The University Writing Program (UWP), a free-standing academic program of the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, fosters pedagogical and research activities related to the development of writing ability as well as to disciplinary inquiry in the fields of rhetoric and composition.
The UWP curriculum encourages students to become aware of their own practices so that they might rhetorically read and compose print, visual, and digital forms of writing more intentionally at the University and beyond. Students practice various forms of writing, exploring how conventions can be adapted to serve different purposes. Writers learn how to meet the complex expectations of a variety of audiences by composing in different contexts using multiple print and technology tools to create effective, strategic texts.
Students critically reflect on their own composing practices, assumptions, and goals with writing, using a writing-to-learn approach to develop their compositions and to learn how to negotiate writing in collaboration with peers and teams. They become adept at the reading and analysis skills necessary for conducting research, organizing evidence, and revising work to refine their ideas and responding to reader feedback.
First-Year Writing
As part of the University’s General Education requirement, first-year writing courses serve as the foundation for writing practice that will continue as you progress through your studies. Students take one of the following courses to fulfill this requirement. Placement is determined by high school performance and SAT scores.
Writing Resources Center
The Writing Resources Center (WRC) provides one-on-one and group consultation on writing and writing projects to students, faculty, and staff in all disciplines and at all levels. Students from first-year to graduate are assisted in an active, collaborative learning environment. The Center includes computing facilities and a variety of writing-related instructional materials.
Staffed by trained undergraduate and graduate students from a variety of disciplines, the WRC offers teaching experience and leadership opportunities to tutors as they develop their own writing abilities and interpersonal skills. All writing assistants participate in ongoing professional development in theory, research, and practice of writing and tutoring pedagogy. In addition to ongoing professional development and research, WRC staff also give presentations and host workshops across the University on topics such as disciplinary writing, avoiding plagiarism, documenting sources, peer response, and revision strategies.
As a University-wide service invested in the teaching and learning of writing in every discipline, the WRC coordinates its efforts with other academic support services. The Center participates in University policy-making concerning writing and joins in the design and implementation of campus writing initiatives.
To schedule an appointment or to learn more, visit the Writing Resources Center website.
