The Writing Across the Curriculum Committee (WAC) was formed in 1990 as part of the revision of Eastern Illinois University's General Education curriculum. WAC's primary mission is to help faculty implement and shape a program that makes writing an essential and integral component in the learning process.

Past Workshops in '08-'09

"What Creates Strong Academic Writing?"

Wednesday, September 10
Location: 3732 Coleman Hall, English Conference Room; Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Tuesday, September 16
Location: Oakland Room, MLK Jr. Student Union; Time: Noon-1 pm

Session Description: This session will begin by participants reflecting on their own best and worst memories about writing in college. Participants are also asked to bring in examples of excellent student writing or vividly describe ones they’ve received in their courses. We’ll explore and attempt to articulate what makes these specific examples “quality” pieces of writing. In sum, this session will focus on what we value as professors who assign writing assignments in writing-active, writing-intensive, and writing-centered courses.

"Creating an Environment for Stronger Student Writing"

Tuesday, October 14
Location: Martinsville Room, MLK Jr. Student Union; Time: 1-2 pm
Wednesday, October 15
Location: 3732 Coleman Hall, English Conference Room; Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Session Description: This session will begin by focusing on what defines strong academic writing. And the workshop will provide time for participants to talk about their methods for fostering strong writing and the writing process in their classes.

"Responding to Student Writing"

Tuesday, November 11
Location: Arcola/Tuscola Room, MLK Jr. Student Union; Time: 11 am-Noon
Wednesday, November 12
Location: 3732 Coleman Hall, English Conference Room; Time: 3:30-4:30 pm

Session Description: This interactive session will have participants discuss and reflect on the commenting strategies they use for student writing. The workshop will also provide a number of recommendations on the evaluation of student writing, methods of efficient feedback for student writers, and productive ways to address grammar/style issues. In order to provide enough handouts for participants, please indicate that you'll attend by emailing Tim Taylor (tntaylor@eiu.edu) by Monday, November 10.

"Effective Methods of Peer Review: Moving Students Beyond 'This is Good.'"

Wednesday, December 3
Location: 3732 Coleman Hall, English Conference Room; Time: 3:30-4:30 pm
Thursday, December 4
Location: Martinsville Room, MLK Jr. Student Union; Time: Noon-1 pm

Session Description: This WAC workshop will focus exclusively on the varied methods of peer review for papers in Writing-Intensive classes. During the session different strategies will be presented, and participants will share their own methods for incorporating the writing process in their classrooms. In order to provide enough handouts for participants, please indicate that you'll attend by emailing Tim Taylor (tntaylor@eiu.edu) by Tuesday, December 2.

"Non-Graded and Short Writing Assignments That Help Students Learn Your Discipline"

Wednesday, January 21, 3:30-4:30
Location: English Conference Room, 3732 Coleman Hall
Tuesday, January 27, 11am-Noon
Location: Paris Room, MLK Student Union

"'Teaching With Your Mouth Shut': Using In-Class Writing and Other Activities to Improve Student Learning"

Wednesday, February 11, 3:30-4:30
Location: English Conference Room, 3732 Coleman Hall
Thursday, February 12, 11am-Noon
Location: Shelbyville Room, MLK Student Union

"In-Class Assessment Methods to Improve Teaching"

Wednesday, March 4, 3:30-4:30
Location: English Conference Room, 3732 Coleman Hall
Thursday, March 5, 11-Noon
Location: Paris Room, MLK Student Union