For students: First-Year Writing Frequently Asked Questions

What is First-Year Writing?

Moravian's First-Year Writing (FYW) program is your introduction to college-level reading, research, and writing. The FYW program offers different pathways for students to satisfy the university’s writing tags requirement. All of these pathways share the same set of learning goals but reach them in different ways.

• The majority of first-time first-year students are placed into MILE 101: Foundational Literacies.
• Transfer students may enter into MILE 101, but many transfer in the requisite requirement from their former institution.
• Students who would benefit from two semesters of coursework focusing on college-level reading, research, and writing may be guided to or choose to take a two-semester course sequence of Writing 101: College Reading and Writing and MILE 101. 

Do I have to take First-Year Writing?

First-Year Writing (FYW) is a one or two-semester requirement for all incoming first-year students, though many transfers are exempt due to prior coursework.

When will I find out what First-Year Writing Seminar course topics are being offered? 

Check out the First-Year Writing Course Topics page! The page will be updated prior to registration periods each semester.

English is not my native language. Is there a particular class I should register for?

Non-native English speakers may be placed into a two-semester course sequence beginning with either WRIT 101 or WRIT 105. Questions or concerns about your placement or one of your students can be directed to Dr. Patrick Danner, Director of the Writing @ Moravian program.

What if I feel like I've been placed into the wrong FYW course? 

Throughout August and up until the end of the second week of classes, you can set up a meeting with Dr. Patrick Danner, Director of Writing, to discuss your writing course placement. This discussion could result in you being moved from, for example, Writing 105 to Writing 101 or MILE 101 or from MILE 101 to Writing 101 or 105. If you are registered for one section of MILE 101 and want to move to another one with open seats, students can do that through AMOS during the first week of classes. It is recommended that all course changes be done in consultation with your advising team.

Do you have other questions about First-Year Writing at Moravian? Send those questions to writing@moravian.edu.