Writing Competency and “W” Requirements

Prior to your first quarter at SPU, if you are coming directly from high school, you will have a writing score assigned you based on pre-college indicators. English composition credits awarded for AP, CLEP, and IB exams will exempt you from having a writing score assigned, as will credit awarded for a college composition course in which a grade of at least C (2.0) is earned.

• If you are a transfer student who has not already taken and passed, with a grade of C (2.0) or better, a college-level composition course (or received English composition credit for AP, CLEP, or IB exams), you must take the English Placement Test. To do so, contact the English Department to arrange testing. You will not be permitted to register for your second quarter at SPU until the English Placement Test has been taken.
• If your score indicates that you are well-prepared for college writing tasks, you are not required to complete an English writing course to meet the Writing Competency Requirement.
• If your score indicates that you can write minimally at the college level but need a writing course in order to succeed in college, you will be required to take ENG 2201 “English Writing.” 
• If your score indicates you do not yet write on the college level, you will be required to enroll in ENG 2201 “English Writing” and simultaneously work with a tutor in the Writing Center. 
• All required coursework in writing must be completed by the end of your first four quarters at SPU.

Writing (“W”) Courses

Courses designated as writing courses (typically 3000- and 4000-level) offer a substantial component of writing designed to reinforce your earlier work in writing. At the same time, these courses provide instruction in the technical and stylistic requirements of writing appropriate to a particular discipline. 

In these courses, you are expected to write at least two papers and a minimum of 3,000 words (or about 12 pages) of final-draft prose. Faculty members spend at least one class period providing instruction in writing, and they evaluate written work for both content and form — not only for what is said, but also for how it is said. These courses normally provide opportunities for revision, as well. 

• If you enter SPU with freshman or sophomore standing, you are required to complete 8 credits in writing (“W”) courses prior to graduation.
• If you enter as a junior, you are required to complete 5 credits in writing (“W”) courses prior to graduation.
• If you enter SPU as a senior, you are required to complete 3 credits in writing (“W”) courses prior to graduation.