Programmatic Textbook
Based on the survey results from November 2023, we’ve decided to change textbooks for 2024-2025. The leadership team talked through the survey results with the UWP Committee, and after going through some options, the new textbook will be Everyone’s an Author (a Norton textbook—this also means that our publisher is changing). Yesterday, everyone teaching FYW this semester should have received a link to the current edition of the text from Mary Helen Willett; if not, the link will be coming any time now. We will still have a custom VT textbook, which will be available in July. You’ll receive the custom version then, both digitally and in print format.
Spring Brown Bags
To support the use of a new textbook, both Brown Bag Speaker Series this semester will focus on Everyone’s an Author and incorporating it in your classes. On February 26, Megan Weaver will lead a workshop on 1105, and on April 17, I will lead a workshop on 1106; both sessions will be at 12:15 in Shanks 380. Our goal is to demonstrate how the new textbook fits in with our projects and how the textbook complements the work we’re currently doing.
AI Statement
The UWP Committee is currently working on a programmatic statement on AI in first-year writing. Once we have finalized the document, I’ll circulate it to the department.
Teaching Portfolio Awards
Because we are transitioning to a new textbook, we’ve decided to suspend the Teaching Portfolio Awards for one year. We will continue their solicitation and collection in 2024-2025.
Pathways Collection
As a reminder in a new semester, Pathways data collection is suspended this semester. The collection process is changing, so once we know more, I’ll share updates.