Noticing dissatisfied and ill-prepared students, universities across the country are restructuring their writing programs to remedy years of ineffective classes, according to a recent article in the Chronicle of Higher Education.

Duke and Princeton universities have completely revamped their writing programs and Columbia University has replaced all graduate students with full professors in freshman writing classes.

The University has not experienced similar changes as the institutions named in the article. University faculty said the sheer number of services and programs offered to students ensure all graduates can write effectively.

"I don't see how someone could be an excellent anything if they weren't a good writer," English lecturer George Cooper said.

All University students must take a course that fulfills the first-year writing requirement. These classes are targeted toward freshmen that arrive at the University with varying degrees of writing experience and ability.

Cooper said the University uses these classes, along with upper-level writing courses, to give more individual attention.

"Students will have at least two classes that are very writing focused. So much has to do with time. Those who are inexperienced need more attention, and we can give them attention though class workshops," Cooper said.

LSA junior Molly Gannon said her English 124 class was a positive experience. The professor "helped us out with our writing, and we told her what we needed and she adjusted," she said.

The Sweetland Writing Center offers students the chance to have any of their papers read and edited by faculty.

Sweetland also offers peer tutors, a select group of upperclassmen who can help students edit their papers.

Caroline Eisner, associate director of Sweetland, emphasized the assistance the University offers to students.

"We are really intent on helping students by both looking at content and also how it's said. Our intent is to teach people how to communicate," Eisner said.

LSA freshman Luke Polcyn said the University is doing a good job addressing the writing needs of students.

"It's important to have a strong writing foundation. I have a great (Graduate Student Instructor) for my class - its important to have qualified teachers," Polcyn said.

The University's upper-level writing requirement can be fulfilled by designated classes in each department.

"My (first-year writing) class had lots of peer editing and group stuff. With the (upper-level writing) class you get less help. You're totally on your own," LSA junior Kate Laughlin said.

Eisner said the upper-level requirement is much more specialized than in the freshman courses.

"Those (upper-level) classes are up to the departments. However, we've changed English 229 to a professional writing class that will help students in their career. We teach them how to write all sorts of documents necessary for the workplace: legal briefs, evaluations, and such," Eisner said.