Frequently Asked Questions

What is Professional Writing and Rhetoric?
Professional Writing and Rhetoric (PWR) is a major in the Department of English. The program strives to prepare students for both everyday and workplace communications that require critical reflection and collaboration. Goals of the program focus on students understanding rhetorical theory and techniques as well as approaching real world rhetorical situations.

For more information on PWR courses, portfolios, and other requirements of the major, please visit its website: Professional Writing and Rhetoric at Elon.

What is the Professional Writing Studies minor?
The Professional Writing Studies minor is interdisciplinary: it focuses on professional writing classes that are not limited to the English department. PWS supplements any major.

What is CUPID?
CUPID stands for the Center for Undergraduate Publishing and Information Design. It is located in Alamance building room 318, and it functions as a classroom for many of the PWR and College Writing classes. CUPID is intended to serve as a community center for PWR students in which they can meet with one another to work on projects.

What faculty members are involved with CUPID?
The CUPID lab was created in 2002 by Dr. Tim Peeples and Professor Michael Strickland. Dr. Rebecca Pope-Ruark coordinated the CUPID lab for several years and oversaw its continued development. All PWR faculty members teach classes in CUPID, use CUPID as a workspace, and support CUPID projects.

What sort of equipment can I check out for use outside of the classroom?
Multimedia equipment is available for any English-related project. We highly encourage students to use these tools for assignments and projects. Equipment can be checked from PWR faculty. A list of available equipment is found here.

How do I get involved with CUPID?
Any student in a PWR or English class is allowed access to the CUPID lab to work on PWR- or English-related assignments. If you would like to get involved with more in-depth projects through CUPID, PWR 217 Professional Writing and Technology Studio is offered each fall. Other PWR classes also give opportunities to complete work through CUPID.

When can I use the CUPID workspace?
CUPID is available 24/7 for PWR majors and is accessible during Open Hours for other English students.