Required Tests English Placement Test (EPT) Entry Level Mathematics (ELM) EPT/ELM Information & Penalties Upper Division Writing Examinaion (UDWE) Courses That Satisfy UDWE

Upper Division Writing Examination (UDWE) Requirement

All undergraduate and second baccalaureate degree candidates must demonstrate competency in writing skills at the upper division (juniorsenior) level as a requirement for graduation. Students may meet this requirement in one of two ways no sooner than the term in which 60 units are completed:
- EITHER -

1. Pass the Upper-Division Writing Examination (UDWE) which has both an essay and an objective component. This examination is given five times each year. Students are permitted to take the examination a maximum of two times. Upon successful completion of the UDWE, undergraduate students may request one unit of credit (Engl 100W), which may be posted to their transcripts the same semester in which the UDWE was passed or a later semester if the UDWE was taken after the add/drop deadline for the current semester. For details, call the Office of Testing Services, (559) 278-2457.
   - OR -
2. Obtain a "C", "CR", or higher grade in an approved upper-division course at Fresno State. Approved courses can be identified in the catalog and Class Schedule by the letter "W" (e.g., Engl 160W, IS 105W). English Composition (Engl 1) is a prerequisite to taking the UDWE and any "W" course. See Courses That Satisfy UDWE Requirement.

It is imperative that the UDWS requirement be met within one semester after completing 60 units, or no later than the second semester at California State University, Fresno for students transferring in with 60 or more units. This requirement may be satisfied at another California State University campus provided the student has matriculated at that campus. The UDWS requirement cannot be fulfilled by a class or test taken outside of The California State University system.

Some majors do not allow students to choose the test option and require a specific "W" class. Students need to check with their major advisers.

The UDWS requirement is NOT part of the General Education requirement. Passing the UDWE does not exempt students from taking a "W" course if it is required in their major (e.g., Engineering).

Graduate students should consult the Division of Graduate Studies regarding the graduate-level writing proficiency requirement.