Multiple students laugh and smile while seated inside a classroom with tiered rows of seating.
Multiple students laugh and smile while seated inside a classroom with tiered rows of seating.

Writing & Critical Inquiry (WCI) Program

What is the Writing & Critical Inquiry Program? 

We are a diverse community of instructors and scholars who offer UAlbany’s undergraduate students a rigorous introduction to the work of writing and thinking in college. 

Our faculty members are experts in helping students become effective, lifelong learners by connecting writing practices to the process of critical thinking. 

The Writing & Critical Inquiry (WCI) seminar is a dynamic learning environment where students benefit from small classes and one-on-one interactions with their instructor.

The WCI seminar is a required course for all incoming first-year (freshmen) and transfer students, fulfilling UAlbany’s General Education requirement for writing and critical inquiry.

WCI News

wci-news
Writing and Critical Intrigue: The Journey of a Peer Mentor
Taking a course through the Writing and Critical Inquiry (WCI) program is a graduation requirement for all UAlbany undergraduates.
UAlbany Faculty, Staff Honored with SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence
University at Albany faculty and staff were recognized for their outstanding contributions in teaching, scholarship, faculty service, librarianship, and professional service at the SUNY Chancellor’s Awards for Excellence on Sept. 17.
Changing Lives: Faculty Honored by Their Students for Teaching, Mentoring
Faculty and staff who have made a marked impact on students’ lives were honored last week at the Academic Innovator Awards ceremony.
Contact the Writing and Critical Inquiry Program
University Library, Basement 96

1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222
United States

Email
[email protected]
Phone
518-442-3348
Office Hours

Instructors’ office hours are available in course syllabi and on Brightspace.

Please use these videos and instructions to find our offices:

To get to the WCI offices using stairs, start outside facing the main entrance to the University Library at the Academic Podium level. Make a right and take the stairs located between the University Library and Catskill Building. Our office is located at the bottom of the staircase, across the courtyard. 

To get to the WCI offices without using stairs, from the Podium, enter Arts & Sciences at the west end (nearest Catskill). Take the west elevator in Arts & Sciences to the basement level. Enter the tunnels and turn right (sign points to Catskill ahead). Take the next exit on the left (door is surrounded by a large white pipe and has button for accessible door opener). After the short all, the WCI offices are to the right.