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Vice-President Academic and Provost

Academic Writing Requirement

Updated May 7, 2025

The Academic Writing Requirement (AWR) is a university-wide requirement for all UVic undergraduates. In place since 2014, the AWR is currently being reviewed to ensure it continues to support students’ academic success and reflects evolving expectations around foundational skills such as writing, research and digital literacy.

This review is part of the university’s broader commitment to academic excellence, equity and student success. The work is being led by a cross-institutional working group convened by the Office of the Vice-President Academic and Provost (VPAC).

Working group

The AWR Working Group was established to review the Academic Writing Requirement. This university-wide requirement that all undergraduate students must complete to receive a UVic degree, has not been reviewed or revised at the university level since 2014.  

Mandate

The mandate of the Working Group is to update the Academic Writing Requirement to ensure all students are equipped with a strong foundation in reading, writing, research, and digital competencies, enabling their academic and professional success.

The Working Group is reviewing all aspects of the AWR, including its structure, delivery, and purpose. This includes examining how the requirement supports core academic skills, how it is communicated and how it aligns with institutional goals for student success and retention. Input from students, faculty, and staff continues to shape the group’s work.

Process

The AWR Working Group is undertaking a thorough review of the current Academic Writing Requirement and engaging with interested parties across the university to seek their input. The group will develop a comprehensive plan with actionable recommendations to update the AWR, ensuring it meets the evolving needs of UVic students.

Project milestones

To date, the Working Group has:

  • Completed an environmental scan of current the current AWR and identified challenges.
  • Conducted cross-campus consultations with interested parties, including Deans’ Council, ADAC, SCAS, SCLT, OVPI, faculty, various academic units, and students.
  • Identified key areas for improvement in the current AWR structure and delivery.
  • Submitted proposed revisions to the Senate Committee on Academic Standards (SCAS).

Next steps include:

  • Propose changes to Senate: In Fall 2025, the Working Group will bring forward a proposal for Senate’s consideration.
  • Implementation planning: Pending Senate approval, the Working Group will collaborate with OREM, VPAC, and other units to develop an implementation plan.
  • Establish an Oversight Body: The Working Group will recommend a committee to support long-term coordination and approval of new courses that satisfy the revised requirement aligned with the established core competencies.
  • Expand AWR-designated course offering: The Working Group will engage with faculties and units encourage and support the development of AWR-designated courses.
  • Implementation (target: September 2027): The revised requirement would appear in the September 2026 Academic Calendar, with full implementation beginning in Fall 2027.

Details on proposed changes will be shared with the campus community following Senate approval.

Resources and FAQs

The Working Group is exploring updates to strengthen the AWR and better reflect the needs of today’s learners. Some of the changes being considered include:

  • Making the AWR mandatory for all incoming undergraduate students (except those with appropriate transfer credits);
  • Requiring completion of the AWR within the first year of study at UVic;
  • Integrating digital literacy and generative AI tools into the learning goals;
  • Establishing an Oversight Body for ongoing review and approval of AWR courses.

The Oversight Body will ensure that new AWR course proposals align with the core competencies currently being developed. This will promote consistency, transferability across all faculties, and will ensure that courses are kept up to date with the constantly evolving educational landscape. The Oversight Body will also monitor implementation of the revised requirement and recommend required revisions.

Pending Senate approval in Fall 2025, the revised AWR would appear in the 2026 Academic Calendar. The first cohort to complete the updated requirement would begin in September 2027.

The Working Group is committed to ongoing consultation. Draft recommendations will be shared for when they become available. 

As this work progresses, resources such as timelines, FAQs, and guidance for academic units will be made available on this webpage. These resources will support faculties, instructors, advisors, and students in understanding and preparing for the updated requirement.

If you have questions about the AWR review, please contact the cmdean@uvic.ca.

Members

  • Elizabeth Adjin-Tettey, AVP Academic Programs (sponsor) 
  • Cindy Holder, Acting Associate Dean Academic, Humanities (co-chair) 
  • Todd Milford, Department Chair, Curriculum and Instruction (co-chair) 
  • Nancy Ami, Manager, Centre for Academic Communication 
  • Shailoo Bedi, Executive Director, Division of Learning and Teaching Support and Innovation 
  • Erin Kelly, Program Director, Academic and Technical Writing 
  • Kim McLean-Fiander, AWR Advisor, English 
  • Karen Munro, Director, Engagement and Learning, UVic Libraries 
  • Carleigh Dean, Project and Communications Officer, VPAC (support) 

If you have questions about the AWR review, please contact cmdean@uvic.ca.