The UConn First-Year Writing (FYW) Program prepares students to become versatile writers, setting them up for success in college and beyond.

Information for Students

Information for Instructors

About First-Year Writing

All UConn undergraduate students must take a first-year writing course as part of their general education requirements. The First-Year Writing Program administers these courses, trains instructors, and develops new teaching methods.

We offer first-year seminars in composition and studio sessions that promote active learning and collaboration. Our courses emphasize the development of writing across disciplines. Students get exposure to different writing styles and platforms, from traditional to new digital media.

First-Year Writing Program Logo

By the Numbers

100+

Sections of ENGL 1007 offered per semester

20

Average class size

~5.2k

Students enroll in first-year writing courses per year

Quick Links

A professors meets one-on-one with a student in class.

Find an Instructor

Browse a list of our course instructors at the Storrs and regional campuses.
Instructor Directory

A student presents their work to peers in class.

Course Placement

Complete the Guided Placement Survey to find the course match that’s best for you.
Take the Survey

Students work on laptops in class with a professor advises them.

Classroom Activities

First-year writing students learn by doing and engage in hands-on experiences.
Explore Activities

Blog

Welcome from new Assistant Director, Marie Nour Nakhle

Hello, FYW Community! I am thrilled to be taking on the position of First-Year Writing Assistant Director for the next two years, and I’m looking forward to working closely with all the members of our wonderful community.  I want to start by giving a big thank you to Luisana. I have to admit, I am […]

[Read More]

UConn Waterbury Students’ Bad Ideas About Writing

by Ellen C. Carillo On February 29, on the Waterbury campus, I hosted an event titled “Bad Ideas About Writing Live!” The event featured the writing of students in ENGL 2013W: Introduction to Writing Studies. Students developed their own “bad idea about writing” and presented them before an audience comprised of staff, students, and OLLI […]

[Read More]

Creating Cross-Campus & Community Networks in First-Year Writing

by Danielle Gilman Collaboration is an essential element of first-year writing seminars at UConn. Students spend the semester exploring project-based inquiries through a series of course moves designed to facilitate ongoing exchange with their classmates and instructors. In addition to encouraging students to perform experiential research, participate in and contribute to public discussions & debates, […]

[Read More]

Upcoming Events