Discusses why writing centers are the best "home" for writing across the curriculum. Suggests that writing centers (1) provide a definable space for expertise, with identifiable goals and services; (2) encourage the dialogue between diverse rhetorical communities; and (3) offer a rhetorically neutral ground on which to carry out the program. (RS)

Asserts that competency testing as part of a writing program does not have to be a liability to the writing center. Describes the situation at Boise State University, where the writing center helps the students to prepare for the competency exams. Discusses each exam and the process of helping the students. (PRA)

Discusses 10 rites of writing program administrators followed by some suggestions for how to deal with them--in some instances through reactive behavior that accommodates the rites; in other instances through taking the initiative that transforms initiation rites into initiation rights. (MG)

Destabilizes the current construction of writing program administration by both questioning the theoretical constructs inherent in the traditional language writing program administrators use to represent themselves and suggesting a more ethically sound conceptual frame. Suggests an expanded way for understanding the remarkable opportunity…

Examines the theoretical and pragmatic objections to first-year composition courses raised by recent abolitionists who are composition insiders. Assesses four frequently proposed alternative models of first-year composition. Discusses evaluating these alternatives from the perspective of a writing program administrator's dual roles of curriculum…

Details the facts of power for administrators or writing programs. Discusses positions of power within writing programs; enemies of writing programs; wielding power in relation to the writing staff, the English department, and the administration; and how to become of aware of the power relationships and to use this power for the good of the…

Shares knowledge about the administrative audience, what the authors wish they had known when they were directors of writing centers and writing programs. Addresses how they could have negotiated for more dollars, more space, more options for expanding and improving services. Notes that administrators are part of the institution and can be…

Examines the relationship between the foremost writing program director at a college or university and the writing center director. Compares the nature and status of the two positions and the background of the people who hold them. Finds program directors enjoy a more privileged place in institutional structures and that the professionalization of…

Reports and analyzes the consequences of a university's abolishing any required writing course, using the case of the Director of Writing at Portland State University. Discusses effects on assessment, funding, service, and staff and staffing needs. (SR)

Describes briefly the proposal to change the writing program universitywide at Western Illinois University. Draws conclusions about the rhetorical situation of the writing program administrator in his or her attempts to substantively rename and predicate what educators do and thus to redefine the discipline. (MG)

Discusses the role of writing center directors and teachers in the university setting. Discusses how to explain these roles to department chairs and deans to counter persistent misconceptions and to present a fuller picture of the work done in writing centers than statistics alone can offer. (MG)

Finds that 10 students with experience tutoring at the Writing Center felt that this experience improved their classroom teaching, helping them understand the practical implications of student-centered theory and making them more committed to practicing it in the classroom. Offers two case studies showing how one-to-one teaching in the Writing…

Describes the transformation of a writing program at a small Canadian university from a subdivision of the English department into a separate, interdisciplinary Centre for Academic Writing. Describes the origins of the program and recounts the processes of review and transition the program underwent. Notes how curricular and…

Proposes a model for writing program administrators to use to assess the effectiveness of composition programs. Argues the need to consider local conditions, evaluate the internal coherence of programs, and consider the external relevance of programs. Describes how using this model led the Writing Center at Northern Arizona University to make…

Describes the authors' experience co-chairing a writing department. Identifies seven key areas where the sharing of writing program administrator duties has resulted in personal, departmental, or institutional benefits. Discusses workload and professional identity, the politics of writing programs, co-directing as post-bureaucratic practice, and…