Breakout Session: Excellence in Writing
Facilitator: Barbara Nicoll

1. The mission we have accepted is to teach our students to write.
2. We make the assumption that most people don't like to write; therefore:
   1. Writing needs to be constantly reinforced.
   2. We are all responsible for student writing, and see it as a development process.

ACTION ITEMS

1. We will develop common explanations (Standards) such as:
   1. In every class there will be writing assignments
   2. Feedback will be given
      • --Form/mechanics
      • --Organization
      • --Content
   3. We will provide models for students to read which represent the kinds of writing we expect
   4. Writing will be varied to include:
      • --In class (first draft)
      • --Polished/professional (final draft)
2. The writing committee under the auspices of the faculty assembly will develop general education writing standards
3. The writing committee will provide support for specified disciplines and graduate programs to develop writing standards.
4. Writing workshops will be provided for faculty, including adjunct and off campus.
5. Special events will be provided for the University community.
6. Student assessments have been piloted, and will be expanded. Long term goal: all students will be assessed for minimum writing skills.
7. Professional support will be provided for students.
8. Information about plagiarism will be collected, and policies will be examined.
9. Hiring practices will be reviewed, and new faculty may be required to support our efforts

	pollockd@ulv.edu Last Modified: Friday, 30-Jan-2004 10:14:58 PST