Writing Proficiency
All students earning undergraduate or graduate degrees in the CSU must be certified as proficient in writing at the upper-division level. You may meet the Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR link opens new window) one of three ways, by:
- passing the writing proficiency exam (this is offered around week three each quarter, is proctored on a Saturday, and involves a fee)
- passing an approved upper-division course with a grade of C (not C-) or better AND receiving certification of proficiency in writing based on a 500-word, in-class essay
- documenting that the GWR was met as part of an undergraduate program of study at Cal Poly
The GWR may be waived, at the discretion of campus authorities, in the following circumstances:
- the requirement was satisfied by the student as an undergraduate on one of the CSU campuses and no more than seven years have elapsed before entering the graduate program at Cal Poly. Documentation to support this waiver option must include date of satisfaction.
- an equivalent upper-division, graduation writing requirement was satisfied at another 4-year college or university. Official, dated documentation must be provided (i.e., transcripts, catalogue description, etc.). Again, no more than seven years may elapse between meeting the requirement and beginning graduate study.
- the student has earned an advanced degree at least equivalent to the Master’s. Supporting documentation must be presented.
Graduate students who wish to waive the GWR should present documentation to the Writing Skills Office (Bldg. 10, Rm. 130, 756-2067) during their first quarter of residence.