History of the Writing Center

The Writing Center began humbly in 1999, in the basement of Agnes Arnold Hall. It employed ten writing consultants who did walk-in tutoring only. Its two classrooms were a hodgepodge of salvaged computers from the English Department and two brand-new video projectors, with which innovative faculty and TAs taught the first technology-enhanced humanities courses at the University of Houston.

On June 6, 2001, tropical storm Allison hit the Gulf Coast, killing four people and causing billions of dollars in damage. Along with other vital parts of the University of Houston, the Writing Center's basement facility was completely flooded. Everything--records, computers, furniture--was lost. For the next school year, the Writing Center struggled to survive in various temporary locations across campus, while insurance claims were filed and a new space was sought. Finally, in the fall of 2002, the Writing Center opened its doors to the public on the second floor of Agnes Arnold Hall.