2026 Academic Writing Contest!

We want to recognize your incredible academic work!

The SIU Writing Center is pleased to announce our Spring 2026 Academic Writing Contest. We want to celebrate the insightful, intelligent writing you've done in classes this year!

Who can enter?

All undergraduate students are welcome to submit their writing.

What writing can I submit?

Student may submit any academic writing (not creative works) that were written for classes in Spring 2025, Summer 2025, Fall 2025, or Spring 2026. 

There are 3 categories for submissions. The ENGL101/102 categories highlight writing completed in these course by first-year students. The general category is for all other classes. 

• ENGL101/102: Exploratory writing — essays in the form of narratives, analyses, reviews, etc.
• ENGL101/102: Research writing  — essays using sources for argument or synthesis of ideas.
• General: All other academic writing of 750+ words from any other academic writing course.

What can I win? 

Each category will have a 1st place winner and a runner-up.

• 1st place prize: Saluki Prize Basket filled with SIU Goodies
• Runner-up prize: $50 Student Center Gift Card (usable at all Student Center services)

There will be an Award Ceremony event in April where winners will be announced and prizes awarded.

How do I enter?

Submit your writing now!

Deadline: April 1, 2026 at 11:59pm.
Winners announced and prizes awarded at Award Ceremony in April.