The SU Writing Initiative supports the University’s mission to prepare “individuals to be critical, reflective thinkers; lifelong learners; and ethical, compassionate citizens who are committed to making responsible contributions within a community, a nation and the world.”

The Writing Initiative recognizes that advancing the quality of student writing and writing instruction across the disciplines of the University’s schools and colleges represents a vital part of this mission: Clear writing in Standard English is invaluable for academic success and, later, for the workplace. While the Writing Initiative places primary emphasis on developing students’ formal writing skills, it also acknowledges the value of using formal and informal writing as pedagogical tools to help students learn and think more deeply about course content.

The Writing Initiative has two important arms in promoting writing across the curriculum, disciplines, and professions. The Writing Advisory Board (WAB), comprised of faculty members from the University’s six schools and colleges, addresses curricular matters involving writing. The SU Writing Center, meanwhile, offers free one-to-one instruction in writing for student writers of all levels and also provides faculty with feedback in designing assignments and integrating writing in their courses.