How is the new WAC program different from what we do now?

The WAC Committee has endorsed a plan that involves two key elements. First, instructors would offer courses that would be identified as Writing Enhanced (WE). These courses would include a significant amount of writing. Some of the writing to learn assignments might be informal, such as journal assignments or e-mail responses, but a WE course would also include assignments designed to improve writing skills. These assignments would involve working through the process writers are likely to use in professional settings, from planning through drafting and revising. We hope to encourage participation in designing WE courses by offering rewards through the evaluation process. The goal is that by 2006, students would be required to take at least two WE courses in the core (in addition to English 1101 and 1102) and an additional two WE courses within the major. Professional writing courses and Regents’ classes could count for one of those.

The second element is to encourage all faculty members to incorporate writing exercises in all their courses, even if not designated as WE. Everyone should benefit as students gain a more solid understanding of concepts within the disciplines while also improving writing skills.