The course is designed to promote student success by offering ample opportunities for just-in-time remediation and feedback on the research and drafting  processes. We engage students in creating non-disposable/reusable assignments, including research into their intended career, cover letters, and scholarship/transfer essays. We talk about real audience needs, including academic and professional readers. The course is a zero-textbook cost course to promote equity and access. We also use open pedagogy, engaging students in looking for tools to support each other’s research interests.

Further, we have included some of the communication with students to show some of the frequently asked questions as well as the messaging we use to communicate that this course is designed for students who have attempted the course two (or more times).

Among other outcomes, we have become experts at supporting students in using the processed in place to address repeatability issues. We help students to petition for repeatability as well as to petition for excused withdrawals from courses. For many of these students, these are important initial “writing assignments” that help students to see they have the capacity to advocate for themselves. They also see, early in the process, that we are committed to supporting them throughout the process.

The onboarding materials welcome students, remind them they are working with a cohort that also has attempted the course a couple of times, reassure them that this will be the final attempt, and demonstrate that they are joining a community committed to their success.