Dordt University celebrates Academic Writing Month

Dordt University embraces the power of the written word as it gears up to celebrate Academic Writing Month (AcWriMo) throughout November.

Dordt’s AcWriMo is a month-long academic write-a-thon sponsored by the Hulst Library and the Kielstra Center for Research and Grants. The goal of AcWriMo is to help writers think about how they write, form a valuable support network for their writing practice, build better strategies and habits for the future, and get writing done. Dordt has a longstanding commitment to academic excellence, and AcWriMo provides a unique platform to highlight the importance of effective writing in our academic community.

Throughout the month, Dordt University will host drop-in writing groups on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the Hulst Library to foster and encourage academic excellence among its faculty and staff members.

“Making space and finding time to write is difficult for most of us,” says Angela Kroeze Visser, director of the Kielstra Center. “A writing community helps to create an intentional time and space. For me, the presence of others provides some expectation to show up and a bit of positive reinforcement, since it is also fun. Other groups might more directly support each other by providing feedback to writing or more discussion about current projects. Whatever the structure of the group, having a commitment to write with others help you to write more.”

Jenni Breems, director of the Hulst Library, has found writing with others on a regular basis to be a huge encouragement. “We begin each hour with a brief description of what we are working on,” she explains. “Then, we set a timer and write quietly until the hour is over. When I had a scholarly article published in July, the group celebrated with me.”

Setting aside time to write with others is a commitment, adds Breems. “It prioritizes writing by putting it on the calendar, and it encourages discipline by providing a time for writing and revision.”

“Whether or not someone decides to participate in Academic Writing Month, I hope they will consider the value of creating an intentional writing practice,” adds Kroeze Visser. “The point is to set some sort of goal and create a structure that helps you meet it.”

About Dordt University

As an institution of higher education committed to the Reformed Christian perspective, Dordt University equips students, faculty, alumni, and the broader community to work toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life. Located in Sioux Center, Iowa, Dordt is a comprehensive university named to the best college lists by the Wall Street Journal, Times Higher Education, Forbes.com, Washington Monthly, and Princeton Review.