A Brief History of WAC at Middlesex CC

Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) was established at Middlesex in 1987 to emphasize the importance of writing in every discipline and to encourage and improve student writing in the widest possible range of courses.  The WAC Committee sponsored workshops, events, and special programs over the years to help faculty incorporate writing assignments into their course work and to encourage and support student writing throughout the college.  The Common Book program was an initiative of WAC for many years, from 1987 until it was suspended in 2013, that strengthened community while encouraging reading, writing, critical thinking, and interdisciplinary learning.  In addition to Common Book related speakers, workshops, and activities, other WAC initiatives over the years have included a WAC journal of student writing (both print and online), WAC Student Writing Contests, faculty "Writing Coaches" to mentor other faculty, WAC experiential "Inquiry Projects," and creative writing readings and activities.  In 2007, the MCC WAC program received national recognition as an "exemplary WAC Program" by the Two-Year College Association (TYCA) affiliate of the National Council of Teaching English (NCTE)*.

Selected WAC Archival Information:
The Common Book
Faculty & Student Workshops     
Creative Writing Activities       
Writing Communication Intensive (Core Requirement)    
WAC Writing Contest      
Inquiry Projects (1, 2, 3, 4)    
WAC Calendars 2003-2011 
Recognized as "Exemplary WAC Program" by NCTE (see below)


*In 2007, the Two-Year College Association (TYCA) affiliate of the National Council of Teaching English (NCTE) selected MCC’s WAC Program as an “exemplary WAC Program,” one of only twelve in the nation.  This came out of a comprehensive research project begun in 2005 by TYCA to survey and gather information on many aspects of the teaching of English and writing at community colleges throughout the country, and to ultimately share best practices.

 

Last Modified: 8/4/23