Who is required to PASS the Writing Proficiency Examination (or an approved substitute) before graduating at UALR?

The WPE is a graduation requirement for all students seeking a Bachelor's Degree in any major. Students seeking an Associate of Arts in General Studies who graduate under the 1998-99 UALR Undergraduate Catalog or later are also required to pass the Writing Proficiency Examination. NOTE: The WPE will no longer be required as of July 1, 2003. UALR students who are graduating in Spring 2003 are STILL REQUIRED to pass the WPE or an approved substitute (see details below).

How can I fulfill the WPE graduation requirement?

Sophomores (those with 45 to 60 college-level hours) will take the AAGE-WPE as part of the Arkansas Assessment of General Education (AAGE) "Rising Junior" Exam at UALR. If you PASS, you have fulfilled the "Rising Junior" requirement and the graduation requirement. If you FAIL, you must take the test again until you pass in order to fulfill the graduation requirement. Those who are exempt from the "Rising Junior" requirement still must pass the WPE prior to graduation. Transfer students may have other options. See the information below.

How can I find out if I must take the "Rising Junior" Exam?

Contact the Office of Testing Services. Some students are exempt from the "Rising Junior" Exam, but they still must pass the WPE as a graduation requirement if they are seeking one of the degrees specified above.

How will I know when it's time for me to take the Writing Proficiency Exam?

Testing Services makes every effort to notify sophomores when they are eligible to take the AAGE-WPE. If you are a sophomore and have not received any information in the mail, contact Testing Services. If you are exempt from the "Rising Junior" Exam, or if you failed the AAGE-WPE, you may take the WPE during one of the five regularly scheduled dates during the year. Plan to take the test about one year prior to your graduation, and no later than the semester of your graduation.

I took a writing test at another university. Can it fulfill my WPE graduation requirement at UALR?

If you took the CAAP (Collegiate Assessment of Academic Proficiency) Writing Essay test at another university and scored at least a "3" Composite, and a "3" on Essay 1 and Essay 2, you may request a substitution for the UALR WPE graduation requirement. Send a copy of your score to the Director of Testing Services for review. If you passed a different essay test at another accredited college or university, you may request a substitution, but you must provide adequate information about the test and evidence that you passed the test. Such evidence should be sent to the Director of Testing Services for review.

TEST DATES	REGISTRATION DEADLINES**
Saturday, September 28, 2002	September 20, 2002
Saturday, November 16, 2002	November 8, 2002
Saturday, February 22, 2003	February 14, 2003
Saturday, April 19, 2003	April 11, 2003