The UConn First-Year Writing (FYW) Program prepares students to become versatile writers, setting them up for success in college and beyond.
About First-Year Writing
All UConn undergraduate students must take a first-year writing course as part of their general education requirements. The First-Year Writing Program administers these courses, trains instructors, and develops new teaching methods.
We offer first-year seminars in composition and studio sessions that promote active learning and collaboration. Our courses emphasize the development of writing across disciplines. Students get exposure to different writing styles and platforms, from traditional to new digital media.
By the Numbers
100+
Sections of ENGL 1007 offered per semester
20
Average class size
~5.2k
Students enroll in first-year writing courses per year
Quick Links
Find an Instructor
Browse a list of our course instructors at the Storrs and regional campuses.
Instructor Directory
Course Placement
Complete the Guided Placement Survey to find the course match that’s best for you.
Take the Survey
Classroom Activities
First-year writing students learn by doing and engage in hands-on experiences.
Explore Activities
Blog
UConn Waterbury Students’ Bad Ideas About Writing
by Ellen C. Carillo On February 29, on the Waterbury campus, I hosted an event titled “Bad Ideas About Writing Live!” The event featured the writing of students in ENGL 2013W: Introduction to Writing Studies. Students developed their own “bad idea about writing” and presented them before an audience comprised of staff, students, and OLLI […]
[Read More]Creating Cross-Campus & Community Networks in First-Year Writing
by Danielle Gilman Collaboration is an essential element of first-year writing seminars at UConn. Students spend the semester exploring project-based inquiries through a series of course moves designed to facilitate ongoing exchange with their classmates and instructors. In addition to encouraging students to perform experiential research, participate in and contribute to public discussions & debates, […]
[Read More]Re-Engaging Students
by Kelly Coons Let’s set the scene. You’re midway through the semester—one or two projects down, so two or one project to go. Most of your class is along for the ride. Key word: most. One of your students has disappeared over the course of the semester. You reached out to the student over email, […]
[Read More]