As we’ve said before, 2020 is a year unlike any other. Virtually nothing we planned from last year’s recap from early March onward happened the way we anticipated, if it happened at all. Many other things did happen that we never thought would, and certainly there was a lot of scrambling, a lot of triaging, a LOT of adjusting – and not just due to the pandemic. But we kept, and keep, going.

The Writers’ Program staff is comprised of a diverse, passionate group of writers who also happen to be high-functioning, boundary-pushing academic administrators. Those attributes are our greatest strength and, in this wacky year, have at times required us to step back and breathe – to relax some boundaries while shifting focus to others, to examine our individual and group capacity to function at such a high level during ever-increasing amounts of internal and external pressures, to find it within ourselves and within our team to continue to prioritize the student experience because of the intrinsic value and need for storytellers – perhaps now more than ever.

We’re currently in the middle of winding down Fall quarter, advising and enrolling for Winter quarter, and solidifying plans for Spring (and soon Summer!). This is typically how we operate anyway, but with all the issues in the world & our lives, plus a two-week University-wide leave spanning the entirety of a standard break between quarters — prompting every department to ensure even more work gets accomplished before everyone must sign off for the year, thing are more hectic than usual.

All that said, we wanted to give folks a few resources and ways to reach us during this crazy time, while also requesting your patience and understanding as our dedicated but small staff works to help everyone we can get a positive start on their 2021 writing goals.

For starters, bookmark the Writers’ Program URL: writers.uclaextension.edu. (It’s the site you’re on right now!) On this comprehensive site, you’re able to browse course listings using a pdf of the winter catalog, and also get information about our instructors, competitions, consultations, scholarships, writing/reading tips, success stories, and more.

Ready to take the leap and enroll in a course? You can register here, even during the closure.

The Writers’ Program offers two different types of virtual classes. Courses are offered in the traditional Online format as well live Remote Instruction courses.

Online Courses Remote Instruction Courses
  • Asynchronous learning with limited, optional, or no live meetings
  • Learning content is delivered via written lectures or pre-recorded videos
  • Self-directed format that gives you the flexibility to log in at your leisure, but with weekly deadlines to give you structure
  • Workshopping is conducted via written discussion boards
  • Requires more self-discipline to complete
  • Meets live on Zoom each week
  • Learning content is delivered live at a specific time and date for all students and attendance is required
  • Greater group participation that mimics a live classroom experience
  • Immediate feedback and workshopping during live class sessions
  • Less flexible due to required meeting times which may not always address individual preferences

 

For more details on course formats, read about our Instruction Methods. To select the class format that is right for you, scroll to the bottom of the course page and select the format you prefer under Available Format(s):

Need a daily dose of writing inspiration? Then like us on Facebook.

Want updates on special events, writing prompts, or just to chat? Follow us on Twitter.

For a visual cornucopia of all things writing, our instructors & courses, check out our Instagram.

If you’re thinking about enrolling in the February Writers Studio At Home – four intensive virtual days dedicated solely to your writing—you can find details about it here.

Still have questions? Don’t fret. We’ll be periodically checking the inbox during our closure (12/19-1/3) to respond to urgent inquiries and advising.
Once we’re back on January 4th it’ll be hectic but we’ll do our best to respond to emails and calls in a timely manner. Also, many of our classes don’t start until the week of 1/11 so even if you wait until after the new year to start making/engaging those writing goals, odds are we’ll still have a class for you!

Wishing everyone a safe, restful, and mindful holiday season!

 

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