Writing Portfolio at WSU Spokane
Successful completion of the Writing Portfolio is a requirement for graduation at Washington State University. It is a junior-level diagnostic to determine if a student’s writing abilities have advanced in ways that can handle the writing demands of upper-division courses and courses in the major.
The writing portfolio consists of two parts:
- A timed writing session
- The portfolio packet containing three writing samples
All students are required to complete at least one of the two parts no later than the end of the first semester after completing 60 credit hours. The other half needs to be completed the following semester. You may complete the packet and the timed writing in the order you choose.
Ideally, you should complete the Writing Portfolio prior to enrolling in the Writing in the Major (M) courses. Writing portfolio holds will be placed on students’ registration until the portfolio requirement is completed.
Timed Writing Session
The timed writing session takes two hours and consists of an argumentative essay and a self-evaluation. Students must bring two pens (no pencils) and provide photo ID to take the exam. A Blue Book will be provided.
Summer 2013: Contact Jane Kinkel (kinkel@wsu.edu) to arrange a date/time. Students with Disabilities: Reasonable accommodations are available for students with a documented disability. Please contact Liz West (358-7534 or liz.west@wsu.edu) for more information.
Writing Portfolio Packet
Choose three pieces of your best writing. In addition to traditional papers, your writing samples may include lab reports, case studies, group projects, essays, essay exams, etc. Work from other schools may also be acceptable. The samples of your writing must be submitted from three different college level courses. Submit original graded work if possible. If you do not have the original, the instructor should initial several pages of the clean copy and verify that it is your work submitted for the course.
Complete a cover sheet for each selection. Students may purchase the writing portfolio packet materials from The Bookie or download them for free. The instructor should rate the paper as either "Acceptable" or "Outstanding." All work must be submitted in the writing portfolio envelope or in a 9x13 envelope with the writing portfolio cover sheet attached. Students must complete all information on the Writing Portfolio envelope cover.
Criteria for Evaluation (PDF)
After completion
Your Writing Portfolio will be evaluated once you have submitted the packet and have completed the Timed Writing requirement. Because the Writing Portfolio fulfills a General Education Requirement, it will be evaluated by a cross-departmental committee of WSU faculty in Pullman. The committee will assign your portfolio one of three ratings:
Pass
The work shows a proficiency in writing suitable for upper-division work at WSU. Your Writing Portfolio requirement will be fulfilled.
Pass with distinction
The work represents the top 10% of WSU junior-level writing. This achievement will be entered into your WSU transcript. Your Writing Portfolio requirement will be fulfilled.
Needs work
The work shows a need for additional, structured writing assistance in upper-division course work. You will be required to take additional course work in the form of a 2-credit online tutorial course (UCOLL 302) taken in conjunction with one of your Writing in the Major [M] courses, or a three-credit writing course. You must complete the additional course assigned to you in order to satisfy the Writing Portfolio requirement.
Results
Results will be sent to you through zzusis after both requirements have been completed.
Information
- Jane Kinkel: kinkel@wsu.edu or 509.358.7537