Writing Center
Writing Across Curriculum
Writing Across the Curriculum
Overview
In 2004, Simmons College launched a Writing Across the Curriculum initiative (WAC) to make writing an integral component of the undergraduate experience for students in every major and program. WAC is guided by the principle that students in every discipline think more imaginatively and critically, and grapple more ambitiously with course material, when they are engaged in writing.
At the core of WAC's design are frequent writing opportunities for students in participating courses, a workshop and a seminar on teaching writing for involved faculty, and writing assistants as supports for faculty and students in each course.
Participating Courses
Meeting its "across the curriculum" vision, in pioneer year 2004-05 WAC included 200- and 300-level courses from diverse departments across the college: mathematics, computer science, history, sociology, management, communications, chemistry, biology, philosophy, political science, art history, English, economics, and psychology. Faculty teaching sections of the first-year Multidisciplinary Core Course (MCC) participated in the initiative as well. All told, 22 WAC courses reached an estimated 31% of the undergraduate Simmons population in its first year. The goal is for a varying cycle of 30 undergraduate courses a year to associate with WAC.
Faculty Development
Faculty members who sign on with WAC have the opportunity to work closely with the Director of the Writing Center to design assignments, comment on and grade student writing, articulate the conventions of their disciplines, and review research on the intellectual development of undergraduates. To access Lowry Pei's resources on teaching writing, click here.
Student Writing Assistants
Connected to and supporting WAC's emphasis on frequency and feedback is the staffing of courses with writing assistants (WAs). Writing assistants are Simmons undergraduate students who are selected for their skill in writing, competence in their major(s), and poise in interpersonal manner. Writing assistants commit to training sessions and they must be available eight to ten hours per week throughout the semester to assist faculty members in commenting on student writing and also to tutor students in 1:1 conferences.
Ready to apply for a writing assistant position? Download an application form here.
For more information on becoming a writing assistant or to recommend a student as a WA candidate, contact Terry Müller.
Oversight
WAC is overseen by Cathryn Mercier, Associate Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and Terry Müller, Director, The Writing Center.
This information was last updated on January 24, 2008.