UCSB Hosts the Annual UC Council of Writing Programs Conference

The UCSB Writing Program welcomed colleagues from across the UC at the annual UC Council of Writing Programs Conference Friday, October 14, 2016. The conference, entitled "Reflections on the Past and Visions of the Future," featured speakers from across the UC campuses.

The conference theme prompted innovative talks and panels that addressed the various new challenges UC Writing Programs are embracing, including changing student populations, developing new courses to meet the demands of an increasingly digital world, and expanding capacity in order to teach thousands of more students. The dynamic program, which included a mix of mini-presentations, workshops, and formal panels featured talks on curriculum and pedagogical philosophies with regards to changing concepts of academic writing, the development of hybrid courses, and the increasing interest in public discourse and community engagement.

The conference took advantage of UC Santa Barbara's beautiful scenery. Guests of the conference were treated to an afternoon luncheon, walks around the lagoon, and a trip to the UCSB's ADA Museum.

The day prompted many collaborations and conversations that spilled out from the conference rooms onto the Lagoon Plaza in a post conference reception. "We loved having our friends and colleagues from across the UC here at UCSB. This is one of my favorite conferences--you really get the sense that everyone is working on the same issues, and that everything you hear is smart and useful," said Jim Donelan, Associate Director of the UCSB Writing Program.