Print Futures: Professional Writing

Note: for the Fall 2010 intake of the Print Futures program, the application deadline has been extended to July 15, 2010. This deadline may be extended.

The Print Futures: Professional Writing Program is a two-year program designed for students who wish to develop their writing skills to a professional level in preparation for the ongoing and changing requirements of the workplace. Students will become proficient at producing a wide range of typical workplace documents and at working independently or as part of an effective production team. Although the program focuses primarily on document writing, courses also include communication theory, language studies, interpersonal and research skills and training in editing, layout and document design. The program emphasizes the practical thrust of professional writing by integrating field projects and workplace-centered activities. The program also has a significant academic component: students will be expected to produce research papers and reports as part of their coursework. A Print Futures: Professional Writing Diploma will be awarded upon the successful completion of the program.

Department Website

For an overview of this program, including faculty listings and frequently asked questions plus other resources, visit the departmental website.

Career/Further Educational Opportunities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for careers in professional writing. The program provides graduates with fundamental, field-specific skills that, upon their graduation, will offer occupational mobility. Graduates may choose to work in either public or private organizations as information or communications officers, technical writers, or public relations writers. Or they may choose to work in the publishing field as editors. Graduates also may seek employment with any organization in which document writing and production play a significant role, or they may choose to freelance as writing consultants or document designers. Graduates may choose to specialize in a particular genre, such as technical manuals or research reports, or they may work as generalists.

Location

Courses are offered at the New Westminster Campus.

Intake Dates/Application Deadline/Re-entry

Note: for the Fall 2010 intake of the Print Futures program, the application deadline has been extended to July 15, 2010. This deadline may be extended.

Admission to Print Futures is a two-step process. An application for entry or re-entry must be submitted to the Registrar's Office by April 30 for the September full-time and part-time intakes and by November 15 for the January part-time intake. Enrolment is limited to 30 full-time students per year; early application therefore is recommended. A limited number of part-time students may be admitted. Arrangements for a group interview should be made with the Coordinator. Call 604-527-5292. Re-entry students may be required to participate in an interview and to provide an updated portfolio.

EARLY ADMISSION
Although application and document deadlines may be identified for this program, we encourage all applicants to apply early and to submit all supporting documentation as early as possible. Those applicants who apply early and submit all documents early may be offered early admission.

Other Information

Both full-time and part-time Print Futures students are required to complete a work experience course before graduation. For comprehensive information on the work experience, contact the Coordinator.

This program offers a free information session.

Admission Requirements

1. General Admission Requirements
2. English 12 with a minimum grade of "C" or approved substitution
3. A grammar and summary exercise
4. Writing samples (letters, essays, articles, creative writing, etc.) as evidence of interest in and dedication to writing
5. Basic skills on word processing equipment
6. Two letters of reference (character or work-related)
7. A resume and letter of application
8. Participation in a Print Futures information session
9. Interviews (group and individual)

Admission to Print Futures: Professional Writing is contingent on availability of seats, meeting of all admission criteria, successful participation in interviews and applicant ranking as determined by a process of selective admission evaluation. To be considered for a seat in the program, applicants must meet all admission criteria.

The selective admission process uses a structured format to evaluate all applicants based on the admission criteria (listed above) for the program. Following interviews and a review of applications that meet all admission criteria, applicants are ranked according to the degree to which they have met the admission criteria. Once all available seats are offered, a wait-list is established. The wait-list is ranked according to the original selective admission evaluation.

Group interviews take place throughout the year. Applicants should not submit their writing portfolio to the Office of the Registrar with their application to the College. Instead, they should bring their writing portfolio to the group interview.

During the group interview, applicants are required to:

• confirm they attended a program information session
• respond to questions about their experiences, career goals and preparedness
• participate in a group discussion of writing-related issues and scenarios
• complete a grammar and summary writing exercise
• confirm they have basic skills on word processing equipment
• submit their complete writing portfolio, including the letter of application (addressed to the program coordinator), writing samples, two letters of reference and resumé

Note: Applicants with incomplete writing portfolios will not be considered for program admission.

During the application process, applicants are expected to demonstrate:

• timely completion of all required application elements
• respect for and cooperation with other applicants during the group interview

Note: In special circumstances, unsuccessful applicants may enrol in selected Print Futures, English and/or Communications courses in the General Studies program. These applicants must submit an Application for Readmission to the College as a General Studies student. Upon reapplication to a subsequent Print Futures intake, re-evaluation for admission will be assessed upon achieving a minimum grade of "C" in those selected courses.

Program Duration

The full-time program consists of four semesters (two years) of study. Work experience is conducted during the Summer Semester. Most classes are offered during the day. Students may be required to participate in some evening courses during the Fall and Winter Semesters.

Part-time students will be required to take some daytime courses for program completion. This program cannot be completed by part-time, evening-only study. In keeping with College policy, part-time students should plan to complete their program in approximately five years.

Credentials

A Print Futures: Professional Writing Diploma will be awarded upon the successful completion of the program.

Block Transfer: Athabasca University in Edmonton, Alberta awards block transfer for graduates of the Print Futures: Professional Writing Diploma to its Bachelor of Professional Arts (Communication Studies) degree. Royal Roads University in Victoria, BC, also awards block transfer for graduates to its Bachelor of Professional Communication degree.

Program Content

Semester I

Course	Title	Credits
PRFU 1100	Fundamentals of Professional Writing	3
PRFU 1102	Research Skills for Professional Writing	3
PRFU 1190	Professional Readiness I: Markets and Job Applications	1
CMNS 1118	Workplace Writing	3
CMNS 1216	Interpersonal Skills for the Workplace	3
		13

Semester II

CRWR 1202	Personal Narrative	3
CMNS 1218	Research Reporting	3
PRFU 1230	Editing I: Copyediting and Proofreading	3
PRFU 1290	Professional Readiness II: Jobs and Networks	1
PRFU 1310	Writing Technical Manuals	3
PRFU 1350	Document Design and Production I	3
		16

Practicum Requirement

PRFU 2400

Work Experience

6

Semester III

PRFU 2201	Language Studies	3
PRFU 2330	Editing II: Stylistic and Structural	3
PRFU 2370	Public Relations Writing I	3
PRFU 2390	Professional Readiness III: Business Skills and Legal and Ethical Issues	1
PRFU 2450	Document Design and Production II	3
		13

Semester IV

PRFU 2340	Writing for the Web	3
PRFU 2401	Writing for Magazines and Trade Publications	3
PRFU 2470	Public Relations Writing II	3
PRFU 2490	Professional Readiness IV: Writing Competencies and Portfolio	3
		12