“Every student writes. Every student could write better.”
That is the message behind a new initiative at CSU Stanislaus that emphasizes the importance of effective communication, not only in the classroom but throughout life.
The GROW Project is based on the conviction that Greatness Relies On Writing. Students who develop their writing skills also gain strength in their ability to express ideas, think critically, conduct research and carry out projects. These are skills that effectively set a graduate on the path to excel in a career.
“If you follow through on what GROW offers, you will improve your ability to communicate. You will develop life-changing skills,” says the GROW website, which launched early in the spring semester.
The focused effort to engage CSU Stanislaus students in improving their writing skills has been strongly led by President Joseph F. Sheley. He envisions exceptional writing to be a distinguishing characteristic of CSU Stanislaus graduates and a hallmark by which the University will be known.
“I’m passionate about it,” Sheley said of GROW and its goals. “My message to the students is to work at it. Writing is an art that takes a lifetime to master. If you don’t work on it, you really are shortchanging yourself.”
In support of the GROW Project, a number of business and community leaders — including several CSU Stanislaus alumni — have raised their voices to speak about the role that writing plays in their professional lives. Additionally, they emphasize the ability of good writing to have a positive influence in the community.
“It’s critically important for us to understand that it’s not just how brilliant we are, but it’s how effective we are at communicating our ideas, and how effective we are at communicating the growth of this region to others,” said Sedrick Mitchell, an alumnus who is now the deputy director of external affairs for the California Department of Parks and Recreation. “And more importantly, how we as alumni and as students can impact the quality of life for people around us.”
Students will gain insight on the importance of writing from video interviews with these successful professionals featured on the GROW website.
The website also includes samples that highlight successful and not-so-successful writing in a variety of formats from various disciplines of study. Students will find access to resources to expand their skills in grammar, word choice, style and more. Links to the on-campus Writing Center and resources for graduate writing enhance the website as a hub for all students seeking support.
Students are encouraged to explore the GROW Project website, watch the videos, review the samples and apply the themes from the website to their own writing projects.