Students engaging in collaborative studies on the Long Beach State campus.
Long Beach State has decided to discontinue its Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) Placement Exam, streamlining graduation processes for students. This change aligns with California State University policies and will alleviate the financial burden of placement tests, which are now free of charge. GWAR Portfolio courses will also be eliminated starting summer 2025, benefiting students who struggled with stringent writing requirements. The university aims to improve academic experiences and align its standards with the Chancellor’s office directives.
Long Beach, California – In a significant move aimed at improving the academic pathway for students, Long Beach State has decided to discontinue its Graduation Writing Assessment Requirement (GWAR) Placement Exam. This announcement was made public in an official memorandum on April 4, marking a considerable shift in how the university approaches writing requirements for graduation.
Officials at Long Beach State, recognizing the need for change, have expressed that the GWAR policy needed some modifications to better align with broader policies set by the California State University (CSU) system. This decision echoes ongoing discussions about standardizing expectations across the various campuses within the CSU system.
The provost and senior vice president for academic affairs indicated the importance of aligning all campus policies with directives from the CSU Office of the Chancellor. This alignment means that students at Long Beach State can expect a smoother experience when it comes to writing requirements.
A crucial part of this change is the stipulation that students will not incur any fees for a campus-provided placement test – a significant relief since testing fees can sometimes add to the stress of student life. This policy is in line with CSU guidelines aiming to make education more accessible for all students.
It’s worth noting that GWAR testing was temporarily put on hold during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic but made a comeback in the summer and fall of 2021. The reinstatement of the tests brought about varied reactions from students, illustrating just how crucial writing skills are viewed in the academic journey.
In another impactful change, starting in the summer of 2025, GWAR Portfolio courses will no longer be required. These courses were specifically designed for students who scored between eight and ten on the GWAR Placement Exam and required them to submit a passing portfolio to demonstrate their writing ability. Eliminating this requirement may open doors for many students looking to graduation.
The recent changes come on the heels of a letter penned by Brent M. Foster from the CSU Office of the Chancellor. This communication highlighted specific areas where Long Beach State was diverging from CSU-wide policies. In response, CSULB is taking proactive steps to ensure that all modifications are in place until further revisions can be finalized to match the Chancellor’s Office’s GWAR policy.
These policy updates indicate a promising direction for Long Beach State as it embraces changes that could enhance students’ academic experiences. Students qualifying for the GWAR will soon breathe a sigh of relief as they navigate their graduation requirements without the added pressures of stringent testing and portfolio submissions.
The university is committed to ensuring that all students can graduate with the skills they need to succeed professionally while making the process as straightforward as possible. These changes are sure to uplift students and faculty alike, paving the way for a more unified approach to writing skills across the CSU system.
The road ahead looks bright, and students at Long Beach State can feel optimistic about the exciting changes on the horizon!
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