Department of University Writing

Symposium Banner shows UCR landscape in the afternoon sun
The Re:Write/(Re)Build Student Symposium
An undergraduate writing and research symposium made by students for students.
EXCELLENCE. COMMUNITY. OPPORTUNITY.
Rewrite Rebuild Logo for Spring 2026 atop wistful clouds
Students focused in the symposium
Students watching a presenter share knowledge
student standing by her poster, proud of her work
Student sharing information on his poster with others.
Student presenting poster about silenced voices
Student proudly presenting his poster
Students presenting at the Rewrite Rebuild Symposium, fittingly, on the topic of communication.
Students helping others sign in and celebrating community achievements
Students celebrating their community accomplishments (with boba)
Students assisting with sign ins and celebrating community with boba
Students discussing poster
Photo of the many students who attended the symposium
Sample posters that present cats and plants as metaphors for belonging

 Contact Us

Re:Write/Re:Build

Co-Founders:

 

Dr. Clare O'Brien 

(clare.obrien@ucr.edu) 

 

Dr. Vlad Sirbu 

(vsirb001@ucr.edu)

 

 

 

 

 

    About

ReWrite/ReBuild provides professionalization opportunities to UCR students of all majors, immersing students in the communication, collaboration, and publication standards in their career fields. This initiative utilizes a humanities approach to help students leverage the interdisciplinary skills that their degrees offer. Courses in the Department of University Writing connect writing prompts to “real-world” writing tasks, from persuasive proposals to creative critique and analysis. With faculty mentorship, undergraduates develop interdisciplinary projects for civic, professional, and creative spaces. 

 

This work culminates in a Spring symposium, where students showcase the work they have published throughout the year. This is also a space for publishing, where students with creative works can exhibit and perform them for a live audience. Students not only present at the event, but also organize it; they coordinate panels, photograph the event, organize tabling partners, and design the logo and aesthetics used for marketing and outreach. By participating, undergraduates produce quality work that contributes to the campus and allows students to practice critical professionalization skills.

 

In rewriting past ideas, students can rebuild their present and progress towards their future goals.

 

 

 

100%
Representation of Campus Majors
15+
Campus and Community Partners
30%
of student work reaching real audiences

Campus Partners

UCR Landscape Banner for the Symposium
The Highlander
More Information
The Buscadores Program
More Information
UCR Landscape Banner for Buscadores
The Seeds Anthology of Student Work
Coming Soon...
Student Performances and Creative Projects
Coming Soon...
"I liked this opportunity where students can get their voice out to the leaders of the school so they can see student's perspectives. I feel these opportunities are great for making good changes at the school happen."
Jung-Joe C.
"I love the idea of more opportunity for students and being able to network. For me, I would try connecting to people in the medical field and be able to open up new opportunities for myself. Being surrounded by students similar to myself would also be really nice and easy to make friends with them. "
Saba S.
"I really did like these presentations because each presentation had its own story. From the PowerPoint presentations to the poster boards, each one was personalized from my peers. I enjoyed walking around getting to know why these projects were made and just learning more. I also have the opportunity to take photos for this event and it was nice capturing these moments."
Mia C.
"I didn’t present, but I liked seeing students very similar to myself presenting real problems that could actually be solved and funded. Them being the same age group and understanding being a student at UCR made their presentations more relatable and also just made me want to listen."
Gabriella R.
""I did not present, but I liked that students had the opportunity to do so. It opens up the floor for new ideas to come around, since students don't have many opportunities to share theirs.""
Chau N.
"I liked the opportunity as it gave students a chance to be better professionally and evolve a public speaking skill as there are not a lot of opportunities to do so in college for students. I also liked seeing the presentations and what people had to offer as well."
Mira R.
"It was a very unique opportunity. I haven’t experienced anything similar in my 3 years at UCR. This was the first time I was exposed to the arts at UCR."
Faud M.
"This was my introduction to a symposium and the opportunity to present at one. Though I didn’t present, I feel far more comfortable in the setting now and would feel confident presenting in the future!"
Jaroiya D.
"I absolutely loved that I had the opportunity [...] Especially after meeting with different faculty and organizations that came out to listen, everyone was so attentive and genuinely interested in what students had to say."
Kelsey X.
"I really liked the idea! Made me feel like we as students can make our voices heard and be taken seriously on issues that bother or affect other students here at UCR."
Dianna A.