Graduation Writing Requirement
The Graduation Writing Requirement (GWR) is a CSU-mandated program designed to ensure that students can write proficiently before they enter the professional work force. All Cal Poly students who are seeking a degree, including those seeking Master's degrees and teaching credentials, must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded.
- Undergraduate students with 90 or more completed units should attempt to fulfill the GWR before their senior year.
- Graduate and postbaccalaureate students should attempt to fulfill the requirement during their first quarter in residence at Cal Poly.
There are two ways to fulfill the GWR:
- Pass a GWR-certified upper-division course with a C or better on a major writing assignment and a final course grade of C or better with at least 35% of the final grade based on the cumulative grade of all writing projects; OR,
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Earn a passing score on a GWR portfolio (*Note: the GWR portfolio replaces the Writing Proficiency Exam for academic year 20-21).
Notice: Students with a winter 2021 expected graduation term will be added to the GWR Portfolio Canvas site, which provides instructions on submitting the portfolio.
If you are you not scheduled to graduate in winter quarter, then you should consider enrolling in a GWR-designated course before your final term or check back for more information on how to prepare for the GWR portfolio.