Writing Requirements at Western Washington University

Lower Level Communication General University Requirement (GUR), Block A: - Students need to complete English 101, Writing and Critical Inquiry, with a minimum grade of C- prior to the accumulation of 45 credits.  Requirement will be waived for students demonstrating high English competency on Advanced Placement (CEEB English score of 4). For more information contact the Director of English 101, Jeremy.Cushman@wwu.edu, Department of English.

Upper- Level Writing Proficiency Course(s): Students need to complete a minimum of three writing proficiency (WP) points in designated WP courses, taken at WWU, with a minimum grade of C-. For more information contact the WIS Director, Julie.Dugger@wwu.edu, Western Libraries and the Learning Commons. 

WP courses are upper-division classes emphasizing researching and writing in a particular discipline. Students learn the writing style and conventions of their disciplines, as well as the techniques for integrating evidence into academic writing. 

Writing Proficiency Points Fulfilling the Writing Proficiency Requirements
(Minimum 3 points required)

All Western Writing Proficiency courses should follow these University-wide guidelines:

• Students have opportunities for receiving feedback,
• Instructors provide expectations for revision, and
• Instructors assign course grades based on writing (see grid above). 
   

Since most departments offer WP courses, students typically register for them in their majors. To search for WP courses in current and future quarters or to view open sections, times, or instructors for these courses, use Classfinder's search feature to select the "WP" designation for that quarter.

Alternative WP Courses:

If students are unable to satisfy the WP requirement with a regularly scheduled WP course, they might be able to arrange an alternative.  See “Guidelines for Arranging an Alternative Writing Proficiency (WP) course" and “Alternative Writing Proficiency (WP) Course Agreement.”

Other Designated Writing Courses at WWU

Communication GUR, Block C: 
While not a requirement for graduation, students may elect to satisfy the second part of the GUR in Communication by taking a Block C writing course.  

To see current Block C course offerings, use Classfinder.

Block C writing courses need to abide by the following criteria (from 2006-08 ACC Handbook, p. 20):

For any questions regarding the Writing Proficiency courses or requirements please contact Julie Dugger.

WWU Writing Requirements.pdf