Carolinas WPA Meeting in the Middle
Friday, February 19
Charlotte Uptown Center
Charlotte, NC
9:30am-4:30pm
Theme: Supporting ESL Writers & Showcasing Writing Programs
As writing programs throughout the Carolinas welcome growing numbers of ESL students, Writing Program Administers (WPAs) seeking strategies for supporting this student group can learn from the flourishing field of second language writing. Our 2010 morning session features local scholars who have had active leadership roles in the CCCC Committee on Second Language Writing and the TESOL Second Language Writing Interest Section. In addition to sharing the recently revised CCCC Statement on Second Language Writing and Writers, the speakers will share strategies for supporting ESL students in writing programs ranging from writing centers to first-year writing programs at R1 institutions to WAC programs in private universities.
The theme for our afternoon session also responds to current issues faced by WPAs and composition instructors. As budget constraints continue to have an impact on writing programs and writing instruction, students and faculty are finding it prudent to highlight more of what we already do well. During the afternoon, participants are invited to present posters as a way to display and explain our successes, both for each other and, after the Meeting in the Middle ends, for promotional purposes within our own institutions. Please see the “Request for proposals” below for more information.
Interested graduate students are also encouraged to participate. Graduate students may also display and discuss their posters containing research in any area of writing and/or the teaching of writing. This is a great way for graduate students meet others in the local area.
Request for Proposals
The CWPA encourages active participation at its conference. If you would like to participate in this conference, please submit a proposal that addresses one of the areas above. Please submit a 100-word abstract by February 8, 2010 to Anthony T. Atkins [atkinsa@uncw.edu]. Be sure to include names of presenters, institutions, and email addresses for participants.
Conference Outline
As always, we aim for the conference to be interactive. The morning session will include invited speakers on the subject of ESL and WPA support. Your conference fees pay for a lunch that is provided at the conference. The afternoon will consist of poster presentations and conference attendees will be encouraged to visit posters and discuss them with the poster presenters. Poster presenters should try to bring two people to present their poster and research. Poster presenters should also bring a method of hanging/displaying their poster. Most universities have easels that they may allow you to borrow. Presenters might inquire about borrowing an easel for that day. A detailed conference outline is forthcoming via email shortly before the conference begins.
As always there will be plenty of time to meet informally with colleagues and students.
Registration Fee
$25.00 includes lunch and break food.
To increase C-WPA visibility: Bring a Friend for Free. Please, however, you must register your friend when you register yourself.
Snail Mail Registration deadline—Monday, February 8, 2010.
Electronic Registration Deadline—Friday, February 12, 2010
See the registration form for more information.