TAMIU Ends UWA Requirement, Moves to Integrated Writing Model

Beginning this Fall, Texas A&M International University (TAMIU) will offer an integrated writing experience in lieu of the previous University Writing Assessment, also formerly known as the Rising Junior Examination.

Dr. Jeff Cass, TAMIU associate vice president and provost, said the move to integration is reflective of the University’s desire to make writing excellence an institutional focus.

“Late this Spring, we announced our commitment to our Quality Enhancement Program (QEP), to be known as ‘Write on TAMIU,’ a plan to improve undergraduate writing and create a campus culture that promotes and values writing and promises to prepare students for success in their personal and professional lives by embracing writing,” Dr. Cass said.

He noted that by integrating the University’s writing experiences, the UWA is no longer necessary.

“We are confident that this new integration will provide us with rich opportunities to work with students to enhance their writing skills and focus on writing excellence. By enhancing the quality of our students’ writing, we better prepare them for real-life situations. We know that our students’ future employers, co-workers and the community at large will place high value on excellent writing skills and are committed to making this one of our TAMIU graduates’ hallmarks,” he explained.

University president Dr. Ray Keck noted that the need to improve writing is a national concern in education and requires collaborative efforts.

“To that end, we are working closely with Laredo Community College (LCC) to create a ‘Write On, Laredo’ plan, supported by complementary curricula in English 1301-1302, on both campuses. It is the intention of the College and University to work with both school districts to devise a vertically aligned, comprehensive approach to writing stretching from high school and into the college and university classrooms. We all recognize that only a coordinated effort embracing schools and colleges will bring the positive changes we all seek,” Dr. Keck said.

The opportunity to develop the TAMIU ‘Write on Laredo’ program came about as the University prepared for its accreditation reaffirmation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Cass noted.

“We found ourselves at a natural juncture where we could evaluate the UWA and move on to the next level of commitment to student writing excellence,” Cass said.

The integration will primarily occur through student enrollment in English 1301-1302 and be amplified by continued emphasis on writing in each academic discipline.

On-campus efforts will be directed by the University’s popular Writing Center, located in the Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu