| How many papers should I submit, and what kinds? |
| We like to see at least four pieces written for other courses; generally speaking, we like to see work written on different occasions over time. We may consider three papers if one of these is a long (i.e., 20-25 page) project. We encourage you to submit papers from classes in your major: this may include lab reports, take-home essay exams, business memos and letters, TV or radio scripts, as well as traditional academic essays or research projects. Submit the written work that you think represents your best effort. You may not submit papers from the 3- or 400-level writing-intensive course in your discipline. Beginning in Fall 2002, papers must be originals with instructor comments on them. |
| Who reads the portfolios, and how are they judged? |
| The Writing Director reads the portfolios, along with other faculty involved in the Writing Program. Faculty across the disciplines agree that the qualities important to them in writing are: organization, evidence of critical thinking, intelligent and accurate use of sources, ability to analyze data and develop an argument, ability to respond appropriately to the demands of an audience, and demonstrated knowledge of the conventions of standard written English. |
| What happens if I fail? |
| The purpose of the portfolio is to determine if you are ready to take the writing-intensive course in your major; if the Writing Director and other faculty feel you need more work in writing before you go on to do that, you may be required to complete additional work. However, this is worked out on a case-by-case basis with the Writing Director. |
I've already taken, or am presently taking, the writing-intensive course in my major.
Why do I have to do this? |
| Because it is a University requirement. Some students do manage to bypass the Registrar and register for the upper-division writing-intensive course without having completed it. However, bypassing the Registrar does not exempt you from the requirement. Note well: it is not recommended that you wait until you are ready to graduate to submit the portfolio. The purpose of the requirement is to see that you get the kind of help you need with your writing as you move through Eastern's writing program. |
| Are there deadlines for submission based upon graduation dates? |
| Yes, May 15th or December 15th are your deadlines for submission depending upon if you're a May or December graduate. However, do not wait until the 15th to submit your portfolio; many students wait until the 15th only causing delay in evaluation and therefore in the overall process. |
| How long does it take to get the results? |
| That depends on when you turn the portfolio in. The portfolios are usually read the last week of each month; results are usually mailed to students the first week of each month. |
| How do I go about turning in a portfolio? |
| Fill out the portfolio form that can be found in the English Department (Webb Hall 225). Be sure to indicate your current mailing address; if you're turning in the portfolio in April or May and plan to move back home over the summer, and will therefore be receiving mail at home, put down that address. Attach the form to your papers and turn the portfolio in to the portfolio bin found in the English Department. |
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