Writing and Learning

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GWR-certified Courses

How to enroll in a GWR-certified course:

GWR courses are searchable via the Academic Catalog and Schedule Builder. In Schedule Builder, 

  • Select "Expand Filters" in the upper right-hand corner of their Schedule Builder screen. 
  • Search by GWR courses. 

Note: Schedule Builder's search filters do not overlap to limit results, so if you select the GE Area C filter and the GWR filter, Schedule Builder will display ALL courses that are EITHER GE Area C or GWR courses, not just courses that fulfill both requirements. For this reason, it is recommended that you use only the GWR filter when searching for GWR-certified courses. 

What To Do After Enrolling in a GWR Course:

  1. Upon enrolling in a GWR-certified course, students should inform the course instructor that they are seeking to satisfy the requirement through the course.
  2. At the end of quarter, students must earn a C or better in a GWR-certified upper-division course, with a C or better on the major GWR writing assignment and at least 35% of the final grade based on the cumulative grade of all writing projects.

GWR Advisory Board

The GWR Advisory Board is a University Committee that serves in an advisory capacity to the Academic Senate Curriculum Committee and the General Education Governance Board, which approves  course modifications and new course proposals for upper-division courses seeking the GWR designation. In addition, the GWR Advisory Board manages GWR-certified course-related faculty support and GWR program assessment.

 

GWR Advisory Board Members
GWR Coordinator Dawn Janke
Executive Director
Writing and Learning
 
First-Year Composition Coordinator

Jay Peters 
Writing Program Director and Associate Professor 

Department of English
 

CTLT Writing Instruction Specialist Dianna Winslow (ex-officio)
Assistant Director
Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology
 
CAED

VACANT
 

CAFES

Shunping Ding (2021-2023)
Assistant Professor

Wine & Viticulture and Horticulture & Crop Science
 

CLA

Allison Meyers (2022-2024)
Associate Professor

Department of Philosophy

 

CSM Shanju Zhang (2022-2024)
Associate Professor
Chemistry & Biochemistry
 
CENG  Foaad Khosmood (2021-2023)
Professor
Computer Engineering
 
OCOB Jack Wroldsen (2021-2023)
Assistant Professor
 
PCS VACANT

 
ASI Jordan Perlas (2021-2023)
Electrical Engineering Major
CENG

Click here to review the Academic Senate Resolution on Course Criteria for GWR-Certified Upper-Division Courses Across the Curriculum.

Related Content

Big News!

Our offices have temporarily relocated as a result of the Library construction project. Come visit us in our new space in the Graphic Arts Building (26), Room 110A. We look forward to supporting your learning!

Connect. Collaborate. Achieve.

Academic Preparation and Transitions

The Academic Preparation and Transitions Department plays an integral role in help incoming first-year students prepare for a successful college experience through the Early Assessment Program and the Supportive Pathways for First-Year Students program. More information is available on the Academic Preparation and Transitions webpage

Learning Support Programs

The Learning Support Programs department offers a comprehensive menu of programs and resources designed to help you navigate course expectations and achieve your learning goals: free tutoring for subjects across the curriculum, peer-led supplemental workshops and study sessions provide support for STEM-specific courses, and an online study strategies library. More information is available on the Learning Support Programs webpage. 

Graduation Writing Requirement

All undergraduate students who are seeking a Cal Poly degree must fulfill the GWR before a diploma can be awarded. Students must have upp division standing (completed 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 GWR Portfolio. More information is available on the GWR webpage