By Collette O’Neal (whetstone staff writer)

Students may no longer use Facebook in the Writing Center.

“We are an academic resource center,” said Charlene Stephens, director of the Department of Academic Support. “That means our purpose is to help students academically, and that’s the goal we have to focus on.”

Social networking websites, including Facebook, MySpace, and YouTube, have been blocked.

“I think anyone who comes to the writing center should do school work,” said Catherine Diamond, a freshman.

If a student tries to access those sites, an error message appears stating that the browser can’t display the website.

“This is a protective measure for students, not a punishment,” Stephens said. “I have no desire to take away a student’s form of communication or entertainment.”

Stephens said she wanted to preserve access for students who genuinely need the computers.

“I suggested it,” Stephens said. “My bosses in the administration approved it.”

Freshman Joncara Marshall likes the new policy.

“It’s a good idea,” she said. “I can have access to a computer whenever I want.”

The websites can still be accessed through wireless connection with a laptop and on the ARC computers.

“We have Facebook in the library, so it’s only fair,” said Jonie Woodward, a freshman.

There are still glitches.

“In the past week, the filter has been going in and out,” Stephens said. “We didn’t feel like having the IT department come up here every day to fix it.  I have more important things to worry about.”

Diamond has advice for those who want to socialize.

“If you want to go on Facebook, go back to your room,” Diamond said.