Primary Writing Requirement
The primary writing requirement (PWR) at Rochester is the first step in drawing students into our community of researchers and writers. We aim to help you become an effective academic communicator.
All University of Rochester students are expected to satisfy the PWR. We recommend that you satisfy the PWR by the end of your first year of study at Rochester. That way, you will be prepared for the upper-level writing requirement in your major(s).
Fulfilling the PWR
There are three ways to fulfill the University’s PWR:
Note: Meliora Seminars only satisfy the PWR for those students who have successfully petitioned to use a course other than WRTG 105 for the PWR.
Take one of the following first-year writing courses
Most entering students fulfill the PWR by earning a “C” or higher in:
- WRTG 105
- WRTG 105E, an extended version of WRTG 105, which includes an additional recitation period, for those students who want more support to meet the demands of college-level writing
- WRTG 105A and WRTG 105B, which distribute the work of WRTG 105 across two semesters (at two credits each), allowing students more time to develop as academic research writers
- WRTG 103 and WRTG 104, a sequence for students admitted into the English for Academic Purposes Program (EAPP)
All sections of WRTG 105, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105A&B aim to help you become an effective academic writer. Sections are taught by instructors from across the disciplines and offer diverse topics for students to pursue well-established or new interests.
WRTG 108 (for Extension Students)
WRTG 104, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105B students who have worked diligently but have received a grade of C+ or lower may choose to take WRTG 108 to extend their writing instruction for an additional semester with the ultimate goal of improving their original PWR course grade. These students participate in the workshop to continue to develop and revise their assignments from 104/105E/105B course. Their performance in the workshop and final portfolio, which must include the 8-10 page argumentative research paper, is assessed to determine whether and how much their original PWR course grade will increase. The 108 workshop is 2-credits and graded pass/fail. WSAP permission required.
WRTG 108 Extension is designed for WRTG 104, WRTG 105E, and WRTG 105B students but, if space is available, may be made available to WRTG 105 students who have worked diligently and completed the course but have received a grade of C- or lower.
Grading: Students do not receive an independent grade for the Extension because it is not a credit-bearing course, but rather a continuation of WRTG 104, WRTG 105B, or WRTG 105/E that allows students who have worked diligently to continue improving their writing skills for a second semester, with the ultimate goal of satisfying the Primary Writing Requirement and/or improving their WRTG Grade.
Permission of program required.
Not sure which course is right for you?
Take the Writing Self-Placement Survey.* Complete parts one and two of the survey. If you are an international student or are still unsure what course is right for you, you should continue on to part three. After completing part three, you will have an opportunity to speak with a writing placement advisor.
Log in to Blackboard. On the right-hand side of the screen, find your class year link under "My Organizations.” Click that link, then under the left side panel click on "Writing Self-Placement Survey" to take the survey.
*Note: Students entering through the Early Connection Opportunity (ECO) program or EAPP do not need to take the Writing Self-Placement Survey. ECO students work with ECO summer writing instructors and the Office of Minority Student Affairs (OMSA) counselors to select their writing course, while EAPP students are enrolled in their courses through EAPP itself.
Repeating the First-Year Writing Course
If you pass WRTG 105, WRTG 105E, or the WRTG 105A/B sequence, but earn a grade lower than the minimum “C” required for the PWR, you may choose to take the course a second time for four additional credit hours.
Both grades are counted in your GPA as long as you submit the appropriate form to the College Center for Advising Services (CCAS) by the end of the fourth week of the semester. Alternatively, you may apply the standard repeat policy.