Writing Across the Curriculum at CSU

Colorado State is internationally recognized for its efforts in writing across the curriculum (WAC). Following its establishment in 1984, the WAC Program developed and launched an innovative approach to supporting the use of writing in courses at research-intensive universities. Widely adopted, this approach focuses on enhancing learning, critical thinking, and preparation for communication in the disciplines in a way that reduces the time and effort associated with integrating writing activities and assignments into a course with a combination of faculty resources and direct support for student writers. Characterized as an "integrated approach" to WAC, the approach employs consultation with faculty members and programs, assistance in the integration of writing into course curricula in ways that enhance learning rather than displacing content coverage, and support for the development of instructional materials.

Since the early 1990s, the WAC Program has worked closely with the Writing Center to provide direct support for student writing and to make available web-based resources that support students as they use writing activities and assignments to learn course content, engaging in critical thinking about disciplinary processes and frameworks, and prepare to contribute to ongoing conversations in their chosen disciplines.

The WAC Program offers the following services:

  • Consulting (Individual and Small Group)
  • Seminars and Workshops
  • Curriculum Development Support
  • Writing Center Fellow Support
  • Instructional Materials Development Support

We are currently working with a limited number of faculty and programs. Please contact Mike Palmquist and Kelly Bradbury if you would like to explore options for supporting your course or program.

The WAC Clearinghouse

WAC Clearinghouse LogoHosted by Colorado State, the WAC Clearinghouse is internationally recognized as the leading publisher supporting WAC. Key resources include:

The gtPathways Writing Integration Project

gtPathways Project LogoThe gtPathways Writing Integration Project is among the most ambitious WAC initiatives in the United States. It supports learning and critical thinking in select AUCC courses in the arts, humanities, and social sciences. To learn more, contact project director Kelly Bradbury.