The Writing Competency Exam (WCE) at SFU was eliminated following a unanimous vote by members of the Core Curriculum Committee in the spring semester and amidst budget challenges facing the University.
Moving forward, students’ writing abilities will be assessed through courses in the new General Education Core Curriculum.
Formerly a part of the General Education requirements at Saint Francis, the WCE was a timed writing exam designed to assess students’ ability to write a clear, developed and organized essay. Regardless of major, passing the WCE had been a requirement for graduation.
The Core Curriculum Committee, a group comprised of faculty and SGA representatives, is working to design an updated core curriculum. The new curriculum will replace the current General Education program and will be presented for a vote this semester.
“I am not a great test-taker, so it eased my nerves to know that the WCE has been eliminated,” said a sophomore student.
“I feel like I’ve learned a lot and have improved my writing skills at SFU, so I like the idea of my writing competency being assessed over the span of a whole course rather than through a singular exam.
“I think that it will help ease a lot of students’ anxiety knowing that the WCE is no longer a graduation requirement.”
Vice President for Academic Affairs Mike McGinnis believes that another one-time writing assessment exam is unlikely to be implemented.
“Research and scholarship show that exams such as the WCE are not effective in determining the long-term knowledge of students,” said McGinnis.
The VPAA said he is looking forward to not only working with the Core Curriculum Committee, but also collaborating with the English Department to develop new writing standards for students in place of the WCE.
“I am confident that this new core curriculum will build a stronger foundation and send graduates out into the world to address the challenges faced by humanity,” said McGinnis.
