The centerpiece of the University's commitment to writing is the Institute for Writing Studies. The three arms of the Institute consist of state-of-the-art Writing Centers on the Queens and Staten Island campuses, the University's innovative First-Year Writing program, and a Writing Across the Curriculum program hosting workshops and seminars on our campuses in New York and Rome.

The Institute is dedicated to fostering a vibrant writing culture throughout the University, serving as a nexus for research, teaching, assessment, and service in all areas of writing: academic, creative, professional, and multimodal. Our Institute is devoted to a collaborative ethic that includes all constituents. The four directors meet weekly and consult one another on virtually all IWS matters. First-year writing faculty also meet every week, and are heavily engaged in designing program learning objectives, assessment projects, and faculty development activities. Associate Writing Center directors work closely with area high schools and community organizations. Undergraduate and graduate Writing Center consultants are actively involved in research and present at regional and national conferences. First-year students participate in various readings, workshops, and luncheons, while upper-level and graduate students edit the University's literary magazines.

All of this takes place in a spacious, multimillion dollar facility on the Queens campus, with a smaller branch on the Staten Island campus. The IWS features conference tables, workstations, lounges, a seminar room, a writing studies library, and offices for faculty and graduate research assistants. The Staten Island campus features a brand new Writing Center with adjoining offices for first-year writing faculty. The Institute opened in September 2006, and was made possible through generous donor support and the vision of the President and Provost.

IWS Staff