The GWR's Frequently Asked Questions

    The Writing Skills Office has gathered information to answer your questions, which leads us to “The Questions I Want Answered but Don’t Know Who to Ask” section. Entering students, especially Freshmen, don’t skip these questions thinking, “I don’t need to read this. I have plenty of time.” You may just be surprised!) One of the most important questions, and usually the first one asked, is:

    When should I meet the GWR?

    After completing ninety-units of course work--usually your junior year. Graduate students should meet the GWR during the first quarter in residence. When you become eligible to meet the GWR, your name will appear on a list in your department and the GWR flag on your records will change from blank to “E” for eligible.

    When is the best time to meet the GWR?

    Studies show that writing skills are the highest after completing writing courses. Consequently, it is the easiest to meet the GWR as soon as you have completed your lower-division writing courses and have acquired ninety units.

    If you delay fulfilling the GWR by testing or course work until the quarter before graduating, you will be placing yourself under a great deal of stress as well as creating time conflicts with job interviews, internships, and out of residency programs (i.e. Overseas). Also, graduate students cannot be advanced to candidacy without fulfilling the GWR.

    What do I have to do to be GWR-certified in a course?

    GWR-approved courses are offered every quarter. You must inform your instructor of your wish to fulfill the GWR through his or her class. While the writing proficiency certification is based on an in-class essay on an unannounced topic, it is not the same as the WPE. In a class, only the instructor evaluates the essay. Your instructor submits these GWR essays to the Writing Skills Office for recording.

    Please, don’t assume you have been GWR certified because you’ve earned a C or better in the course. Verify your certification by checking the GWR flag on your records. It will change from “E” (eligible) to “C” (certified) if you have been GWR-certified and your name will disappear from the department GWR list.

    May I take a GWR course Credit/No Credit?

    Yes, the GWR-approved course may be taken credit/no credit. But, the earned, or input grade, must be a C or better. A grade of C- or lower will not be accepted.

    What if I don’t meet the GWR before graduation?

    The GWR is a degree requirement and your diploma will be withheld until you have fulfilled the GWR. You can participate in the graduation ceremonies, but you won’t receive your diploma. So plan in advance! Otherwise, after you have finished your course work and have a job, you will need to make arrangements to return to Cal Poly to take the WPE. This can be very time-consuming and expensive!