University Writing Program
Mission
The mission of the DU Writing Program is to create a robust culture of writing on campus by helping students develop the complex writing abilities needed in contemporary academic, professional and civic life, by helping faculty develop the knowledge and practices they need to support students in this development, and by providing nationally-recognized models for colleges and universities seeking exemplary practices in teaching and supporting writing.
The University of Denver Writing Program has won the CCCC Certificate of Excellence, one of fewer than 1% of university programs.
Vision
A thriving writing culture. The Program will facilitate a deep, diverse, and collaborative culture of writing and composing on campus.
Campus-wide understanding of writing. All campus colleagues will understand writing as a multi-faceted set of rhetorical ideas and thoughtful processes.
Recognized expertise. Campus colleagues will value Program faculty as generative partners in scholarly, programmatic, and outreach initiatives. Colleagues in the profession will value the Program and its faculty as sources of knowledge and best practices in the teaching of writing.
Rhetorically versatile students. In their writing and composing, students will use versatile, innovative rhetorical thinking to engage effectively with larger networks in academic, professional, and civic life. Students will also ground researched writing and composing in diverse epistemologies, research methods, and genres.
Responsible writing and research practices. Writers and researchers in the University of Denver community will use ethical writing and research practices to engage diverse communities.
Seven Points of Distinction
- Our students get extraordinary attention.
- Our writing faculty have exceptional expertise and focus.
- The DU Writing Center cultivates a strong culture of writing, both on campus and beyond.
- The Writing Program energizes writing across the whole campus.
- Our students master approaches that are vital for writing in school, work, and life.
- Our students write for a digital age.
- Our students write impressively.