Each year, Boston University’s College of Communication welcomes a prominent writer – a seasoned professional from the world of communications media – for its “Writer in Residence” program. During this week-long residency, students get a clearer view into the world of professional writing and the central role it plays in so many communications careers.
The Writer in Residence visits BU classes, delivers a plenary lecture on the craft of writing, visits numerous writing classes, hosts workshops, and meets with students on a formal and informal basis. Ultimately the program seeks to inspire COM students and help them understand the challenges, opportunities, and rewards for working writers.
The Writer in Residence is hosted by the COM Writing Program, and the residency is funded by the Tom Schoenberger Lecture on Writing Fund.
At the College of Communication, we never stop thinking about writing. Whether it’s hard-hitting stories, screenplays, opinion columns, news releases, ad campaigns, blog posts – or, of course, in-depth academic papers – COM students continuously collaborate with faculty and peers to refine and improve their processes and product. The Writer in Residence supplements those collaborations by acting as a mentor, resource, and source of inspiration for all writers in the College of Communication – no matter what their discipline is or where they are on their writer’s journey.
Residency Highlights
- Classroom Visits – The Writer in Residence speaks to students in small classrooms and large lecture halls.
- Workshops – The Writer in Residence meets with students to explore topics in an interactive setting, read from their published works, screen a production, or explore different wriring scenarios and challenges.
- Consultations – Students meet the Writer in Residence at the COM Writing Center for individual consultations on their work-in-process.
- Plenary Lecture – The highlight of the week is a one-hour plenary lecture delivered to the college on a timely or timeless topic from the Writer in Residence.
