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 

Dr. Ian Singleton stands up at a lectern, while Russian author Dmitry Bykov sits at a table in front of a microphone.
Russian author Dmitry Bykov and UAlbany's Ian Singleton present their work to students, faculty, and public.
On September 9, 2024, author Dmitry Bykov, hosted by Writing & Critical Inquiry's own Ian Singleton, visited the University at Albany to discuss his latest book, VZ. Both Bykov and Singleton read from their works and discussed them in relation to the war in Ukraine to an interested audience that included students, faculty, and the public.
Four people pose for a picture in front of a chalkboard and video screen in a classroom. One of them holds a plaque.
Noteworthy: Research grants, awards and publications
The latest developments on University at Albany faculty and staff who are receiving research grants, awards and other noteworthy attention.
UAlbany students pose alongside the faculty members they have nominated for the 2024 Spark and Torch Awards.
Transformational Teaching Honored at 2024 Spark & Torch Awards
The Campus Center Board Room heard heartfelt speeches, rounds of applause, and even brought a few to tears at UAlbany's annual Spark and Torch Award ceremonies.
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, take the Academic Podium elevator (located outside, near the main entrance to the University Library) down to the Mezzanine (MZ) level. When you exit the elevator, go down the short hallway into the Lecture Centers, turn right and take the doors leading outside. Enter Educational Opportunity Program’s offices, go straight down the hallway. Turn right and then turn left, passing the bathrooms. Go through the black door and down the hall, then turn left again. Our office is located at the end of that hall.

Follow WCI on Twitter.