The Summer Institute

The WAC Summer Institute  (WAC-SI) is an intensive development program designed to:

  • Assist new leaders of WAC/WID initiatives in the US and internationally in developing sustainable programs
  • Support experienced directors who face new challenges or wish to expand, update, or revitalize their programs
  • Enhance the knowledge base for faculty and program coordinators who are developing new WAC/WID initiatives

During the institute, experienced WAC facilitators guide participants toward the application of research-based strategies in developing writing across the curriculum programs. Participants work as a large group, in small groups, and as individuals to apply best practices for developing WAC programs to their own institutional contexts and goals.

Our Next Institute 

June 18-20, 2026, at Auburn University in Auburn, AL. The Institute schedule includes:

  • Optional social events in the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, June 17th, for those who arrive in Auburn early enough
  • Two full days of activities with experienced facilitators on Thursday, June 18th, and Friday, June 19th, beginning at 8:30 a.m. both days; and 
  • A half day of programming on Saturday, June 20th, beginning at 8:30 a.m.

Registration

Complete this Google form to reserve your spot for this event. The form includes a link to pay for your registration.

Registration is $850 and includes participation in all institute sessions, Thursday through Saturday.  Registration also covers breakfast, coffee, and snacks on Thursday and Friday and lunch on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday.

Facilitators

The 2026 WAC-SI will be facilitated by established WAC scholar-facilitators:

  • Dan Melzer, Lead Facilitator: Dan is co-author with Michelle Crow and Jeff Galin of Sustainable WAC: A Whole Systems Approach to Launching and Developing WAC Programs and co-author with John Bean of the 3rd edition of the WAC faculty development book Engaging Ideas. Dan is a professor in the University Writing Program at the University of California, Davis. 
  • Sherri Craig, Co-Facilitator: Sherri is an assistant professor of Rhetoric and Writing at Virginia Tech where she coordinates Business Writing and teaches courses in writing across the disciplines. Recently she published “Toward More Sustainable Antiracist Practices,” an article in WAC Journal co-written with Jeff Galin and Barclay Barrios. 
  • Laurie A. Pinkert, Co-Facilitator: Laurie is currently Director of Writing Across the Curriculum at the University of Central Florida and previously supported WAC initiatives in her roles at Cal-Poly Humboldt and Purdue University. Her collaborative work with faculty across the disciplines has been funded by the National Science Foundation, and her recent research has been reported in venues such as Composition Studies, College English, College Composition and Communication as well as various edited collections. 

Location and Accommodations

WAC-SI Chair Christopher Basgier is pleased to invite participants to Auburn University, home of University Writing, winner of the 2025 WAC Clearinghouse/AWAC Exemplary Enduring Program Award. Renowned for the beauty of its red-brick campus, Auburn features state-of-the art active learning spaces, including the University Writing Studio, where WAC-SI sessions will be held. The cities of Auburn and Opelika include shopping and food options from barbecue to fine dining. Located 90 miles from Atlanta Airport, Auburn is accessible via Interstate 85, and shuttles run regularly between the airport and the Auburn University Hotel and Conference Center.

WAC-SI will be held at:

The University Writing Studio

Ralph Brown Draughn Library, Room 2056

Auburn, AL 36849

Across the street from the Hotel at Auburn University

Hotel Information

The Hotel at Auburn University

241 South College Street
Auburn, Alabama 36830

We have reserved a block of rooms at The Hotel at Auburn University at a reduced rate of $189/night. Call 334.821.8200 to make a reservation under “ Office of University Writing” or use the direct link for a reservation.

Getting to Auburn

Driving Directions

To Auburn from Atlanta on I-85 South:

  1. Get off I-85 S at EXIT 57. Take a slight right to merge onto Bent Creek Rd.
  2. At the traffic light, take a LEFT (you are now on Glenn Ave.)
  3. Stay on Glenn Ave. for about 4 miles
  4. After you turn onto Glenn Ave. you will travel through five traffic lights. The sixth light will be College Street.
  5. Take a LEFT onto College Street
  6. Travel through the next two traffic lights at Magnolia Ave (Toomer’s Corner) and Thach Ave
  7. Drive past the Rane Culinary Science Center on the left, and the Hotel at Auburn University and Conference Center will be on your left.

To Auburn from Birmingham on Highway US-280E:

  1. Take a RIGHT off US-280E onto AL-147
  2. Stay on AL-147 for 4.8 miles. It is a straight shot to Auburn where AL-147 will turn into College Street.
  3. After you cross the railroad tracks, you will enter downtown Auburn.
  4. The light following the tracks will be at Glenn Ave. Go through the intersection.
  5. Travel through the next two traffic lights at Magnolia Ave (Toomer’s Corner) and Thach Ave
  6. Drive past the Rane Culinary Science Center on the left, and the Hotel at Auburn University and Conference Center will be on your left.

Groome Shuttle

Groome Transportation provides 17 daily shuttles to/from Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport to the hotel. Reservations are required and can be made online.

Atlanta Airport

NEW PICKUP LOCATION

Domestic Arrivals: Exit the domestic terminal through Door W1 or W2, adjacent to the domestic baggage claim, and follow the covered walkway to spaces numbered 4-8.

Previous Institute Location and Facilitators:

2024 Summer Institute

Location: University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, NM

Facilitators: Sherri Craig, Cristyn L. Elder, Dan Melzer, and Laurie A. Pinkert

2022 Summer Institute

Location: University of Georgia in Athens, GA

Facilitators: Chris M. Anson, Cristyn L. Elder, Jeffrey R. Galin, Jamila Kareem, and Alisa Russell

2019 Summer Institute

University of Denver in Denver, CO

Facilitators: Chris M. Anson, Jeffrey R. Galin, Teresa M. Redd, and Alisa Russell

Contact

Email WAC-SI Chair Christopher Basgier at moc.liamg@etutitsnIremmuSCAWA with any questions.