Writing Committee
Meetings:
The Writing Committee meetings are alternating Mondays via Zoom from 10:00AM - 11:00AM.
Contact the Faculty Senate Office to be added to the distribution list.
Responsibilities:
The Writing Committee is primarily responsible for the ongoing evaluation and assessment of General Education writing requirements. The Writing Committee advocates for effective writing instruction, curriculum, and assessment. In addition, the Writing Committee reviews course proposals for the writing designation as well as transfer equivalency appeals for writing courses. The Writing Committee also monitors the programs of the Writing Center as well as the University-wide Program-level Writing Assessment, and collaborates with campus groups to provide faculty development workshops.
Writing, Learning, and Use of Generative AI
The Writing Committee affirms that writing-intensive courses must focus on developing students’ abilities in reading, analysis, synthesis, composition, and ethical engagement with information literacy. Writing is an active process that teaches students to think critically, communicate effectively, and express ideas with clarity and purpose.
At the University of Montana, Writing Across the Curriculum (WAC) and Writing in the Disciplines (WID) courses are central to cultivating students’ capacity to communicate complex ideas, engage ethically with information, and produce original work.
Generative AI offers both opportunities and challenges in writing pedagogy. When used thoughtfully, AI can support learning; when overused, it can replace essential elements of the writing process and hinder growth as independent thinkers and communicators. The Writing Committee recognizes AI as a powerful and enduring tool that should be engaged critically and responsibly.
To promote transparency and uphold instructional integrity, the Writing Committee is asking for all WAC and WID course syllabi to include an instructor statement defining the acceptable use of generative AI tools in the classroom.
The statement should:
- Help students understand which AI tools may be used and under what conditions;
- Encourage instructors to thoughtfully consider how AI might support or hinder learning outcomes; and
- Offer the Writing Committee insight into how courses are engaging with AI while maintaining writing standards and assessment goals.
The Writing Committee remains committed to the ongoing evaluation of General Education writing requirements and to advocating for effective writing instruction, curriculum, and assessment that promote student agency, academic integrity, and meaningful engagement with writing in an AI-informed world.
Writing Course Rolling Review Schedule
|
Review Year |
AY 26-27 |
AY 27-28 |
AY 28-29 |
AY 29-30 |
AY 30-31 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Review Group(s) |
Writing, Literature, and Fine Arts |
Professional Schools | Humanities | Sciences | Social Sciences |
Resources for Writing Course Rolling Review:
Guide for Distributed Writing in the Disciplines Courses
Information Literacy
Writing Across the Curriculum Course Exemption Appeal Guidelines
Writing in the Disciplines Course Substitution Criteria