To improve the written, oral, digital, and visual communication skills of Clemson University students, as writing anchors an interactive social process with other forms of communication to promote critical thinking, creativity, collaboration, and problem-solving within and across disciplines.

History

Clemson University’s CAC program, founded in 1990, collaborates with the Class of 1941 Studio for Student Communication, established in 2004, to achieve the goal of strengthening student communication skills.
• In 1988, Art Young, the Robert S. Campbell Chair, established the Writing-Across-the-Curriculum (WAC) Program at Clemson.
• In 1990, with the establishment of the R. Roy and Marnie Pearce Center for Professional Communication, WAC evolved into CAC and is now administered by the Pearce Center with supplemental funding from the Robert S. Campbell Chair endowment. Art Young continues to coordinate Clemson’s CAC program.

Recognitions

For five consecutive years (2002-2006) US News & World Report has named Clemson University as one of the top universities in the country for promoting writing in the disciplines. In 2001, Time Magazine recognized Clemson University as "Public College of the Year" based on its innovative CAC program. As an international leader in communication-skills education, Clemson University will host The Eighth International Writing Across the Curriculum Conference in May, 18-20, 2006.

Goals

• Support Clemson University's commitment to undergraduate education by promoting communication-intensive instruction across the curriculum and by advocating communication-intensive activities as a means of improving teaching and enhancing students' learning

• Ensure that all Clemson students are adequately prepared to communicate effectively in their major disciplines

• Promote communication education in the public schools by supporting innovative efforts such as the Clemson National Writing Project Site

• Prepare students for their chosen professions by sponsoring initiatives to familiarize them with communication practices and technologies in the workplace. With support from the University and from corporate partners, the Pearce Center has established state-of-the-art facilities that involve students in authentic communication projects and that enhance teaching with powerful multimedia technology