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University Writing Requirements

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions

About registering for Englwrit 111/112

1) When do I need to take 112?

2) What do I do if the section I want is full or all sections seem full?

3) Can I just go to the course I want and have the teacher register me?

4) Can a teacher sign me into a full 112 section?

5) What if I tried to register for an open space and SPIRE still didn’t let me in?

6) How can I find out if a writing course I took will transfer to UMass?

7) What if I didn’t get into a section of 112 this fall, will I have a problem with my major?

8) What if I’m a junior or senior, do I still need to take 112?

9) What if I haven’t taken the placement exam?

10) Can I audit a 112 course?

11) After 112, what other writing courses are available for me to take?

12) Does the Writing Program have majors?

13) Where can I go for help with a paper?

14) Can I retake the placement exam?

15) Can I exempt from the College Writing Requirement?

1) When do I need to take 112?
We recommend taking 112 within your first three semesters at UMass. It is not a problem if you cannot get the course your first fall on campus, but don’t let it wait too long because 112 is a prerequisite to your junior-level writing course in your major.

2) What do I do if the section I want is full or all sections seem full?
Sometimes checking 113 will help—it’s the same course as 112 but taught in a computer classroom. If this doesn’t work, do NOT visit individual classes and ask the teacher to sign you in; they can’t. The only way to add a course is through SPIRE.

3) Can I just go to the course I want and have the teacher register me?
No, you can only register through SPIRE.

4) Can a teacher sign me into a full 112 section?
No, you can only add through SPIRE in sections where space is available.

5) What if I tried to register for an open space and SPIRE still didn’t let me in?
Did you take the Placement exam? The Placement exam is a prerequisite for 112 and 113. It is NOT a requirement for 111. If you think you took the exam but are still having problems, stop by the Writing Program Office in Bartlett 305.

6) How do I see if a writing course from another college/university will count for 112?
Call Admissions (5-0222) and an advisor there will evaluate the course for credit if you have transferred from another school. If you are looking to take 112 at another institution and are currently a student at UMass, check with admissions first to see if the course will transfer. Taking the course and getting it evaluated later will not guarantee you credit. Students MUST get prior approval for taking 112 elsewhere and must have taken the placement test and placed in 112. You will need a signature from the Writing Program office on your prior approval form.

7) What if I didn’t get into a section of 112 this fall, will I have a problem with my major?
No. We recommend taking 112 within your first three semesters at UMass. It is not a problem if you cannot get the course your first fall on campus, but don’t let it wait too long because 112 is a prerequisite to your junior-level writing course in your major.

8) What if I’m a junior or senior, do I still need to take 112?
YES. Unless you have transfer credit or have exempted through the placement exam, EVERY student must take 112 in order to graduate. 112 is part of the graduation requirement.

9) What if I haven’t taken the placement exam?
Placement exams are typically taken during summer orientation. If you missed this testing, check the Collegian and/or the writing program Web site for fall testing times. Or call the Writing Program Office (5-0610) to schedule an individual appointment to be tested.

10) Can I audit a 112 course?
No.

11) After 112, what other writing courses are available for me to take?
The Writing Program also offers experimental writing courses when funding is available. For other writing courses, contact the undergraduate English office.

12) Does the Writing Program have majors?
No; the Writing Program currently offers courses only for Gen Ed and does not have its own majors.

13) Where can I go for help with a paper?
The Writing Center in Bartlett 303 accepts walk-ins. Check with the Writing Center and/or call to get hours.

14) Can I retake the placement exam?
This is a one-time only test. It is important to take your time with it and take the exam seriously. If you believe there is problem with your placement, see Pat Zukowskiin 305 Bartlett

15) Can I exempt from the College Writing Requirement?
The only way to exempt is through the placement exam or the SATs or Language and Composition tests with a score of 4 or 5.

16) What is 113?
113 is the exact same course as 112 but is offered in a computer classroom to make easier use of writing technologies and online resources.