Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency - Frequently Asked Questions
Who can apply for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency?
A list of the eligible conditions qualified for the petition can be found at the Undergraduate Studies Office website: http://www.sjsu.edu/ugs/students/WST/
Separate guidelines apply to graduate students. Competency in written English is a requirement of classified graduate students as a condition necessary for advancement to candidacy for the award of the master's degree.
Where can an Undergraduate student file a petition for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency?
A petition must be filled out in person and dropped off at the Undergraduate Studies Petition Drop area in the Peer Mentor Center (located in the Academic Success Center) in Clark Hall during their operating hours.
What is the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency petition?
If you have failed the WST a third time, but can show by your test scores that your writing has improved to a level very close to passing, you may petition to certify your writing competency by an alternative demonstration. Instructions for submitting a petition for Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency:
- A petition form justifying the request must be filled out in person at the Peer Mentor Center (located in the Academic Success Center in Clark Hall) .
- Bring your WST scores. (MySJSU – Academic History - Degree Progress – Campus Tab)
- Bring your SJSU Unofficial Transcript. (MySJSU – Academic History – Unofficial Transcript). Please circle or highlight all of the writing classes, or classes that require substantial writing, you have completed.
- If you are a transfer student, bring an unofficial transcript of any other College or University you have attended. Please circle or highlight all of the writing classes that you have completed at this/these institution(s).
Please note that if you don’t meet the eligibility criteria or if your petition is incomplete, your petition will be denied.
How many times can a student petition for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency?
A student is allowed to apply for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency only once per semester, and may not reapply until they have complied with all instructions from previous requests.
How long does it take to receive the final decision regarding the petition for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency?
Usually, the student will receive an e-mail notice from the Undergraduate Studies Office within three to four weeks. It is most advisable for a student to petition as soon as possible, instead of waiting closer to add and drop deadlines. During this time, waits may be longer due to the high volume of requests received by the Undergraduate Studies office.
Who decides whether or not a petition will be approved?
Dr. Dennis Jaehne, Associate Vice President for Undergraduate Studies (ADM 159)
Dr. Jaehne requires that all students follow the protocol established by the Undergraduate Studies Office, which requires the submission of the WST petition for Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency with all the supporting documents following the procedure outlined by the Undergraduate Studies Office. All requests are reviewed on a case-by-case basis and final decisions vary accordingly. Student's entire academic record is reviewed, with particular attention to grades in courses that require substantial individual writing assignments.
The following reasons may not be used as justification to file a petition for an Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency:
- The number of times you have failed the WST is not a consideration.
- Being a non-native English speaker is not a justification for the petition for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency. SJSU students whose native language is not English pass the WST in large numbers.
- The fact that you cannot enroll in SJSU Studies (formerly Advanced GE) or 100W is not a reason for the petition for the Alternative Demonstration of Writing Competency. These courses are supposed to teach sophisticated, not fundamental writing. This is not an acceptable justification in your petition. Writing is a GRADUATION REQUIREMENT. SJSU does not waive major requirements, or writing requirements, without strong evidence of proficiency.
- On the WST, the difference between an essay score of 6 and 7 is significant. Earning a 6 means that two independent readers failed an essay. A 6 does not mean that you just missed passing; it means a failing essay was written.
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