AUM “writes” to celebrate National Day on Writing

No matter what subject you’re studying, it’s time to pick up a pen and start writing.

The Writing Across the Curriculum program will celebrate the National Day on Writing with “AUM Writes” Tuesday, Oct. 20, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Goodwyn Hall 109.

Activities throughout the day will include a speed writing contest, skits, poetry and student readings and a worst opening sentence contest.

The worst opening sentence contest will give students 15 minutes to write their worst opening sentence. Students will then read their sentence in front of judges from the WAC committee.

“The format will be similar to the show American Idol,” said Dr. Jennifer Good, WAC director. “Judges will give their comments. It’s meant to be funny.”

Why a day of writing at AUM? Good said there are three main reasons:

• To let everyone know about WAC – this will be the kick-off event for the new program.
• So students and faculty can write and share their writing for a day.
• To celebrate the National Day on Writing.

“We want to recognize that we’re going to write regardless of the discipline or area of study,” said Good. “In five years, I think, we’re going to have a really strong writing program, and we will be a model for other institutions.”

The AUM WAC program seeks to improve the quality of student writing campus-wide by incorporating writing-intensive instruction into all undergraduate students’ required programs of study.

Sept. 24, 2009