Writing Instruction Program Links

Outstanding Student Writing Awards

The Writing Instruction Program recognizes outstanding achievement in nonfiction prose writing with  awards given to students enrolled in College Writing (ENG 101), Honors Freshman Composition (ENG 151) and Advanced College Writing (ENG 291).

One award in each course is for expository writing (personal narrative, description or profile). One award in each course is for a research project (critical response, book review or researched argument).

Entries in any category may be in paper format (such as essays) or digital format (such as PowerPoint or other multi-media writing projects).

A faculty awards committee conducts the judging. Each winning student receives a certificate and a check for $50 during the department's annual awards ceremony in the spring. Some essays will be published in Pentangle, the department's literary publication.

Entries must meet the following criteria:

• Exhibit originality and a writer's unique voice
• Present a focused, compelling thesis if needed
• Support the thesis thoroughly in an interesting, organized manner
• Employ varied sentences and precise, vivid wording
• Be free of errors in grammar and mechanics
• Document sources correctly according to an appropriate format (e.g., MLA, APA, CMS).

Eligibility: All students in College Writing (ENG 101), Honors Freshman Composition (ENG 151) and Advanced College Writing (ENG 291) are eligible. The faculty member must nominate the student's work. The writing project must have been written within one year of the deadline date.

Nomination: The faculty member must give the student's work to the WIP director with a cover sheet that includes the instructor's name and the student's name, telephone number, mailing address, and email address.

Limit: Each faculty member may nominate a maximum of two student projects annually.