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 Master's degrees and teaching credentials, must fulfill the GWR. This degree requirement must be fulfilled before a diploma can be awarded.
- Undergraduate students with 90 or more completed units must attempt to fulfill the GWR during the junior year and should do so before their senior year.
- Graduate and postbaccalaureate students must 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,
- Pass the Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE).
Notice: In response to COVID-19, the spring and summer quarter Writing Proficiency Exam Testing dates are canceled.
If you are an active undergraduate student with a spring or summer 2020 graduation term, then you will receive a GWR exemption.
If you are you not scheduled to graduate in spring or summer, then you are expected to fulfill the GWR. You might consider enrolling in a GWR-designated course this summer or taking the WPE in next academic year (check back for updates on fall quarter WPE test dates).
