What to Expect from Your Instructors

The First-Year Writing Program works hard to make sure your experience in our writing courses is positive, cooperative, creative, and interesting. In return, we expect you to fully engage in class to get the most out of your learning.

Instructor Responsibilities

UConn first-year writing courses are taught primarily by graduate students and adjunct instructors across all campuses. Your instructors are here to help you learn and ensure you have clear guidelines for your courses.

You can expect the following things from your instructor:

  • A written statement that specifies the required readings and requirements for papers, responses, conferences, tutorials, and exams.
  • Policies on in-class engagement, ethical scholarship, criteria for evaluation, and due dates for written work.
  • Written instructions for every full-length writing assignment.
  • Prompt and regular written and oral responses to your writing throughout the term, both during class and between sessions.

Student Responsibilities

Our program also asks students to fulfill certain responsibilities. This keeps communication clear and makes sure you have a positive, respectful relationship with your instructor.

You should be ready to:

  1. Attend and participate in all classes, small writing group meetings, and conferences.
  2. Actively contribute to work.
  3. Complete all drafts of assignments by the due dates.
  4. Communicate with your instructor about what may affect your performance in the course.

Contact Us

If you have questions or concerns about your course instructor, please email the First-Year Writing Program:

firstyearwriting@uconn.edu