Writing Intensive Orientation Session (WIOS)

What is WIOS?

WIOS is a five-day writing intensive workshop designed to prepare incoming first-year students for the rigors of college-level writing at UNF. WIOS will meet in the Writing Center in 2022. 

During WIOS, the faculty of the UNF Writing Program introduces students to the writing challenges they will face throughout their college years. Students will learn strategies for excelling in the first-year writing sequence (ENC 1101 and 1143), consider the unique demands of 2000-level disciplinary writing, and explore the types of public writing specific to their chosen professions. Students will also learn active reading and research strategies and produce polished public writing.

UNF takes writing seriously

• All students must take ENC 1143 and earn a C or better in order to meet the Gordon Rule requirement
• Students who bypass 1101 by virtue of AP exams must still take ENC 1143
• Many entry-level prerequisite courses for major programs of study have Gordon Rule writing components
• Most core program-of-study courses have regular written assignments that make up a large portion of the course grade

Why should I attend WIOS?

Most high school students, even those who have participated in AP and IB courses, find themselves unequal to the demands of their first-year writing courses. As a result, many first-year students find themselves repeating ENC 1101 or  ENC 1143, which increases the time it takes to graduate and increases their tuition costs. Additionally, students with poor writing skills earn significantly lower grades in their general education courses and the courses required for their programs of study.

Students attending WOIS will

• Hone core writing skills in a condensed, week-long workshop
• Learn close reading strategies practiced in first year ENC courses
• Increase their chances of success in required writing courses*
• Increase their chances of success on writing assignments in other general and major-specific courses
• Make connections with tutors and professors who will be present to support them throughout their time at UNF 
• Make friends and get to know their campus before Fall term begins
• Receive a UNF t-shirt and other swag to show their UNF spirit

*UNF requires all students to take ENC 1143, regardless of the AP credit they bring from high school. Students without AP credit must take ENC 1101 and ENC 1143.

WIOS is worth the cost

Students pay a relatively small fee that covers student materials and operating costs. The fee for WIOS is negligible when compared to the costs associated with repeating required writing courses or receiving poor grades in General Education and/or program of study courses.

Students may apply for financial assistance via the application. Limited scholarships are available.  

When:

Aug. 10 - Aug. 14 

Costs: