The John S. Knight Institute for Writing in the Disciplines offers First-Year Writing Seminars (FWS) in one of the oldest and most interdisciplinary undergraduate writing programs in the world: each year, more than 450 different courses are taught in more than 30 departments and programs located in the humanities, social sciences, expressive arts, and sciences. More than 3,000 students from across the university enroll each year in small classes with no more than 17 or 18 students from all seven colleges.
Students should aim to satisfy their First-Year Writing Seminar requirement during their first year. Balloting for FWSs is open only to freshmen, sophomores, and first-semester transfer students; juniors and seniors are not eligible to enroll in First-Year Writing Seminars, neither by ballot nor through electronic add/drop.
Transfer students: English 2880-2890, a cluster of writing courses for sophomores, juniors, and seniors, may fulfill a First-Year Writing Seminar requirement for those who need it. Students enroll for these sections through Student Center.
Important Dates
- FWS will appear on your schedule by Monday, November 25.
- Electronic Add/Drop for FWS starts Wednesday, January 13. See directions below.
*This date applies to freshmen, sophomores, and first-semester transfer students. - Writing seminars begin Tuesday, January 21.
- The last day to add an FWS is Tuesday, February 4.
Ballot Submission Details
To enroll in a First-Year Writing Seminar, click here (during a submission period) and select five (5) choices for your ballot. There will be pull-down pick-lists sorted by Department and by Day/Time.
The ballot does not operate on a first-come, first-served basis. During the submission period, you may enter a ballot at any time, or change your ballot as many times as you like. Only the last submission will count when the submission period closes.
If you submit a ballot and then decide to cancel your ballot submission, please delete your ballot.
PLEASE MAKE SURE THAT YOUR BALLOT SELECTIONS DO NOT CONFLICT WITH ANY OTHER CLASSES FOR WHICH YOU HAVE PRE-ENROLLED.
If you do not submit a ballot, you may add a FWS beginning at the start of the add/drop period.
