COMMITTEE: Writing Across The Curriculum

MEETING DATE: August 28, 1997

PERSON PRESIDING: Chris Ulffers

ACTIONS OF MEETING

Description of action:
Caroline Ayers extended greetings on behalf of 
Dr. Ringeisen.
    
Committee officers were elected with the following results:
    Chair: Chris Ulffers
    Vice Chair: Lynn Eudey
    Secretary: Patricia (Patch) Clark
    
Description of action:
Item: Recertification of WI Courses
Rita Reaves stated that after investigation of two national 
conferences on writing intensive programs, ours is equal to 
other programs nationwide. In searching for further models 
to study, it is difficult to find programs which go beyond
our current stage of development. In the fall of 1993 there 
were 60 WI courses. Now there are over 160 WI courses outside of English.

There were a total of 30 appeals or special requests.
Request from Jim Kirkland to have a syllabus for each WI 
course on file. Rita has not been able to find an adequate 
model for recertification.  Rita suggested that we start with the Council 
of Deans.  We would be asking for an updated 
or current syllabi.  Perhaps ask for syllabi only if there has 
been a revision of the course.  Suggestion that a new faculty 
member assigned to teach the WI course may make some
revisions which the committee would need to be aware of
The suggestion was made that perhaps professors could be 
sent checklists indicated the current status of their WI 
courses. Attached to the checklist might be 2 questions from 
a former survey:

a. What effect did writing assignments have on the learning 
outcome in this
b. Do you believe that your writing instruction had any effect 
on students' writing skills?

The suggestion was made that initial proposals may have 
expiration dates attached to them as part of the approval 
process. Chris suggested staggering expiration dates to 
expedite review procedures. Even years would be reviewed 
on even years and odd (numbered) years during odd 
(numbered) years. The suggestion was made to send 
checklists to department chairpersons or friendly memos
to faculty asking that if criteria has been modified for the 
course to please re-submit to the committee.

The suggestion was made that faculty submit syllabi with 
specific writing assignments.

Rita will draft a possible form and send it to us before the 
next meeting.  If committee members have ideas for 
re-evaluation, please send or E-mail them to Rita.
Rita will forward a drafted form to everyone before the next 
meeting

Description of action:
Rita referred to the document, " Between First-Year 
Composition and W-I Courses in Other Disciplines: What 
Happens?" and asked interested committee members to 
work with a group to design a W-I instrument. Please 
contact her if you are interested in this project.

Description of action:
Further discussion regarding graphics and science 
technology would be helpful in terms of the special 
challenges they present in W-I courses.

Description of action:
Rita provided Committee members with a "reading packet" 
to be reviewed in preparation for the next meeting.
    
NEXT MEETING: 
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 25TH AT 3:00