The focus of the 2012 Symposium grows, in part, out of a concern that was voiced a decade ago about whether the field of second language writing could produce enough Ph.D.s to remain viable, to sustain itself. It would appear that this concern, at least for the present time, has been largely alleviated. Since 2000, more than four hundred second language focused dissertations have been completed. However, what is less clear is how this has happened; that is, what institutional and personal forces have helped bring about this situation.

The theme of the 2012 Symposium will be Graduate Study in Second Language Writing. Specifically, it will address the process of earning a Ph.D. (from admission to graduation and beyond) with a focus on second language writing from the perspectives of both doctoral advisors and doctoral students working in a number of distinct institutional contexts. This theme will be addressed in plenary sessions via the personal stories of second language writing scholars who regularly chair second language writing focused dissertation committees and of their former doctoral advisees.

As with all previous Symposia, we are also interested in proposals for 20-minute presentations. While these proposals may address the Symposium theme, they are not required to do so. Proposals for presentations on any topic related to second language writing theory, research, or teaching are welcome. Proposals will be accepted until May 1.

For more information about the Symposium on Second Language Writing―including past symposia and related publications―please visit The Symposium on Second Language Writing homepage: http://sslw.asu.edu/2012/