Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many Writing courses do I need to take at Stetson?
2. Can I take ENGL 100 instead of ENGL 101?
3. What are the grading standards in ENGL 101?
4. Can I drop my Writing course?
5. Can I bring credit for ENGL 101, for instance AP or IB scores?
6. Can I challenge my placement in ENGL 100 or ENGL 101?
7. I have a conflict with my Writing teacher. What do I do?
1. How many Writing courses do I need to take at Stetson?
Stetson requires one Writing course to meet the Writing requirement. That course must be taken in residence at Stetson.
Most Stetson students take ENGL 101, Writing and Rhetoric, to satisfy their Writing requirement. Some students, based on entering skill level and initial test scores, will be enrolled in ENGL 100 first, and they go on to take ENGL 101 in the next semester.
Students who bring external credit (AP or IB, or transfer) equivalent to ENGL 101 are required to submit a portfolio to determine placement in the appropriate course.
Stetson policy is that students must remain continually enrolled in a Writing course until they have fulfilled the requirement.
2. Can I take ENGL 100 instead of ENGL 101?
Most students take ENGL 101. Students are only placed in ENGL 100 as a result of incoming test scores that indicate a student's essential skills need additional development. If you feel you should take a preparatory course before taking ENGL 101, contact the Director of the Writing Program at writingprogram@stetson.edu.
3. What are the grading standards and expectations for ENGL 101?
The faculty of the English Department have high expectations for writing, and we try to pass those standards on to our students. Many first year students are not prepared for the rigor with which academic writing is graded; while many have consistently earned As in their previous writing courses, first year students are often shocked to see that those writing skills are considered average by Stetson faculty. We offer a great deal of assistance for students in the Writing Program; if you feel your abilities need a little help, contact the Writing Center at writingcenter@stetson.edu for an appointment with the tutors. A example of the Writing Program's grading standards can be found here.
University policy states that a student must earn a grade of C or above in the Writing course in order to fulfill the Writing requirement. Students earning less than a C must retake the course immediately.
No. Dropping any of the foundation Writing courses is not allowed. In some extreme situations, for example a withdrawal for health reasons from the University, enrollment in a Writing course can be changed. The University places a high priority on writing skills, however, and we expect you to complete the requirements for Writing in your first year at Stetson.
5. Can I bring credit for ENGL 101, for instance AP or IB scores?
Students can bring in AP or IB scores, and they will receive credit for those scores through the Registrar's office. However, all students are required to complete a Writing course at Stetson to fulfill the Writing requirement. Students bringing credit equivalent to ENGL 101 must submit a portfolio to determine proper placement in one of the following courses: ENGL 109, ENGL 201, or an approved Writing Intensive course.
6. Can I challenge my placement in ENGL 100 or ENGL 101?
Yes. Students who believe they have been placed in the wrong Writing course can appeal that placement by asking the Director of the Writing Program to evaluate a portfolio. See here for the portfolio placement option.
7. I have a problem with my Writing professor. What can I do about it?
Conflict with your teacher can be a touchy situation. Students should first attempt to resolve the problem with the teacher by making an appointment and presenting his or her situation clearly. If that doesn't resolve the conflict, students should contact Dr. Megan O'Neill, the Director of the Writing Program, at x7722. If the problem is not resolved at this level, students should contact the Chair of the English Department, Dr. Tom Farrell. The majority of problems are solved by this point, but should they continue, all parties should take the problem to the academic dean of their college for resolution. See the Catalog policies for conflict resolution and policy appeals, or check the Student Academic Policy webpages.