University Writing Programs
Mission Statement
The goal of the University Writing Programs is to assist faculty and students at Pacific in the improvement of student writing within their majors and individual disciplines and to encourage more active, engaged learning through writing-intensive courses, the use of innovative teaching methods in writing instruction, and tutorial support from the Student Writing Center for all levels of writing in the various undergraduate, graduate, and professional programs.
Student Writing Center
The Student Writing Center is a free service for all Pacific students in all programs. We can assist with any kind of writing project at any stage of the process. Our Center is staffed with highly-trained, knowledgeable undergraduate and graduate students. For more information, please visit the Student Writing Center Supplemental Website.
Writing in the Disciplines (and Classroom-Based Writing Mentors)
Recognizing the need for stronger writing instruction to better prepare students for the workforce and for graduate study, the University of the Pacific implemented the Writing in the Disciplines Program (WID) in the fall of 2006.
The goal of Writing in the Disciplines is to assist faculty and students at Pacific in the improvement of student writing within their majors and individual disciplines and to encourage more active, engaged learning through writing intensive courses, the use of innovative teaching methods in writing instruction, and tutorial support from the Student Writing Center for all levels of writing, from the Pacific Seminars to Senior Capstone Courses.
Writing in the Disciplines at Pacific is based on four central principles:
- Writing is both a central form and reliable measure of critical inquiry. Lucid, incisive writing can only result from clear, sharp thinking.
- Writing is a systematic process that involves multiple drafts, solicitation and use of feedback, revision, further responses, reflection, and final editing.
- Good writing has a clear purpose and is discipline-, audience-, and context-specific.
- Improvement in writing occurs over time and is best understood as a life-long process.
If you are teaching or developing a course that you think should be considered "writing intensive," or if you are interested in hiring a classroom-based writing mentor, please contact Dr. Peterson at mpeterson@pacific.edu. For more information, please view the Faculty Resources at our supplemental site.
Writing-Intensive Curriculum
Pacific's writing-intensive curriculum is comprised of three stages. During the freshman year, Pacific Seminars I and II serve as the first stage. Courses in each department designated as "writing-intensive" or capstone seminars comprise the second and third stages during the sophomore through senior years in most disciplines. For more information, please see our official statement on the undergraduate writing experience at Pacific.
Contact Us
Mike Peterson, PhD.
Director of University Writing Programs (Student Writing Center, Writing in the Disciplines)
209.932.2970
mpeterson@pacific.edu
Contact Mike for questions related to classroom-based writing mentors, writing assessment, faculty development, workshops, graduate-level writing support, classroom presentations, orientation materials, and any other writing-related questions!
Melanie Hash
Coordinator of the Student Writing Center
209.817.1497
mhash@pacific.edu
Contact Melanie to schedule an appointment in the writing center.
Raquel Rodriguez
Admin Assistant
COP Dean's Office
209.946.2023
209.946.2254 (fax)
rrodriguez@pacific.edu
Eileen Camfield
PACS-Writing Center Liaison
ecamfield@pacific.edu
Contact Eileen for any questions related to writing support for students and faculty in the Pacific Seminars.
