The Perspective of Multilingual Consultants: A Study of the Writing Center's Most Underrepresented Group

Alumni Boardroom

Despite the positive shift in perception regarding multilingual writers’ capabilities and their potential contributions to writing centers or composition programs in recent years (Blazer, 2015; Grimm, 2009; Horner et al., 2011; Lape, 2013; Ronesi, 2009), there is a lack of empirical research that focuses on investigating their roles as writing center consultants. This presentation will provide insights into the roles and experiences of multilingual consultants, especially those whose first language is not English. Multilingual consultants often encounter unique challenges as they navigate between various expectations that come from the students and administrators, the perceived authority of their positions, and their “other” status. I will share the findings and the two surveys conducted with writing center directors and multilingual consultants. Through providing specific directions on how attendees can replicate this research at their own institutions, this presentation will encourage more scholarly discussion about multilingual consultants in the writing center context.