Writing Competency (W) Resources and Information

W Course Information from the Writing Center

Writing Center main page

“W” Moratorium:
At the end of the Spring 2008 semester the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences (CLAS) faculty voted to make  a permanent change to the general  education “W” requirement. CLAS students now need only two W courses to  graduate.

For students following the general education requirements for Summer  2005 and later, at least one “W” must be an approved writing course in the  major. The other “W” can be at any level and in any subject area. For students  following general education requirements for catalogs prior to summer 2005, the “W”  in the major is not required, though it is highly recommended.

Quantitative Competency (Q) resources and Information

Quantitative Center main page

Definition of a Q course:

Q courses require the knowledge and use of mathematics and/or statistics at or above the basic algebra level as an integral part of the course. These courses might include comprehensive analysis and interpretation of data. The mathematical and/or statistical methods and skills required are those specific to the particular course and discipline.

Criteria:

Courses appropriate for a Q designation should have the following attributes:

Mathematics and/or statistics at or above the basic algebra level must be an integral part and used throughout the course;

1. Courses must include use of basic algebraic concepts such as: formulas and functions, linear and quadratic equations and their graphs, systems of equations, polynomials, fractional expressions, exponents, powers and roots, problem solving and word problems. Formal abstract structures used in symbolic logic and other algebraic analyses are acceptable;

2. Courses should require the student to understand and carry out actual mathematical and/or statistical manipulations, and relate them to whatever data might be provided in order to draw conclusions. Merely feeding numerical data into a program on a computer or a calculator to obtain a numerical result does not satisfy this requirement. Technology should be viewed as a tool to aid understanding and not as a driver of content.

Entry Expectations:

The present admission requirement for quantitative skills is the satisfactory completion of three or more years of high school mathematics course work including second-year algebra and first-year geometry. Students are strongly encouraged, however, to take four years of mathematics in high school. All students are expected to enter the University with a competency in basic algebra and quantitative reasoning as preparation for completing Q courses. All entering students will be evaluated for quantitative proficiency based on their Math SAT1 score and/or class rank.

Exit Expectations:

All students must pass two Q courses, which may also satisfy a Content Area requirement. One Q course must be from Mathematics or Statistics. Students should discuss with their advisor how best to satisfy these requirements based on their background, prior course preparation and career aspirations. Students may be encouraged to complete MATH 101: Basic Algebra With Applications (a course that does not carry credit toward graduation) prior to enrolling in their first Q course. In some cases, advisors may recommend postponing registration in a Q course until after the student has completed a semester of course work at the University.

The University Quantitative Learning Center:

Faculty and advisors may also recommend that students in Q courses take advantage of  support services offered by  the University’s Quantitative Learning Center, a resource to evaluate the proficiency of students taking quantitatively intensive courses across the undergraduate curriculum. It provides direct assistance to students via peer tutoring, review sessions, and the compilation innovative learning tools. It assists Q faculty to incorporate successful practices in their teaching, and serves as a clearing house for information about Q resources and discussion of Q issues within the University.

Information Literacy Competency

Sample Information Literacy Plans for:

Cognitive Science
Political Science
Women’s Studies