Writing Emphasis Certification Process

Once an instructor is approved by the following procedure, he or she may elect to teach any course in a writing emphasis mode without further approval.

  1. Contact Writing Programs Coordinator. Indicate your interest in writing emphasis certification in an email message to Bryan Kopp.
  2. Complete a background survey. Review basic information about writing emphasis courses and then complete a brief background survey.
  3. Attend a consultation or workshop. Instructors are required to complete a session on designing, using, and evaluating writing assignments in the classroom. (Instructors who have background in college-level writing instruction may be exempted from this requirement.)
  4. Complete an approval form. Send a completed approval form to the Writing Programs Coordinator for feedback and eventual review by the Writing Emphasis Subcommittee. Instructors may need to revise and resubmit approval forms before proceeding.
  5. Gain final approval. The Writing Programs Coordinator submits recommendations to the General Education Committee for final approval.

Review Criteria Checklist

I. Integration of Informal Writing (Writing-to-Learn)

  • equivalent to at least 40 pages total?
  • designed to enhance student learning and thinking in the course?
  • adopts discipline-appropriate writing-to-learn strategies?
  • practiced regularly in class and/or as class preparation?
  • presents a manageable approach to handling student work?
  • establishes clear guidelines and evaluation criteria?

II. Integration of Formal Writing

  • equivalent to 10 or more pages?
  • specifies discipline-appropriate audiences and stylistic conventions?
  • shares models or examples with students?
  • provides meaningful feedback to students?
  • establishes clear guidelines and evaluation criteria?
  • scaffolds an effective composing process?

III. Sample Course Materials

  • includes portions of a syllabus or handouts related to the writing component of the course?
  • provides handouts or guidelines for a sample formal writing assignment?

Recommended Submission Dates

Approval forms should be submitted at least one semester prior to teaching writing emphasis courses. To ensure adequate time for review and revision, approval forms should be submitted near the beginning of the preceding semester and no later than mid-term. Contact the Writing Programs Coordinator for more specific review dates.

Contact

Bryan Kopp
Writing Programs Coordinator and
Assistant Professor of English

426G Carl Wimberly Hall
608.785.6939