WPE ensures students know how to write

Another semester, another Saturday spent taking the Writing Proficiency Exam for over 3,000 CSUS students.

Before graduation, every student at CSUS must take the WPE as part of the Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement. With a passing score, students can take any advanced study courses which are required for graduation.

Many students look forward to getting part of their writing requirement out of the way in one day.

"It's necessary to take the WPE," said Charles Ewing, senior Physical Education major. "Future employers know you can write."

"The WPE is good, it shows a person if they can write or not," said Kristin Mortenson, junior psychology major.

Approximately 60-64 percent of the students pass the WPE on the first attempt.

"The percentage varies from year to year," said John Price, WPE coordinator.

The problem comes when students don't pass the exam. After a failing score students have the option of taking English 109 to find out what mistakes they made on the previous exam or taking the exam again cold turkey.

English 109 is only offered to those having trouble with the WPE and seems to be a big help. Most students agree the class is helpful, but some wonder why it isn't offered instead of the exam.

"English 109 is for the 30 or so percent who need extra help," said Price.

English 109 gives students a chance to improve their writing and at mid-term anyone taking the class can take the WPE for free.

The WPE costs $25 per student. For someone who struggles with timed writing, the acquisition of advanced study courses could become expensive. Fifty dollars for two exams and 3 extra units during can leave a bitter feeling among some students, said some of those taking Saturday's test.

"We shouldn't have to take it (WPE) if we passed English 20 with a good grade," said Jennifer Fassette, junior business major.

The fees collected go into a trust fund that supports the process of giving and grading the WPE. It pays for the paper, time and effort put into the exam.

"It's not a money maker," said Beverly Reed, of the WPE office.

In 1977 the trustees made $25 the maximum amount CSUS can charge for the exam, and it has been the same price for over 7 years.

Most of the effort put into the WPE happens during the grading process. At least two faculty or administrators grade each exam and if their scores conflict, a third member is used to settle the dispute.

This process goes on four times a year. The exam is offered once each semester, once during winter break and once during the summer.

More than 8,000 students take the WPE each year, equivalent to the size of CSUS's junior class.

The next WPE is scheduled for January 6, 1999 with sign-ups scheduled from November 9-20.