Dr. Linda Adler-Kassner
Writing Program Administrator, Eastern Michigan University

The primary tasks and duties of the Writing Program Administrator include developing and overseeing the curriculum, hiring and training the faculty, scheduling classes, and dealing with funding issues for the program. In addition to the internal management tasks, the WPA represents the program's interest to the wider University-level, in particular in relation to the General Education program.

The normal teaching load for tenure-track faculty at EMU is a 3-3 load. Dr. Adler-Kassner as the Director of the FYWP teachers a 1-2 load, and Dr. John Dunn, the Assistant-Director has a 2-2 teaching commitment. Dr. Adler-Kassner says that she has good support from her University for their work as WPAs.

Faculty Development

At the same time that they begin teaching in the program, Graduate students must take a Graduate Practicum class in teaching first year writing. This class arrangement, worth the regular three credit hours, is fairly unique. The class meets intensively before the semester begins in August, and then once weekly during the Fall semester. The FYWP offers additional faculty development in the form of a workshop each semester and a 1/2 day retreat at the end of each semester to debrief the semester and reflectively assess what needs to be changed.

Overseeing Faculty
The WPAs do a classroom observation for all faculty once a year. Graduate assistant instructors receive a more detailed review, and in addition to having them turn in their syllabus and learning assignments, they are asked to submit copies of essays they have graded that contain their comments explaining their assessment and markings on student papers. These annotated papers become a subject for review and individualized faculty development.