Indispensable Reference for Teachers of FWS

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Consult this reference as you prepare to teach in the Knight Institute's First-Year Writing Seminar Program (FWS), one of the country's largest and most diverse programs in writing in the disciplines.

The materials provided here are revised each academic year with updated contacts, support information, and sample semester schedules.

Building your FWS Syllabus

• FWS Requirements

• FWS Learning Outcomes

• The FWS Syllabus: Info to Include

• Guidelines for First Assignments

  • FWS Instructor Referral

• CU Key Academic Dates 2021-2022

  • Fall 2021 Semester Calendar with a Sample Schedule for Drafts

  • Spring 2022 Semester Calendar with a Sample Schedule for Drafts

Preparing to Teach your FWS

• Nuts and Bolts: Logistics, Books, and Grades

• First Day Checklist

• Teaching Resources for Instructors

• Student Attendance

• Academic Integrity Code and Procedures

• Cornell Instructor Responsibilities

Submitting Course Grades

• When to submit final course grades

• How to submit final course grades

• Guidelines for submitting an Incomplete

• Guidelines for adjusting grades

Responding to Students of Concern

• Students of Concern: Protocols and Procedures

  • Resources for Student Wellbeing and Health

• Students of Concern: College Contacts

  • Advising, Career Services, & Support

Professional Development for FWS Instructors

• Pre/In-Service Training and Ongoing Support for FWS Instructors

• Course Leading: Participant Expectations

• FWS Course Evaluations

  • Administering Student Evaluations

  • Optional Mid-Term Evaluation

  • Required End-Of-Semester Evaluation

  • Instructor Reflection Form

• KNIGHTLYnews | Notes from the FWS Classroom Weekly posts help FWS instructors stay informed about and connected to program goals and each other

• FWS Instructor Sandbox Canvas site with sample lesson plans, writing assignments, and handouts

• FWS Instructor Workshops 

Writing Support for FWS Students

• The Writing Workshop

• Cornell Writing Centers

• KNIGHT WRITERS Mentor Program

Resources for FWS Teachers

• Writing Recommendation Letters

• Awards, Prizes, and Professional Opportunities

  • Awards for Students and Instructors

  • Propose a FWS

  • Apply to be a Cornell Writing Centers Tutor

  • Apply to be a Graduate Writing Service Tutor

  • Apply to be a WRIT 7100 "Teaching Writing" Co-Facilitator

  • Apply to be a Knight Institute Summer Intern

    • Cornell Writing Centers Summer Internship

    • FWS Classroom Summer Internship

  • Apply to work as Temporary Lecturer in our Writing Workshop