Program Characteristics

In fall 2006, the University of Denver launched a comprehensive new writing program. Its mission: create a robust culture of writing on campus; develop strong student abilities through multiple writing experiences; develop the complex rhetorical skills needed in academic, professional, and civic life; teach according to the best research and pedagogy. A further mission is to provide a national model for colleges and universities seeking exemplary practices in teaching writing.

Structure

The Writing Program reports to the Provost of the University and is housed in offices in Penrose Library. Its Director, Doug Hesse, holds tenure as a professor of English. Working with Hesse is the Director of the Writing and Research Center, Eliana Schonberg, PhD. The program's office manager is Amy Kho, MA. The program has 23 lecturers, 20 with terminal degrees (and 3 ABD), all with professional expertise and experience in the teaching of writing.

Program Components

First-Year Writing Sequence. After new students complete a small seminar taught each fall by 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 Center. Located in Penrose@Driscoll in the Driscoll Ballroom, the University Writing Center promotes and supports effective student writing by providing consultations to undergraduates, graduate students. The Center is staffed by trained students (grad and undergrad) and offers scheduled and drop-in consultations, workshops, and more.

ASEM. Students must complete a writing-intensive Advanced Seminar Course. The ASEM Committee reviews proposals and approves ASEM 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 regularly assesses its effectiveness and contributes to the professional literature in rhetoric and composition studies. A four-year longitudinal study of 10% of the class of 2010 began in spring 2007.

Contact

The University Writing Program
Aspen Hall South #727
2280 S. Vine St.
Denver, CO 80208
303.871.7448
amy.kho@du.edu
http://www.du.edu/writing

Doug Hesse, Director of Writing: dhesse@du.edu
Eliana Schonberg, Director of the Writing Center: eschonbe@du.edu

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