Sterling R.E. Havens Writing Symposium
“Reading in the Digital Age” – September 19, 2026
SMU's Sterling R. E. Havens Writing Symposium, "Reading in the Digital Age," brings together writing directors from universities across North Texas to explore how reading practices are evolving in an increasingly digital world. The symposium continues an important conversation about how educators can help students engage deeply with texts, apply knowledge from their reading, and navigate unfamiliar material with confidence.
This year's keynote speaker is , Professor Emerita at American University, whose research on language, reading, psychology, and technology closely aligns with the symposium's focus on teaching and learning in the digital age.
Please join us on September 19, 2026, from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The symposium is free and open to the public and includes lunch, followed by an evening reception from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. Click to register.
“Opportunities and Challenges of AI – September 27, 2025
SMU's Sterling R.E. Havens Writing Symposium, "Opportunities and Challenges of AI," brings faculty and experts from writing programs across Texas together to address the dynamic nature of writing in the university classroom in the age of AI. Educators find themselves in uncharted territory, and we believe the best way to move forward is to learn from one another. SMU's Writing and Reasoning Program recognizes that educating our future innovators and leaders requires us to confront the realities of the world in which we live and to learn from our friends and colleagues as we move forward together in this new paradigm.