Overview
Upper-Division Writing Proficiency Requirement
- Complete a minimum of three (3) writing proficiency points at Western with a minimum grade of C-.
- Complete Block A of the Communication GUR requirement before enrolling in a Writing Proficiency course.
Writing proficiency courses emphasize research and writing. Students learn the writing style and conventions of their disciplines, as well as the techniques for integrating evidence into scholarly papers. Students should expect opportunities to write multiple drafts of assigned papers, to receive suggestions for revision, and to have their grade based proportionally on writing. WP courses are listed in the online Timetable of Classes and are searchable through Classfinder.
For Faculty
Three Main Criteria
Courses carrying a WP attribution must meet the guidelines adopted by the Academic Coordinating Commission. To qualify for the WP attribution, courses must fulfill these three criteria:
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FEEDBACK: Students have opportunities for receiving feedback.
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REVISE: Students revise according to instructor guidance.
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WEIGHTED GRADING: Instructors weight grade according this grid.
Working with instructors, Department Chairs decide whether to assign WP attribution and for how many points. The WP attribute is communicated to the Registrar through Curriculog and is searchable under "Other Attributions" in Classfinder. Department faculty should regularly review the WP designation to make sure they offer enough ways for students to meet the three point graduation requirement.
Points are awarded based on the how much of the grade relies on writing and the number of credit hours for the course.
|
|
Credit Hours of Course |
Grade Based on Writing |
|
WP1 |
1 credit |
75% |
|
|
2 credits |
50% |
|
|
3 credits |
25% |
|
|
4 credits |
20% |
|
|
5 credits |
15% |
|
WP2 |
2 credits |
75% |
|
|
3 credits |
50% |
|
|
4 credits |
40% |
|
|
5 credits |
30% |
|
WP3 |
3 credits |
75% |
|
|
4 credits |
55% |
|
|
5 credits |
45% |
For Students
Planning your Upper-Division WP Requirement
Each department has a unique approach to offering WP points. Some offer lots of WP 3 options; others have a series of WP 1 options. The main advice: plan ahead!
Click the image below for a demo on using the TimeTable of Classes to plan your WP points.
Most students will find upper division courses with the WP attribute in their major departments through Classfinder. A few majors do not have WP courses (studio-based majors, for example), so students should work with a departmental adviser to identify WP course(s) that will accumulate the required points. Example: Studio Art majors may accumulate WP points by taking Art History or Technical Communications courses with WP points.
If you can't find a timely WP course or you previously took a course (at Western) that satisfied WP guidelines, you may apply to meet graduation requirements through an Alternative Writing Proficiency Course. The e-form application is linked above.
Students should initiate this form and follow the instructions to submit it for approval (instructor, department chair, registrar).
NOTE: Only courses taken at WWU are eligible for Alt-WP.
What if I can't find a course?
Students unable to enroll in designated WP courses may be able to satisfy the requirement, with faculty endorsement, by submitting an “Alternative Writing Proficiency Course Agreement.”
What if I took a writing intensive course at another university?
Sorry, to meet graduation requirements, students must complete WP points at Western.
I still have questions!
Consult the following resources: your instructor, your department chair, your departmental adviser, or Writing Instruction Support.