PULLMANThe Writing Program at WSU is listed among the nation’s top in the just-released “America’s Best Colleges 2010” annual rankings by U.S. News & World Report.
The rankings score universities in numerous categories, and the WSU program appears in the “Academic Programs to Look For” section in the “Writing in the Disciplines” category.
“These colleges typically make the writing process a priority at all levels of instruction and across the curriculum,” the U.S. News website explains. “Students are encouraged to produce and refine various forms of writing for different audiences in different disciplines.”
Joining WSU on the best writing programs list are 21 institutions including Stanford, Yale, Harvard, Purdue and Cornell. Of the 22 listed, WSU is the only Washington school and one of four from the West (University of California-Los Angeles, Colorado State University and Stanford).
“It’s thrilling to be recognized nationally for our program’s quality and its service to students, and it’s an honor to be among such a distinguished set of universities on the listing,” said Diane Kelly-Riley, co-director of the program.
“Our Writing Program is often used as a model, and our staff members are frequently invited to present on aspects of our operation at professional conferences,” said Lisa Johnson-Shull, co-director. “The Writing Program often receives the attention of academic leaders at other institutions, as well as our own.”
Since the listing began, WSU’s Writing Program has made the “best” list seven out of nine years. According to the U.S. News website, the schools selected are “outstanding examples of academic programs that are believed to lead to student success.” College presidents, chief academic officers, deans of students and deans of admissions from more than 1,300 schools nominate up to 10 institutions with “stellar examples” of program types.
The WSU program began 25 years ago and provides more than 40,000 contacts yearly with undergraduate and graduate students, as well as faculty and staff.
It works with all levels of students, from assessing freshmen through administering the university’s required writing portfolio program for juniors. It works with colleges and individuals to help teachers to increasingly assign and grade effective writing in classes and on tests.
The program and its staff are recipients of numerous awards and commendations for excellence and innovation.
Visit the website at https://writingprogram.wsu.edu.
