Now that proposals are in, it's time to register for the WPA 2011 conference!

This year's conference will feature 6- and 10-minute presentations by and conversations with some of the smartest colleagues around. The conference outing, to Boutin's Restaurant, promises fine food and cajun dancing!

As WPAs, we know how important it is to build connections with others in our programs, on our campuses, and with our colleagues. CWPA has four great opportunities to make new connections and reconnect with old friends coming up.

First, the WPA conference is a great opportunity to come together with colleagues from across the country to talk with and learn from each other about the many critical issues that affect us as program directors and instructors. Proposals are still being accepted for WPA 2011, so submit today!

Second, stop by the WPA booth at CCCC! This is a great opportunity to learn more about CWPA, get to know board and committee members, and be welcomed into a fantastic organization.  

The WPA Breakfast at CCCC is another terrific opportunity to connect with friends new and old. A few seats are left for the Breakfast, so get your tickets soon!

Finally, CWPA's participation in and roll out of The Framework for Success in Postsecondary Writing represents an important effort by CWPA, NCTE, and the National Writing Project to strengthen connections among our organizations and try to connect with discussions about writing and writers occuring in many contexts. Copies of the Framework are available from the link above; we will also have copies of the document and of strategies for using the Framework in your local context available at the WPA booth at CCCC. We'd love to talk with you!

A week ago today we were in the midst of WPA 2010, this year's spectacular conference. We had record attendance -- 370 of our colleagues gathered in Philadelphia to talk together their inquiries into program direction, writing instruction, research practices, and more.

Five days until WPA 2010 begins! If you're planning to attend (or still trying to decide if you will), a pdf of the conference program is attached to this message. You'll find fabulously interesting sessions included (see the previous post for more on this) and over 300 of our liveliest, most interesting, most engaging colleagues! It's going to be a great event... hope to see you there!

WPA 2010 begins just about 10 days from now! If you’re joining over 325 of our fabulous, engaging, interesting, and lively colleagues in Philadelphia at the Society Hill Sheraton, you’re in for a fabulous conference.

“Linda,” you might ask, “what makes you say so?”

So glad you’ve asked!

WPA 2010 will be our largest conference ever, which means more of our fabulous colleagues in one location. In addition, you’ll find:

CWPA hosts its annual conference during the summer each year. The WPA conference brings together researchers and teachers with interests in postsecondary writing instruction and program direction. The conference features research-based presentations and conversation starters that raise issues relevant to audiences inside and outside of the academy.  

As I write this in my office in Michigan, some numbers I think about:

• The WPA workshop is about to kick off its first full day in Minneapolis, where Chris Anson and Carol Rutz will work with 30 incredibly lively, smart, interested participants

• About 260 people are preparing to arrive for the WPA conference, which begins on Thursday, where they’ll talk with incredibly smart, interested, engaged, colleagues

If you haven't yet registered for WPA 2009, complete this form and send it to Tim Gustafson (address below) or bring with you to the conference. Registration fees must now be paid by check. Thanks!

Tim Gustafson Associate Director, First-Year Writing Program Department of Writing Studies University of Minnesota 150C Wesbrook Hall, Minneapolis, MN 55455 Phone: 612-625-0731 Fax: 612-624-3617