Magid Center for Writing | The University of Iowa

Three students laughing and discussing writing at a table

Writing matters. We can help.

Student Success

The Magid Center is home to the Certificate in Writing program, available on campus and online. The certificate helps students develop a range of highly prized writing skills, including the ability to write clearly and concisely, correctly use mechanics and style, communicate with particular audiences for specific purposes, and overcome obstacles that occur during the writing process.

Experiential Learning/Professional Skill Building

Home to many student publications and organizations, the Magid Center provides opportunities for UI students to expand their résumés with rewarding and valuable real-world work experiences. From editing to marketing, and from event planning to budget oversight, working with these publications helps our students grow.

Outreach and Engagement

Iowa is writing, and writing is for everyone. With the Iowa Summer Writing Festival, the Iowa Young Writers' Studio, and the Iowa Youth Writing Project, the Magid Center provides in-person and online workshops that reach youth and adult learners. These non-credit bearing programs have something for everyone.

A young student at the 2017 IYWS Summer Camp discussing his work

"I began at UI as an insecure writer, having lost touch with my adoration of literature. However, through the Magid Center and student orgs like Fools Magazine and earthwords, I relish every day working in my craft as a result of the encouragement of my peers and the opportunities that are available to me in this literary community."

- Philip, Journalism and Mass Communications BA

News and Announcements

Writing Certificate Changes Beginning Fall 2023

Monday, August 28, 2023

Important curricular changes are coming to the Writing Certificate for Fall 2023. Read the full article for details on the changes and what actions students need to take.

Magid Center News Round-up: Spring 2023

Tuesday, May 16, 2023

As the Magid Center comes to the end of another semester, we are excited to congratulate our graduating Writing Certificate students as well as celebrate the accomplishments of students who have been involved with our many programs and publications.

Changes Coming to the Writing Certificate!

Friday, March 31, 2023

The Magid Center is excited to announce some upcoming curricular changes to the Writing Certificate. More information and specifics will be available this summer.

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Upcoming Events

Art & Write Night

Friday, October 6, 2023 6:00pm to 8:00pm

University of Iowa Museum of Natural History

Join the long, rich, historical tradition of artists creating in our spaces. Professional, aspiring, and amateur artists alike, make our museum your muse. The return of this popular program series welcomes guests into the Museum of Natural History's magical gallery spaces after-hours to work on sketching or writing projects with other campus and community artists. Tell a friend, grab a notebook, and join us on the first Friday of each month. We'll provide a new inspo prompt for each session...

Literary Legends: John Irving at Hancher

Friday, October 13, 2023 7:30pm

Hancher Auditorium

Hear Iowa Writers’ Workshop graduate, renowned novelist, and Oscar award-winning screenwriter John Irving (67MFA) read from his latest novel, The Last Chairlift, during this special evening at Hancher Auditorium, which will include a chat between the author and Workshop Director Lan Samantha Chang. Irving studied under writer Kurt Vonnegut at Iowa and served as an Iowa Writers’ Workshop instructor from 1972 to 1975. While on campus, the avid wrestler struck up a lifelong friendship with famed...

Write at the Stanley: A Generative Writing Workshop

Sunday, October 22, 2023 2:30pm to 4:30pm

Stanley Museum of Art

Join us monthly to generate new creative writing inspired by works in the Stanley collection. Each session will be led by a different talented writer from our area, who will be offering a new prompt and a new approach to ekphrastic writing (writing inspired by visual art). Bring your own notebook and pencil or computer and leave with the beginning of a newly written piece. Co-sponsored by Iowa City Poetry. Teen and adult writers in all genres are welcome. Write at the Stanley meets every fourth...

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Writing matters. We can help.

News and Announcements

"Writing is such a crucial component to every aspect of life, and being able to develop my writing and become more comfortable with the skill is one of the things I am the most thankful for from my college experience."

Upcoming Events