles said.
Leading the lab’s day-to-day operations is Professor Clarence Fowler, a FAMU alum and media industry veteran. Fowler’s focus has been on raising awareness and ensuring the lab meets the specific needs of journalism students, from writing news articles and TV scripts to mastering grammar and AP style.
“We want students to know that this space is available to them and that they’re getting targeted help,” Fowler said. “The university’s general writing center offers assistance, but the SJGC lab specializes in journalistic writing, which is critical for our students.”
Fowler emphasizes that the Writing Lab provides a judgment-free zone where students are encouraged to grow without hesitation. “Students should feel empowered to come here because we’re focused on strengthening their writing,” Fowler said. Fowler also hopes to introduce special workshops led by alums and media professionals, which he believes will bring industry-level insights to students.
The lab is staffed by peer tutors, including senior broadcast journalism student Janelle Sears. Sears believes the peer-based approach helps students feel more comfortable seeking assistance. “Sometimes feedback comes across less harshly from someone you know on a more personal level,” Sears said. “Students may be more inclined to get help from a fellow student who’s been in their shoes.”
Tutors in the lab tailor their assistance to each student’s unique learning style and writing challenges, often helping students grasp AP style rules or adjust from passive to active voice. Sears and her fellow tutors aim to ensure that feedback is clear and digestible. “It’s all about making sure a student understands each critique before moving on,” Sears said.
For students who might be hesitant to seek help, Jiles underscores that even strong writers have room for improvement. “No one knows all they need to know,” he said. “There’s always a better way to say something, a better way to tell a story.”
The SJGC Writing Lab is open Mondays and Wednesdays from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., providing flexible access for students eager to sharpen their writing and gain an edge in their future careers.