Mission

The Writing Program's mission is to create a robust culture of writing on campus, developing strong student skills through multiple writing experiences guided by the best research and pedagogy. Those skills include the complex writing and rhetorical abilities needed in contemporary academic, professional, and civic life. The Program provides a national model for colleges and universities seeking exemplary practices in teaching writing. For more information, please view the 16 page portrait, the Writing Program Overview.                  --Doug Hesse, Director and Professor

Program Components

First-Year Writing Sequence. After new students complete a small seminar taught each fall by tenure-line faculty from across the university, on a subject of their passion, they complete a two-course sequence, winter and spring, in sections of 15. The Program also provides support for writing in the first-year seminar.

Writing and Research Center. Located in Penrose library, the Center promotes and supports effective student writing by providing consultations to undergraduates and graduate students. The Center is staffed by trained graduate students and offers scheduled and drop-in consultations, as well as other services.

Core Curriculum Writing. Students complete at least one of three required core courses in a 15-student writing-intensive section. The Core Curriculum Committee reviews proposals and approves writing intensive courses. The Writing Program provides faculty development and support for these classes.

Writing in the Disciplines. The Program offers development opportunities and support for faculty in every department, from informal consultations to extended workshops. The goal is to teach students the ways of writing vital to specific disciplines and professions by helping faculty develop efficient and effective strategies for assigning writing.

Assessment and Research. Through both focused and longitudinal studies of student writing, the Program will regularly assess its effectiveness and contribute to the professional literature in rhetoric and composition studies.

WPA Conference 2008
During the summer of 2008, the University Writing Program will host the national Writing Program Administrators conference here in Denver