Here are the Composition Program’s Guidelines:
a. You will need to have access to a computer and the internet to complete your writing assignments. If you do not have access to a computer, check out the drop-in computer labs on campus.
b. Please expect to spend at least 2-3 hours reading and writing outside of class for every unit your class is worth; which means devoting 8-12 hours per week for a 4-unit class and 12-18 hours per week for a 6-unit class. You might be reading anywhere from 50-100 pages per week, and during weeks when there’s more writing than reading, you might write anywhere from 500-1000 words.
c. In order to pass your writing course, you must receive a passing grade to receive credit for the class. For WR 40, WR 40A, and WR 45, a passing grade is a C or higher. For WR 50 and 60, a passing grade is a C- or higher. If you receive a non passing grade in your writing course, you will have to repeat the course before you can move on to the next course in the sequence. Your final course grade is made up of all the grades received on assignments over the course of the quarter.
d. All assigned process writing and major assignment drafts should be turned in as scheduled in order to meet the benchmarks of the class and receive timely feedback. Drafts for major assignments must be completed by their due dates and (when required by your instructor) turned in to TurnItIn. Late submission or failure to submit a major assignment draft may be grounds for a grade penalty on the assignment. An excessive number of missing or late submissions may be grounds for failure in the course.
e. All of the final versions of major assignments must be completed and submitted to Turn It In to qualify for a final grade in the course. No assignment can be omitted.
f. Final essay drafts must be submitted to Turnitin by the assigned deadline in order to qualify for a grade on the assignment. Failure to upload a final draft to Turnitin, or uploading a draft that is different from the one turned in to the instructor, may be grounds for a disciplinary investigation
g. Excessive absence from class is grounds for a grade penalty and possible failure in the course. The Composition Program considers missing more than 10% of scheduled class meetings to be excessive. Your instructor may choose to lower your participation grade, an assignment grade, or your overall course grade by one-third of a letter grade for each unexcused absence beyond 10%.
Tip for Success in Our Writing Classes
Engage your interests & let yourself be curious about the readings, ideas, and activities your teacher and your classmates will put before you.
Try to avoid procrastinating. Careful reading and writing take time. Most students find that the class work becomes much more manageable if they start their reading, writing, and revision early, and devote a little time each day to the process.
Be courteous and professional to your teachers and your classmates. A productive learning environment depends on everyone treating others with dignity and respect. Please be ready to participate in class, whether it’s online or in a classroom. If your class is online and holding synchronous meetings, you should prepare yourself for online meetings as you would if you were meeting in a classroom, with your camera on and with your visual and audio presence ready to engage, if at all possible.
Get to know your teacher, and please be respectful of your teacher’s time. Your teacher will organize your class, lead it to the best of their ability, and offer you opportunities for small group and one-on-one meetings. Please be sure to email your teacher if you can’t make a scheduled meeting, and when you come to office hours, be ready with focused questions. When emailing, you should be professional and respectful, and also mindful of your teacher’s time.
Reach out and ask for help when you need it. Most students find it useful to attend their instructor’s office hours regularly for extended discussion of the course texts and individual feedback. Many successful students also visit the Writing Center (http://www.writingcenter.uci.edu/). The Writing Center offers a range of services including workshops and individual tutoring tailored to your course and to your needs.
Remote Writing Center and UCI Library Services. To make a Zoom appointment at the Writing Center, visit Zoom Appointments for UCI Undergraduates – Center for Excellence in Writing and Communication. To review available services at the library, visit UCI Library Services
