This group will focus on writing instruction, activities, assignments, and assessments for First-Year Seminar. Instructors who participate in this project will have a one-semester commitment that will include:
• Working with the Director of Writing, Megan Brown, on the development of a writing assignment, writing activities, or a writing project for their FYS.
• Attending an individual meeting at the start of the semester (or during the summer if preferred) to work on writing assignment ideas.
• Attending meetings of all participants in the program in August/September, at approximately midterm, and at end of Fall 2025 semester. These meetings may be structured as two sessions each time, with half of the participants at each session, in order to facilitate more in-depth discussion.
• Requiring all students enrolled in their FYS to attend tutoring sessions at the Writing Center at least twice during the semester.
• Submitting samples of student writing and a brief critical reflection at the end of the semester.
After the initial meeting(s) with the Director of Writing to develop a writing assignment or writing project, participants will receive a stipend of $250.
Participation is limited to 10 individuals. Instructors who have not taught FYS in the past will be prioritized. You are also welcome to enroll if you’ve taught FYS before, participated in this group before, or would like to discuss writing for first-year students in courses other than FYS.
If you are interested in participating, please contact Kendra Colbert (kendra.colbert@drake.edu) by June 30. (Note: if you miss this deadline and you want to participate, please check anyway—summer is not necessarily the best time for getting people signed up.)
If you have questions, contact Megan Brown (megan.brown@drake.edu).
— Megan Brown, College of Arts & Sciences
