Caitlin Downs

Caitlin Downs is the Director of the Writing Center and a member of the Liberal Arts Department at Pennsylvania College of Art & Design (PCA&D), where she teaches communication, literature, and creative writing. She plays a central role in academic support services, leading initiatives that enhance student writing across disciplines.

Her research and teaching focus on poetry, rhetoric, post-colonial literature, and interdisciplinary intersections within the arts and humanities. She emphasizes accessible, student-centered learning, particularly during the initial stages of writing assignments, where clarity and planning are critical. The Writing Center under her leadership offers tutoring, research assistance, and creative engagement opportunities such as maker’s lunches and vibe checks to reduce stress and foster community.

Since its inception during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Writing Center has evolved from a reactive support system to a proactive academic partner, integrating into classroom instruction and promoting writing-across-the-curriculum initiatives. Downs regularly attends national conferences on writing and writing center practices, incorporating new pedagogical approaches into both her teaching and creative work.

She strongly encourages all students—regardless of skill level—to utilize the Writing Center, emphasizing that even skilled writers benefit from editorial feedback. Her philosophy centers on accountability, collaboration, and demystifying the writing process, often resulting in students remarking that tasks were easier than expected after a session.

• Role: Director of the Writing Center
• Affiliation: The Learning Commons, Center for Teaching and Learning
• Services: Drop-in Study Tables, research support, writing tutoring, low-stakes creative events