WAC programs were started in the 1980’s in response to students’ lack of writing practice across the curriculum.  The following are some basic principles of WAC programs:

• writing promotes learning
• the entire academic community is responsible for student writing
• there must be integration of writing across academic disciplines
• all four years of undergraduate education must incorporate writing
• students will communicate effectively with an academic discipline when they practice the conventions of that discipline

Studies have shown that writing helps students grasp information and elaborate on key concepts.  By including writing in the curriculum, teachers are better able to determine how well students are grasping the core ideas of their discipline.  The more writing that is incorporated into each academic discipline, the better students will become at communicating, and their ability to engage in more complex investigation of ideas will increase.  Communicating one's ideas through writing is especially important in the workplace, and it is invaluable for students who plan to attend graduate school.