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California State University, Long Beach
Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement
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Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR)

Because writing is important in every academic discipline, in the professions, and in public life, CSULB is committed to developing the writing abilities of its students at all levels and in all areas.  To further this goal, the CSU adopted the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR), an assessment of upper-division academic writing in English that students must satisfy to obtain a degree or certificate from any CSU.  The GWAR Policy specifies how students can satisfy this requirement at CSULB.

The CSULB GWAR program has been developed to help students fulfill this requirement promptly and avoid delays in graduation.  Beginning in Fall 2010, students will follow a GWAR Pathway based on their scores on the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) and will be expected to fulfill the requirement within 1 year.  Students who attempted the WPE prior to Fall 2010 are encouraged to follow the same pathways to avoid delaying their graduation.

Students sitting on grass in courtyardStudents

While most students satisfy the GWAR by scoring 11 or higher on the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) on their first attempt, students for whom English is a second language face special challenges in meeting this CSU requirement. Based on their WPE scores, students who are unsuccessful in their first WPE attempt will be required to enroll in a GWAR course and submit a passing portfolio to fulfill the requirement.  Students should meet with a GWAR Advisor if they need help selecting an appropriate GWAR course.

Advisor working with studentAdvisors

Advisors play an important role in students’ GWAR success.  Review the GWAR pathways and learn about available GWAR resources.

 

Students in classroom listening to instructorFaculty

Faculty can help students prepare for the GWAR by incorporating writing in course assignments and activities and by referring students to appropriate GWAR resources for help with their writing.  Review the GWAR pathways and learn about the latest GWAR resources.

GWAR SPOTLIGHT:

News & Updates 

Greater Access to Portfolio Courses Beginning Spring 2013

>Beginning Spring 2013, the WPE score required for enrollment in GWAR portfolio courses will be changed from 9 or 10 to 8, 9 or 10. This change makes requirements more equitable, improves access to portfolio courses, and speeds time to graduation.  Students who receive a 7 or lower must still complete ENGL 301A with a C or better before enrolling in a portfolio course. GWAR prerequisites for all GWAR courses will be updated in time for Spring 2013 registration in November.

 

>Need help with GWAR?  You can meet with a GWAR Advisor in the University Center for Undergraduate Advising (UCUA) in 103 Horn Center.  To request a GWAR advising appointment, call 562-985-4837.

 

>The Department of English now offers sections of English 301B for international students and for non-matriculated students through CCPE.  See Approved GWAR Courses for information and schedules.