2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

Assessment of Reading and Writing Skills

The English reading and writing skills of all undergraduate freshman and transfer students are evaluated prior to the beginning of their first semester of study through a review of their standardized testing and secondary school transcripts or transfer credits. In addition, each student must complete a writing sample at matriculation and at the beginning of each of the English courses required for the degree. Students needing extra help may be directed to add writing workshops to their current class assignments or may be required to enroll immediately in a developmental English course to help them attempt to improve their reading and writing skills. (Students who are directed to enroll in developmental English must pass that course before resuming their progress through the standard English courses.) Students who disagree with an initial placement may request that a second writing sample be reviewed by contacting Linda Foley-Vinay in Second Language Services or Dr. Richard Miller in the English Department.