Writing Proficiency Exam
COM 3000, the Writing Proficiency Examination, is a graduation requirement for all LTU undergraduate students. It’s a timed (150 minutes) writing exam during which you write an essay of at least 3 double-spaced pages (at least 750 words) in response to one of several writing prompts provided at the exam. You write the essay on computers provided for that purpose.
The WPE is an “exit” examination, meaning that all undergraduate students must pass it in order to graduate from LTU. It is not an entrance or placement examination. The exam is required of all students, including transfer students. It cannot be waived. However, LTU undergraduate students who had already earned 80 credits (including transfer credits) before the Fall 2005 semester are exempt from this graduation requirement.
In 2004, the University started a comprehensive campaign to improve the writing skills of our students. Instituting the WPE requirement in Fall 2005 is one component of this campaign. In addition, instructors in all fields are asked to require assignments for which students write within their disciplines as part of regular course work.
The University expects students always to present well-written assignments, and, according to President Lewis Walker, the University wants “students to understand that good writing skills are an integral part of good communication for professionals in any field of expertise.” The University also uses the results of the WPE to assess the effectiveness of writing instruction at LTU.
We recommend that students take the exam after they have earned 60 credit hours and before they have earned 80 credit hours. Banner will block registration for Junior/Senior Humanities electives for any student who hasn’t completed the WPE requirement. We urge you to take the WPE before you earn 80 credits. Do not wait until you have almost earned enough credits to graduate before you take the WPE!
For More Information
Joyce Munro, Director of English and Writing Proficiency Programs
C201 A. Alfred Taubman Student Services Center
248-204-4125
munro@ltu.edu