Browse answers to frequently asked questions.

What are the benefits of teaching a FWIS?

FWIS courses offer instructors an exciting opportunity to interact with the university’s newest students in an intimate, seminar-style atmosphere on a topic of the instructor’s choosing. Many students cite their FWIS as one of their favorite classes during their first year, and often enroll in their FWIS instructor’s other courses. Additionally, the PWC provides extensive pedagogical support/training that benefits instructors beyond their teaching in the FWIS program.

When should I submit a FWIS course proposal?

In November a call goes out on PRES-FAC for new FWIS course proposals for the next academic year. Course proposals are accepted through January, but the priority deadline is December 21st. (Note that the deadline for graduate students' FWIS course proposals occurs in the spring semester.)

What is the review process for FWIS course proposals?

All new FWIS course proposals are discussed by a committee composed of tenure-track and non-tenure-track faculty from the Program in Writing and Communication and its Faculty Advisory Board. Proposals are also reviewed by the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs. This process ensures that FWIS courses are content-driven, communication-intensive, rigorous, and appropriate for first-year students. If you would like to discuss your proposal ideas before submitting, please contact Dr. Dave Messmer, FWIS Director.

Do you provide proof that a student visited the Center?

Due to the volume of visits, we do not routinely provide a form for every appointment; however, we do have a proof-of-attendance form you can print out and give to the student to bring to the appointment. (These forms are also available at the CAPC for students to request.) At the conclusion of the appointment, the consultant will sign the form and return it to the student. If you arrange for the Center to conduct a special workshop or program for your course, we are happy to track attendance at that activity.

If I request a TA for my FWIS, will the TA come from my department?

Not necessarily. Faculty who elect to have a TA will be assigned a graduate student trained to teach writing and communication. If you wish to use a specific TA from your department, though, you may make that request during the course approval process. You can also request a trained undergraduate "Writing Mentor"; if you're interested in this option, talk to the FWIS Director during the course approval process.

My department has a large 100- or 200-level survey class. Can I teach an independent section of this course as a FWIS?

Yes. It will require a new course number under the FWIS designation. FWIS courses cannot be cross-listed. The course also will have to meet the communication-intensive learning goals of the FWIS program.

If I decide to teach a FWIS instead of a departmental course, will my department be compensated to hire a replacement instructor?

Replacement funding for core departmental courses is at the discretion of the Vice Provost for Academic Affairs.

Do you work only with undergraduates?

No. Our mission is to serve all members of the Rice community. Students make appointments through our website; faculty and staff should make appointments by contacting us. We accept appointments from graduate and post-doctoral students for giving feedback on papers, theses, dissertations, conference proposals and presentations, grant proposals, journal articles, and job talks. We have worked with instructors on such items as designing writing-intensive assignments and syllabi and revising journal articles.

I'd like to participate in the FWIS training seminar again. Can I still receive the stipend?

We welcome your repeated participation in the seminar, though you are eligible to receive the stipend only once.

Can I send my students to the CAPC for assistance with their FWIS assignments?

Yes. Students receive assistance through individual consultation and should make their appointments.