Auburn University’s Office of University Writing
Founded in 2010, the Office of University Writing works to enhance the culture of writing and writing instruction at Auburn University. We strive to assist Auburn students and faculty in as many ways as possible.
For students, we provide programs, resources, and opportunities such as:
- face to face and online peer consultations through the Miller Writing Center,
- support to graduate students through the WriteFest Thesis and Dissertation Intensive Writing Program and Graduate Writing Partners,
- ePortfolio Student Workshops, and
- internships, graduate assistantships, consultant and front desk positions, summer fellowships, and leadership opportunities.
For faculty, we offer:
- in-class workshops and focused presentations to support faculty using writing in their courses,
- individual and group consultations about any writing issues or concerns with teaching writing,
- WriteBites Chats to foster conversations and collaborations about ways to use writing in disciplinary courses,
- Faculty Writing Retreats to promote a community of writers, and
- support to those who join the ePortfolio Project Cohort.
Meet the Office of University Writing Staff
D
r. Margaret Marshall
Director of University Writing3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7474
mmarshall@auburn.edu
Margaret Marshall received her PhD from the Joint Program in English and Education at the University of Michigan in 1991. Before joining Auburn in January 2010 as Professor of English and Director of the Office of University Writing she served as Director of the University of Pittsburgh’s Writing Center, as Director of English Composition at the University of Miami, and as Assistant Provost and Associate Director of The Reinvention Center, an organization that grew out of the Boyer Commission Report and works to improve undergraduate education at Research Universities. She served as a Peace Corps Volunteer in Kenya (1976-78), taught English as a Second Language at the University of Colorado’s Economic Institute (1980-82), and developmental reading and ESL at West Texas State University before beginning her PhD studies.
The author of three books and numerous articles, Dr. Marshall’s research and teaching interests include nineteenth century American rhetoric and public discourse, composition theory and pedagogy, teacher education, and history of American education.
Dr. Christopher Basgier
Associate Director of University Writing
3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7493
crb0085@auburn.edu
Christopher Basgier received his Ph.D. at Indiana University in 2013, and then spent four years at University of North Dakota, where he served as Academic Director of Composition and Acting Coordinator of Writing Across the Curriculum. He brings extensive experience working with faculty on teaching with writing, and he has consulted with departments about integrating writing throughout undergraduate and graduate curricula. His research, which spans writing across the curriculum, genre, and digital rhetoric, has appeared in venues like Across the Disciplines, The WAC Journal, and Composition Forum
Dr. Amy Cicchino
Associate Director of University Writing
3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7476
amycicchino@auburn.edu
Amy Cicchino received her PhD in English with a specialization in rhetoric and composition from Florida State University (FSU) in 2019. During her graduate career, Amy served as Assistant Director to the College Composition program, GTA-mentor instructor, and instructor in both the College Composition program and the Editing, Writing, and Media major. Before entering the PhD program, Amy taught high school English for seven years in Florida. Her research takes up digital pedagogy, curriculum development, and writing program administration.
Heather Stuart
Senior Program Administrator3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7413
hstuart@auburn.edu
Heather Stuart began working for the Office of University Writing in August 2013. She received her MEd in Administration of Higher Education from Auburn University and her BA in Psychology and Interpersonal Communication from Alma College. Prior to joining the Office of University Writing, Heather served as a Community Outreach and Marketing AmeriCorps Member for Habitat for Humanity of Kent County in Michigan.
Megan Haskins
Program Administrator3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7475
mhaskins@auburn.edu
Megan Haskins began working for the Office of University Writing in a full time capacity in 2018. She received her MEd in Administration of Higher Education and her BA in English Literature with a minor in Business from Auburn University. As a student, she worked for the Office of University Writing as an ePortfolio graduate assistant, writing consultant, and ePortfolio ambassador. Megan also serves as a career and personal mentor to women in the Auburn community.
Ashley Shamp
Administrative Support Specialist3436 RBD Library
(334) 844-7475
adg0003@auburn.edu
Ashley Shamp joined the Office of University Writing in April 2018. She received her BA in Marketing from Auburn University in 2012, and has previously worked in sales and marketing. In her free time she enjoys traveling with her husband, reading, going to concerts, and spending time with her four spoiled house rabbits.