Academic writing requirement
AWR Virtual Townhall Recording
Missed the AWR Virtual Townhall? Watch the recording here!
For any comments or questions about the townhall, please email projcom@uvic.ca.
The Academic Writing Requirement (AWR) Working Group was established by the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost to review and update the AWR, which is a university-wide requirement for all UVic undergraduate students. The Working Group has been meeting since spring 2024 and has engaged in ongoing campus-wide consultations to gather input from students, faculty, staff, and other interested parties.
This review is part of an ongoing commitment to ensure that all students receive foundational instruction in key university-level skills such as writing, citation, research, and information literacy.
Working group
The AWR Working Group was established to review the Academic Writing Requirement. This university-wide requirement that all undergraduate students must complete to receive a UVic degree, has not been reviewed or revised at the university level since 2014.
Mandate
The mandate of the Working Group is to update the Academic Writing Requirement to ensure that all students are equipped with a strong foundation in reading, writing, research, and digital competencies, enabling them to thrive in their academic and professional endeavors.
The working group is reviewing all aspects of the AWR including:
- The description of the requirement in the academic calendar
- Learning outcomes
- How students may satisfy the requirement
- Registration in AWR courses
- How information about the AWR is communicated to students
- The role of AWR courses in student retention and success
Additionally, the working group is researching practices and experiences of comparator institutions with a similar requirement.
Process
The AWR Working Group is undertaking a thorough review of the current Academic Writing Requirement and engaging with interested parties across the university to seek their input. The group will develop a comprehensive plan with actionable recommendations to update the AWR, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of UVic students.
Project milestones
Since its inception in February 2024, the AWR Working Group has made significant progress. This has included the completion of initial information gathering, subcommittee discussions, and ongoing focus groups and consultations. The Working Group has consulted key stakeholders, including Deans' Council, Associate Deans (Academic/Undergraduate) Council (ADAC), the Senate Committee on Academic Standards (SCAS), the Senate Committee on Learning and Teaching (SCLT), Senate, and the Office of the Vice President Indigenous (OVPI), UVic students, and staff.
Next steps include:
- Finalize report and recommendations for a revised requirement.
- Propose changes to Senate: In Spring 2025, the Working Group will present a proposal to the Senate Committee on Academic Standards and Senate for a revised requirement.
- Develop an implementation proposal: The Working Group will collaborate with OREM, the VPAC Office, and other interested parties, conducting further consultations to create a detailed plan for implementing the revised requirement.
Resources and FAQs
Several key changes are being considered, including:
- Making the AWR mandatory for all incoming undergraduate students (except those with appropriate transfer credits)
- Requiring completion of the AWR within the first year of study at UVic
- Integrating digital literacy and generative AI tools into the learning goals
- Establishing an Oversight Body for ongoing review and approval of AWR courses
The campus community is invited to attend a virtual townhall on Tuesday, January 21 from 10:00-11:30 a.m. This event will provide an opportunity to hear directly from the AWR Working Group about the current progress on the AWR review and proposed changes. Attendees will also have the chance to ask questions and provide feedback.
Please and submit any questions you have in advance.
Members
- Elizabeth Adjin-Tettey, AVP Academic Programs (sponsor)
- Cindy Holder, Acting Associate Dean Academic, Humanities (co-chair)
- Todd Milford, Department Chair, Curriculum and Instruction (co-chair)
- Nancy Ami, Manager, Centre for Academic Communication
- Shailoo Bedi, Executive Director, Division of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation
- Erin Kelly, Program Director, Academic and Technical Writing
- Kim McLean-Fiander, AWR Advisor, English
- Karen Munro, Director, Engagement and Learning, UVic Libraries
- Carleigh Dean, Project and Communications Officer, VPAC (support)
Please direct any questions for the working group to projcom@uvic.ca.