The National Writing across the Curriculum Conferences have grown steadily larger, reaching out to a wider and more diverse group of participants. These conferences have focused purposefully on what happens in writing and communication enhanced classrooms. Faculty presenters have shared their use of writing assignments in many fields and in a wide range of schools and technological contexts. These sessions will continue to be important, but it is time to look also at the effects of policies that affect WAC programs, classrooms, and funding.
The National Writing across the Curriculum Conferences began in 1993, as a meeting sponsored in Charleston every two years by Clemson University, Cornell University, The University of Charleston, and the Citadel: The Military College of South Carolina. In 1999 Cornell University hosted the first conference outside of Charleston. The Fifth Writing across the Curriculum Conference was sponsored jointly by Indiana University, the University of Notre Dame, and Purdue University. With the 2002 conference, these national conferences will become an annual event.