CT State's Learning Certificate Receives National Award from NOSS
Rachel Jasiczek, Ph.D., CT State's Writing Across the Curriculum program coordinator (right), accepted the award from NOSS President Glynis Mullins on Saturday.
Connecticut State Community College’s (CT State) “Writing Across the Curriculum” (WAC) faculty certification program was awarded a national Program of Promise Award by the National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) on February 22. This recognition highlights CT State’s commitment to enhancing faculty development and promoting student success through high-impact learning strategies.
Rachel Jasiczek, Ph.D., CT State's WAC program coordinator, received the award on behalf of the college during the NOSS 49th Annual Conference in New Orleans.
NOSS recognizes innovative programs that demonstrate effective practices in promoting student success and development. In an award letter, NOSS said the Writing Across the Curriculum program at CT State “stands as a model for other institutions seeking to enhance faculty engagement and foster an enriching educational environment.”
The WAC program supports CT State’s faculty and staff in using writing to strengthen students' critical thinking skills and deepen their understanding of course content. Faculty engage in a 20-hour professional development experience that combines theory, pedagogy, and practical application of writing assignments across various disciplines.
“Our Writing Across the Curriculum program empowers faculty to integrate writing as a tool for learning across disciplines, ensuring all students develop essential analytic and writing skills for success,” said Jasiczek. “By promoting inclusive teaching practices and exploratory writing, WAC fosters equitable classrooms that support diverse learners. This national recognition from NOSS affirms the hard work and dedication of our team to provide meaningful professional growth opportunities for educators that enhances the educational experience of our students.”
Launched in summer 2023 for all educators at CT State, the WAC program was originally started in 2021 at CT State Norwalk, and is currently integrated into more than 22 academic disciplines, with 52 participants who have completed the program.
The WAC program also recently received the Connecticut Board of Regents Scholarly Excellence Award, further highlighting its impact and success in advancing educational excellence.
For more information about CT State’s Writing Across the Curriculum program, contact Rachel Jasiczek at rachel.jasiczek@ctstate.edu.
About Connecticut State Community College
Connecticut State Community College (CT State) is dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality education that fosters student success and prepares graduates for the workforce or further academic achievement. With a diverse range of programs and a commitment to student-centered learning, CT State serves as a cornerstone of higher education in Connecticut.
CT State serves residents of 169 towns and neighboring states through its campuses and satellites in Bridgeport, Bristol, Danbury, Danielson, Enfield, Farmington, Hartford, Manchester, Meriden, Middletown, Norwalk, Norwich, New Haven, North Haven, Waterbury, Willimantic, and Winsted, with a central office located in New Britain.
The National Organization for Student Success (NOSS) is a professional association dedicated to improving student success through innovation in teaching and learning. NOSS provides a platform for educators to share best practices and collaborate on programs that enhance student outcomes across higher education.