Empowering writers: Inside Clemson’s Grad WAC Fellows program

What is the Grad WAC Fellows program all about? Writing Across the Curriculum, graduate students here at Clemson expand their writing skills and learn new teaching techniques across all areas of study. 

The two foundations of the program are writing across the curriculum and writing in the disciplines. Writing across the curriculum prepares students for various academic writing styles by incorporating informal writing to learn exercises, such as journals and reflection papers, to help them be innovative writers and process their ideas more effectively. Writing in the disciplines exposes students to in-the-field writing, preparing them for professional standards through tasks like journal articles, grant applications, masters theses and technical documents. Together, WAC and WID equip students with the skills needed to succeed in all disciplines and their professional and academic careers.

A theme you can notice throughout the program is empowerment. Whether that be for the undergraduate students or the fellows themselves, every member of this program feels empowered to explore their writing in ways they have never before. The Grad WAC Fellows program has a strong sense of community, and students feel comfortable expressing their ideas. 

Shamrat Kumar Paul, a graduate teaching assistant, said that this program has helped him look at teaching in a new perspective. 

“One of the biggest takeaways for me has been learning how to approach writing instruction from a more holistic and student-centered perspective. I’ve discovered the importance of scaffolding assignments and providing targeted feedback to help students improve their writing skills over time.” 

Participants feel the Grad WAC Fellows program is very therapeutic because it allows them to build relationships with fellow members who provide mentorship and feedback.  

Tolulope Famaye, a doctoral student with an educational focus in learning sciences shared what this program has helped her discover. 

“I discovered that writing doesn’t always have to be a solemn or daunting task where one strives for perfection from the outset. Engaging in simple writing exercises can gradually enhance clarity and confidence in sharing ideas.” 

  A major aspect of the WAC Grad Fellows Program is the research that they participate in. Over 85 percent of Grad WAC Fellows are involved in graduate research. Research in the WAC Fellows program aims to support improvement for Graduate TAs in how they teach and assess writing in undergraduate courses. They explore ways to incorporate low-stakes writing, create effective rubrics and apply these learned techniques across all fields, including engineering, social sciences and the arts and humanities. 

The graduate students in the program feel inspired from the classes they take from their mentors. 

Famaye also believes that her class exercises and the professors she had shaped her newfound appreciation for writing. 

“I really enjoyed the way the professors handled the classes. I appreciated the short writing activities throughout, it didn’t make it feel like a burden.” 

She shared how several graduate students struggle with their writing, and just as a colleague recommended the program to her, she encourages others to apply and improve their writing just as she has.

The faculty of the Grad WAC Fellows program are just as inspired and grateful for the program as the graduate students are. 

Phil Randall, a principal lecturer of English, describes the program as fun. 

“I really enjoy doing this. My favorite part is seeing my students get more engaged.” Randall also described how this has impacted not just his professional life, but his social life as well. “Collaboration enriched my social life, I have developed several personal friendships with colleagues, so I mean that is a pretty cool thing.” 

Randall, among the rest of the faculty and graduate students, encourages people to join the program. 

“Break the ice, and get more comfortable sharing your ideas in your own way.” 

The biggest takeaway from the Grad WAC Fellows Program is to get more comfortable with writing to be able to easily incorporate it into your teaching styles, assignments and everyday life. The stereotype that writing should only happen in English classes is constantly being broken within this program. It can be used in all disciplines. Faculty and graduate students can gain so much from this program, whether it be friendships with mentors and colleagues, new learning techniques to bring into the classroom or newfound confidence in writing abilities, all will enrich their lives both personally and professionally. 

By: Maille Llach