Writing in the Disciplines is an educational movement that emerged in the mid-1970s at several small colleges before spreading to postsecondary institutions of all sizes, public and private, in the years that followed. Writing in the Disciplines programs engage students in writing across subject areas and support faculty from all disciplines in their attempt to provide effective writing instruction. Ultimately, Writing in the Disciplines programs hope to create a campus climate in which both faculty and students recognize writing as a central element not only in English classes but in courses throughout the curriculum.
Writing in the Disciplines at Pitt is administered by the College Writing Board, a committee of faculty from disciplines in the School of Arts and Sciences. The Board screens proposed writing-intensive courses, arranges faculty workshops on writing instruction, and adjudicates entries for the Ossip Awards for Excellence in Undergraduate Writing.