Between the Lines (BtL) is a weekly newsletter published on weeks 2-9 of each quarter. It is intended to keep all members of the Writing Center up-to-date on important information, due dates, and upcoming events. Between the Lines aims to connect each member of the Writing Center staff together and foster a shared sense of community across positions, teams, and schedules that might not otherwise overlap.
Example of BtL—created by Amber C. in SQ ‘26!
📜 Overview
Between the Lines is coordinated by the Professional Development Student Manager for Communications in consultation with the other PDSMs and Writing Center Associate Director Erin Herrmann. Each issue highlights updates and due dates within the Writing Center—promoting events, sharing resources and opportunities, and keeping us on the same track. Since tutors’ schedules very widely, the newsletter ensures that no one falls out of the loop, regardless of their weekly shifts.
📆 Weekly BtL Placeholder
Every Writing Center tutor is blocked off for 30 minutes each week to read Between the Lines. This is your individual time to stay up to date with what’s happening in the Writing Center and to work on your SMART goal and quarterly ePortfolio.
Tutors should use this time to
- Read the latest issue of the newsletter posted in Slack in #news
- Complete interactive prompts as stated in the newsletter
- Work on your SMART goal and/or quarterly ePortfolio or complete other specific tasks related to your quarterly professional development requirements as stated in the newsletter
Mentors and mentees can also use this time to check-in with one another, either in Slack or in person. In addition, mentors and mentees can review agendas for upcoming mentoring check-ins as linked in the newsletter.
🎷 What’s Included?
- Updates from administrators, coordinator, student managers, and/or student leaders
- Upcoming events (plus flyers posted at the end of the newsletter)
- Agendas for Tutor Talks and Mentoring
- Due dates for submitting SMART Goals and ePortfolios and for scheduling Quarterly Check-Ins
- Links to recent and not-to-be-missed Slack posts (e.g. announcements from administrators)
- Updates about upcoming Writing Groups meetings and events
- Quick Links for The Handbook, Mentor/mentee list, Assigned admin list
- Next Steps to take during the remainder of your placeholder
- An Interact Question!
🎈 Interact Question
Each newsletter will include an interact question. This is used to foster rapport and increase engagement amongst the staff. While interact questions are brief, they are a great way to get to know some of your coworkers that you are not regularly scheduled with.
🤷 Why a Newsletter?
A newsletter allows the Writing Center to reach every member of our staff consistently, while giving each issue room to inform, engage, and build connection all at once. This is your one-stop-shop for what to do with your white space and stay organized!
➕ Other Uses
Between the Lines also serves as a running reminder system for the Writing Center community.