The First-Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement
For all frosh entering students, the First-Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement will be determined through their performance in both CSP seminars and an evaluation of their writing three times during the first year, using the same Six-Point Rubric (1-6 scale with “4” or above considered proficient): 1) the fall semester CSP instructor evaluates the writing of each student in their seminar; 2) the spring semester CSP instructor evaluates the writing of each student in their seminar; and 3) students will be administered a Timed Writing Exercise in the spring semester, which will be evaluated by a faculty committee using the same Six-Point Rubric. Students who score a “4” or above on two of these three evaluations and who pass both CSP seminars will fulfill the First-Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement.
Students who score a “3” or below on two of these three evaluations, or who fail at least one CSP seminar, will be required to pass with a “C” or higher a writing course in the Writing and Rhetoric department: WRD 201: The Art of Essay Writing. WRD 201 may be repeated once for credit in order to fulfill the First-Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement. If a student is unable to achieve a “C” in WRD 201, they will need to consult with the Writing Programs Director and the Core Program Director to determine how they will complete their First Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement. Frosh entering students must complete their First-Stage Writing Requirement through WRD 201 (or another writing course at Oxy approved by the Writing Programs Director); writing courses taken outside of Oxy will not count to fulfill the First-Stage Writing Proficiency Requirement.