When
Where
Join us for the Writing Across the Curriculum Symposium, an event that showcases innovative and equity-driven approaches to writing in courses across the disciplines. This year’s theme—Making Writing Meaningful as an HSI—centers on designing meaningful, inclusive writing experiences for students aligned with our HSI and land-grant mission.
Event Schedule
9–9:30 am | Welcome & Orientation to Writing Across the Curriculum
Facilitator: Aimee Mapes, Ph.D., Director of Writing Across the Curriculum
Begin the day with an introduction to Writing Across the Curriculum at the University of Arizona. Learn how writing supports student success and advances the university's land-grant and Hispanic-Serving Institution mission.
9:30–10:15 am | Faculty Fellows Panel
Hear from the 2025–2026 Writing Across the Curriculum Faculty Fellows as they discuss how WAC principles have shaped their approaches to teaching and assessing writing across disciplines.
Panelists:
- Sarah Refi Hind, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice, School of Plant Sciences
- Evan Martin-Casler, M.A., M.Ed., Lecturer, Business Communication
- Amritha Wickramage, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of Practice, School of Plant Sciences
- Jennie McStotts, MHP, MFA, J.D., Interim Associate Dean of Academic Affairs and Associate Professor of Practice, W.A. Franke Honors College
Faculty will share examples from their courses, reflect on lessons learned through the Faculty Fellows program, and highlight practical strategies that can be adapted across a variety of teaching contexts.
10:15–11:15 am | Interactive Table Sessions (Round One)
Choose one of three facilitated discussion tables:
- Designing Assessment
- Asset-Based Pedagogy
- Supporting Instructional Teams
Led by WAC Faculty Fellows, each session includes practical examples, collaborative discussion, and hands-on activities to help participants apply writing-focused teaching strategies in their own courses.
11:15–11:30 am | Break & Refreshments
Take a short break, enjoy bagels and refreshments, and connect with colleagues before selecting your second discussion table.
11:30 am – 12:30 pm | Interactive Table Sessions (Round Two)
Continue the conversation by choosing a different discussion table from the morning session:
- Designing Assessment
- Asset-Based Pedagogy
- Supporting Instructional Teams
Explore another topic, exchange ideas with colleagues, and leave with additional strategies to support meaningful writing experiences in your courses.
12:30–12:45 pm | Reflection Activity
Facilitator:Emily Jo Schwaller, Ph.D., Assistant Director of Writing Across the Curriculum
Reflect on the day's conversations and identify practical ideas to incorporate into Fall 2026 courses through a guided reflection activity.
12:45–1 pm | Closing & Next Steps
Wrap up the symposium by learning about upcoming Writing Across the Curriculum and UCATT opportunities, ways to stay connected, and resources available to support your teaching throughout the year.