2025 - 2026 Virtual Events

May 8, 2026
2:00PM - 3:15PM

Introducing the "WPA Statement on the Five Knowledge Domains of First Year Composition"

This session introduces the WPA Outcomes Statement 4.0, officially titled the "WPA Statement on the Five Knowledge Domains of First Year Composition," available now on our website. The statement no longer offers universal learning outcomes for all FYC classes. Instead, 4.0 identifies five knowledge domains central to the course (rhetorical knowledge; conventions and language; critical reading and thinking; material conditions and technologies; and composing processes), as well as three cross-category knowledge domains (accessibility and disability; generative artificial intelligence; and genre), and provides step-by-step support for programs to develop their own learning outcomes. The CWPA Executive Board unanimously approved the statement on March 4, 2026. We offer our deepest thanks to the Task Force co-chairs Antonio Byrd, Al Harahap, and Michelle Bachelor Robinson; and to the task force members Sheila Carter-Tod, Stephanie Kerschbaum, Cruz Medina, Bernice Olivas, Shelley Rodrigo, and Amy Wan.

This webinar will introduce the various innovations made to this newer version of the outcomes statement. The "WPA Statement on the Five Knowledge Domains of First Year Composition" supports contemporary writing instruction by providing a grounded approach to thinking about rhetorical knowledge, writing conventions, critical thinking, student environment and emerging technologies, as vital elements of contemporary composing processes. We hope to provide a broad overview of the document, its origins, and to invite others to begin to engage, discuss, and share the document in the various spaces and programs where student learning through writing occurs. Attendees can expect to

• Preview the newly-approved outcomes statement
• Engage in discussion of important concepts related to the statement, including dialogue and responses to the transition from 3.0 to 4.0.
  
  

The "WPA Statement on the Five Knowledge Domains of First Year Composition" encourages writing programs to develop locally responsive outcomes that can be aligned and adapted to a variety of institutional contexts, specifically by placing an emphasis on genre awareness and emerging questions about generative AI, and the application of an intersectional approach to contemporary composing practices.

This session will explore the theoretical foundations guiding the statement, and how writing program administrators, instructors, and campus partners can use it to support curriculum design, assessment, and increased conversations about writing instruction across disciplines.

• Facilitators: TBA, Kelly Blewett, David Green, and Erin Lehman
• Date and time: 5/8, 75 minutes, 2:00-3:15pm ET
• Meeting platform: Zoom
• Cost to members: Free for members, $25 for nonmembers

Register Here

May 14, 2026
1:30PM - 2:00PM

Get to Know the (New) CWPA!

Want to know more about CWPA? The Council of Writing Program Administrators (CWPA) is a professional organization for academic scholars and staff of writing programs, including first-year composition programs, writing centers, WAC programs, and more. Join CWPA representatives for an informational session to learn more about member benefits, opportunities, and resources. This will be an informal conversation-based session with time for Q&A.

• Facilitators: Talisha Haltiwanger Morrison and Susan Miller-Cochran
• Date and time: 5/14, 30 minutes, 10:30am PT/1:30pm ET
• Meeting platform: Zoom
• Cost to members: Free for members and nonmembers

Register Here

June 16, 2026
4:00PM - 4:30PM EDT

Get to Know the (New) CWPA!

Want to know more about CWPA? The Council of Writing Program Administrators (CWPA) is a professional organization for academic scholars and staff of writing programs, including first-year composition programs, writing centers, WAC programs, and more. Join CWPA representatives for an informational session to learn more about member benefits, opportunities, and resources. This will be an informal conversation-based session with time for Q&A.

• Facilitators: Talisha Haltiwanger Morrison and David Green
• Date and time: 6/16, 30 minutes, 1pm PT/4pm ET
• Meeting platform: Zoom
• Cost to members: Free for members and nonmembers

Register Here