After more than four decades of service at the University of Arizona (U of A), the Writing Skills Improvement Program (WSIP) is closing its doors. Our last day of service will be October 1 and our final day will be October 13, 2025.
Recognizing the significance of writing skills to student success, the U of A created WSIP in the early 1980s. The program was born from a desire to uplift those students from marginalized and underserved communities, offering opportunities and resources they lacked. Unlike traditional writing centers, WSIP was staffed by career writing professionals—teachers, writers, tutors, and editors—who could provide expert support to undergraduate and graduate students as they mastered academic writing for courses across disciplines. They focused on providing support that acknowledges writer autonomy and encourages development of voice, style, and accountability alongside improved use of conventions and standards in their fields.
These values have persisted, even as WSIP has grown to serve audiences that include all students, faculty, administrators, business professionals, and community writers at the U of A, in Tucson, throughout the state and nation, and around the world. Staff members have remained committed to the belief that all writers are good writers, and with quality support, such as that provided by WSIP writing specialists, they can reach their goals and become the writers they wish to become.
Thank you to all who have become members of the WSIP community, whether it be by participating in our programs and services or recommending us to writers. We appreciate every gesture and every opportunity. It has been our pleasure to work with each person we have met, from the high school students to undergraduate and graduate students, to faculty and novelists, to case workers, and many others. We’ve learned so much and it’s been exciting to be part of so many interesting and valuable writing journeys.
Thank you for all your time and support. We wish you the best, and happy writing.
Please see our Resources page for answers to Frequently Asked Questions