GWAR Guidelines for Faculty

GWAR has undergone some important changes. A new policy was approved by the Academic Senate for implementation in Fall 2026. You will find detailed information about the requirements for students who enrolled or reenrolled either before or after Fall 2026 on the Student information page.

All undergraduate students must fulfill the Graduate Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) to be awarded a CSULB degree. A grade of C or better in a GWAR course (WI) fulfills the GWAR.  Undergraduate students must attempt to fulfill the GWAR before filing a request to graduate. 

As of April 2025, the GPE has been discontinued. GWAR courses (301A and Portfolio courses) will no longer be required beginning Summer 2025. Courses may still be offered for students who choose to take a GWAR Portfolio course as an elective. For more details about these changes, please visit the GWAR FAQs or contact a GWAR advisor.

Graduate students: As of June 2022, GWAR is still required for undergraduates, but it is no longer required for graduate students. Students must contact GWAR eAdvising by email at GWAR-Advisor@csulb.edu to have the GWAR Requirement hold lifted.