Applications Now Accepted for 2021

Members of the University of Wyoming community who seek to increase their scholarly writing productivity in a community-based environment can apply now to the UW Academic Writing Fellows program (UWAWF).

The deadline to apply for the 2021-22 program is Friday, Aug. 27. To view the UWAWF program requirements and application instructions, click here.

Now in its second year, the cross-disciplinary program promotes greater scholarly productivity through mentoring, retreats, writing groups and community-building. The program will accept up to 10 participants. It is anticipated that the program will be conducted in face-to-face settings; however, the format may be adjusted in response to COVID-19 concerns.

The Communication across the Curriculum (CxC) program coordinates the UWAWF program, with support from the Office of Academic Affairs. The CxC program -- now housed within the LeaRN Program -- supports UW faculty and students in enhancing their written, oral and digital communication. It provides support for faculty in teaching writing and seeks to promote a vibrant culture of academic communication across campus.

Rick Fisher, CxC director, will co-coordinate the UWAWF program with April French, one of last year’s fellows and a senior academic adviser in the College of Health Sciences.

“As we emerge from the pandemic in the coming year, we hope UWAWF can help faculty revisit their values, habits and writing agendas,” Fisher says.

Faculty and staff members who participated in the inaugural program, which concluded June 30, were: Ana Clara Bobadilla, an assistant professor in the School of Pharmacy; Kayla Burd, an assistant professor in the Department of Psychology; French; Kate Hartman, an assistant professor in the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies; Hannah Hollinger, an assistant professor in the Department of Animal Science; Sandy Leotti, an assistant professor in the Division of Social Work; Stephen Newbold, an assistant professor in the Department of Economics; Kerry Sondgeroth, an associate professor in the Department of Veterinary Sciences; and Charlie Zhang, an assistant professor in the Construction Management Program.

Last year’s cohort produced 25 academic articles, 15 funding proposals and 12 additional works, including book chapters.

Participants reported moderate to strong gains in their writing productivity, process, identity and in their teaching of writing, Fisher says.

“This program has been a huge help. It has changed my mental approach to writing, built a network of support and provided tangible skills/tips to improve my writing. It has helped me as a researcher in publications and grant writing, and as an educator in scientific writing,” wrote a participant who provided program feedback.

For more information about the 2021-22 UWAWF program, email Fisher at rick.fisher@uwyo.edu.