Writing and Learning Initiatives

Optimizing academic support and achievement

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Welcome to the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives

Under the auspices of Academic Programs and Planning, the Office of Writing and Learning Initiatives supports student learning and achievement by coordinating a variety of programs and services.

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A picture from the writing center tutoring with a smiling student.

Engage in collaborative learning on any project for any course.

Peer consultants help students meet learning objectives and attain academic success.

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A picture from the writing center tutoring, three.

Experience a supportive learning environment

The center offers a unique space for students across disciplines to share writing and learning strategies to meet the expectations of their course assignments.

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A picture from the writing center tutoring, two.

Earn Credit for Your Work in the Center

English 135 and English 150 are 1-unit courses designed to provide weekly support to students enrolled in writing intensive courses.

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A student reading an article at the writing and rhetoric center.

Prepare for the Writing Proficiency Exam

The Writing and Learning Center offers sample WPE questions and examples of passing and failing WPE essays; writing tutors offer feedback on students’ practice exams.

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A picture from the writing center.

Discuss your Writing Proficiency Exam with a Counselor

Those who fail the WPE can review the exam with a writing tutor to better understand its strengths and weaknesses and prepare for success on their next attempt.

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Upcoming Events

Writing and Learning Support Consultations 

September 22 - December 11

WPE Dates, 2019-2020 

October 1, 2, and 5
January 25, 28, and 29
April 21, 22, and 25

*For WPE preparatory resources, click here.

Academic Preparation and Placement

Cal Poly adheres to the CSU's placement practice, which evaluates multiple measures of pre-college academic performance to determine placement in first-year English and math courses. Cal Poly also offers summer support courses in compliance with the CSU's Early Start Program to help incoming first-year students prepare for a successful college experience. For more information, click here.

Writing and Learning Center

The university's Writing and Learning Center intends to ensure optimal educational opportunities for diverse student populations through peer-to-peer support in reading comprehension, writing, test preparation, and various subjects in addition to academic support workshops. Students may work with a peer consultant in Kennedy Library, 111C, and multiple University Housing locations. For more information, click here.

Graduation Writing Requirement

All degree-seeking Cal Poly students, including a Master's degree or teaching credential, must fulfill the GWR.  Undergraduate students must complete 90 units before they can attempt to fulfill the requirement and should do so before the senior year. The two pathways to GWR completion are 1) in an approved upper-division course and 2) via the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE). For more information, click here.  

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