WPE Workshops and Help

What is the WPE?

The University of New Haven believes that good writing skills are essential for success. Therefore, it requires all of its undergraduate students to demonstrate such skills before it will confer a bachelor's degree. During the first semester after achieving 57 credit hours, all students must take the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) in the writing of English. No student will be eligible to earn the BA or BS degree without passing this examination. The English Department schedules and administers these examinations in both the spring and fall semesters.  Questions about the WPE and WPE scores should be directed to the English Department.  The English Department is located on the 3rd floor of Harugari Hall.  You can contact the English Department at 203.932.7364. 

Did you fail the WPE?

The English department sends failed Writing Proficiency Examinations to the Writing Lab to keep on file. If you are retaking the exam, please stop in to the Writing Lab and make an appointment with a tutor. Writing Lab tutors can help you understand your past WPE results, including understanding what areas the WPE measures.  Tutors can work with you to develop effective essay organization, improve written grammar and mechanics, practice editing strategies, prepare for the next WPE, and reduce most WPE anxiety.

WPE Seminars

In order to assist students who are planning to take the WPE, the CLR offers several free seminars prior to the examination dates. Over 80% of students who have attended a WPE seminar have passed the exam. Please check out the WPE Seminar Schedule for this semester.  If you would like to know when you can take the WPE exam, please check out the WPE Exam Schedule. 

For additional assistance in preparing for your WPE, the Writing Lab is open in the fall (starting August 29, 2011) from 9:30 AM-10 PM, Monday-Thursday, 9:30 AM-1:30 PM, Friday, 10:30 AM-4:00 PM, Saturday, and 3:30 PM-7:30 PM, Sunday.  (In the summer, we are open Monday through Thursday from 3:30 PM-6 PM on a walk-in basis up until August 15, 2011.) Please stop in to sign up for an appointment. Don't wait until the last minute to come in as our tutoring schedule usually fills quickly for the week before the exam. If you miss the seminars, copies of the WPE seminar packet are also available in the Writing Lab. The packet includes sample exam topics, writing strategies, and proofreading tips.

Stop by the Writing Lab in the Center for Learning Resources (in the lower level of Marvin K. Peterson Library) or call 203.932.7215 for more information.