Writing Proficiency Program

Writing at Saint Mary’s

As a Saint Mary’s student, you’ll work towards proficiency in writing throughout college. From your first year through your major, the W Program will help you prepare for a life of writing beyond Saint Mary’s. Your efforts will be more focused, however, at two stages of your career: shortly after your arrival on campus, and as you progress in your major before graduation:

Basic W: This writing requirement, which can be satisfied in many general education courses, is meant to provide a foundation for your written work at Saint Mary’s. In order to earn the Basic W, you’ll need to be able to advance a logical thesis, organize your thoughts clearly, and develop your ideas effectively. You’ll also need to follow standard rules of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and documentation. You can learn more about this process on our FAQ page. [LINK]

Advanced W: This requirement, which is satisfied within your major course of study, usually during your junior and senior years, is meant to help you refine your skills as a writer, particularly by learning to write well within a particular discipline. To learn more about the Advanced W, please visit your department’s web page.

English Writing Major: Saint Mary’s also offers a comprehensive Creative Writing Program in English; it is distinct from the Writing Proficiency Programs. More information about this program is available on their website.

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Grammar Month Contest

Have you seen bad grammar in print, on a website, or in some other public medium? In honor of National Grammar Day, March 4, submit the offenders to our contest. Fabulous prizes await the winning students. Please note that the errors should not be from a site devoted to grammar errors. Send the offending sentence, where you found it (URL, copy of the page and title of the work, or the address of the sign), an explanation of what’s wrong with it, and a suggested correction to jjuszkie@saintmarys.edu, or drop your entry in the box in the English Department by April 2. March forth for good grammar this March!