Program in Writing and Rhetoric

Propose a WIM Course

The  Writing and Rhetoric Requirement (WRR) Governance Board follows a formal process for receiving and reviewing WIM course proposals, whether it's an existing course being revised to fulfill the WIM requirement or a new course.  In general, the Board solicits WIM course proposals from all majors on a regular cycle in March prior to the academic year in which the proposed course will be taught.

Faculty interested in proposing a WIM course should follow these four steps: 

  1. Start with your Department or Program: Every major, whether housed in a department or program, develops a WIM plan and regular rotation of WIM courses. If you plan to propose a new WIM course, please start with your Department Chair or Program Director.  Some Departments may also have a designated WIM coordinator, often the Director of Undergraduate Studies. Any new WIM course needs initial approval by the Department Chair or Program Director in order to move on to official review by the Writing and Rhetoric Requirement (WRR) Governance Board. We ask for Departments and Programs to update their WIM Plans in March for the following academic year.
  2. Craft and submit a WIM proposal: After consulting with your Department Chair or Program Director, use this form to propose your course.
  3. Receive and consider feedback: The WIM Director and staff will provide feedback on proposals in advance of WRR Board review. The WIM Director will often suggest revisions that will address concerns that Board members regularly raise at WRR meetings when reviewing proposals. Working with the WIM Director on revisions will expedite the approval process.
  4. Get approval: The WRR Governance Board will review and certify WIM course proposals, as charged by the Faculty Senate (Senate Document #5218). The WRR Governance Board approves new (and continuing) WIM courses each Spring Quarter for the following year.

For other questions about the process for proposing a course or further information about the WIM program, contact writinginthemajor@stanford.edu