Western Washington University promotes the development of writing proficiency systematically throughout a course of study. To that end, Western has established a program of writing courses, as well as faculty and student support services, beginning in the first year and extending to upper-division writing proficiency (WP) courses.
Writing Requirements for Graduation
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 Andrew.Lucchesi@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, use this form to contact the Director of Writing Instruction Support.
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.
What are the requirements for a Writing Proficiency course?
Writing Proficiency Points Fulfilling the Writing Proficiency Requirements
(Minimum 3 points required)
Writing Proficiency Points |
Course Credit Hours |
% of Grade Based on Writing Assignments |
WP1 |
1 Credit |
75% |
2 Credits |
50% |
3 Credits |
25% |
4 Credits |
20% (18.75%) |
5 Credits |
15% |
WP2 |
2 Credits |
75% |
3 Credits |
50% |
4 Credits |
40% (37.5%) |
5 Credits |
30% |
WP3 |
3 Credits |
75% |
4 Credits |
55% |
5 Credits |
45% |
All Western Writing Proficiency courses should follow these University-wide guidelines:
- Students have opportunities for receiving feedback,
- Instructors provide expectations for revision,
- Instructors assign course grades based on writing (see grid above), and
- Upper-division course taken at WWU.
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How can students find a Writing Proficiency course?
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.
What is an alternative to a Writing Proficiency course?
Are there other designated writing courses at WWU?
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):
- Has prerequisites of English 101 and 30 credits
- Caps enrollment at 25
- Carries a minimum of 3 credits
- Includes instruction in how to write academic discourse about a particular academic topic or domain such as the sciences, humanities, arts, etc.
- Includes writing as at least 75% of the final letter grade, including both formal and informal writing products
- Needs to provide opportunities for revising
- May be a stand-alone course or offered as part of a link or sequence of courses
I have more questions. Who can I talk to?
For any questions regarding the Writing Proficiency courses or requirements please use this form to contact the Director of Writing Instruction Support.
Where can I get a PDF copy of this information?