GWAR Criteria

From University Policy on Written English Proficiency

All undergraduate students must demonstrate upper-division
written English proficiency as prescribed in CSU policy. For undergraduates who
are first-time college students prior to Fall 2008 and who maintain continuous
enrollment, this requirement can be met by passing the Junior English Proficiency
Test (JEPET) or ENG 414, 410 or 411. The JEPET (or 414/410/411) will remain an
alternative for fulfilling the GWAR for students who begin their college
studies before Fall 2008 and who maintain continuous enrollment. Undergraduates
who are first-time college students in Fall 2008 or later will satisfy the GWAR
requirement by earning a C or better in a GWAR-designated course in their major department or college.

Undergraduates who are first-time college students before Fall 2008 may choose
to satisfy the GWAR requirement by earning a C or better in an upper division
GWAR-designated course in their major department, college, or program.

Course Criteria
ACADEMIC SENATE POLICY #S08-14, Revised 4-28-09

Criterion #1, Class Size: Courses satisfying the GWAR should have an enrollment maximum of 25 students. When department, program, or college conditions warrant, and a strong pedagogical rationale is provided to clearly justify the exception, CWEP may approve a course that exceeds the set maximum.

Criterion #2, Number of Pages/Words: The overall assignments for the course will include a minimum of 15 pages, meaning the equivalent of 4000 words, of formal writing that demonstrates upper-division written English proficiency within the given discipline.

Criterion #3, How Writing Will Affect the Final Grade: At least 60% of the grade in GWAR courses must be based on written assignments and exams designed to allow for revision, which are evaluated for both content and quality of writing.

Criterion #4, Revision of Assignments: GWAR courses must include substantive revision of major, graded, written assignments in response to feedback.

Criterion #5, Types of Assignments: GWAR courses should include a variety of writing assignments that are sequenced and/or distributed throughout the semester, rather than concentrated at the end.

Criterion #6, In-class Attention to Writing: GWAR course syllabi should reflect significant class time devoted to instruction in writing conventions within the given discipline.

Criterion # 7, Number of Units: GWAR courses, or course sequences, should be at least 3 units.