As part of a larger study, this paper reports on the various ways in which lecturers in a multidisciplinary first year embed and develop writing skills. A wide variety of approaches are described based on information gleaned through the examination of materials used as well as through in-depth interview with the first year staff. The paper reflects on the various approaches taken and discusses these within a developmental approach to tertiary student writing within the disciplines. It also examines the relationship between lecturers' perceptions of student written ability and the ways in which they help students develop their written abilities. The paper concludes with suggestions for first year staff on improving student writing.

Keywords: writing development, first year transition, lecturers’ strategies