Writing Requirements
In your college courses and in the workplace, demonstration of good writing skills and clear thinking are essential for success. More than 80 percent of companies in some job sectors now assess writing during the hiring process. On most job descriptions you will see, “excellent oral and written communications.” This is why PVCC is committed to strategies to enhance our students’ writing abilities and experiences.
Writing Intensive Course Graduation Requirement
Effective in fall 2012, each student enrolled in a PVCC associate degree program must successfully complete one Writing Intensive Course (WIC) in order to graduate, unless a student was enrolled in an associate degree program prior to 2010, in which case the student should speak with an advisor in the Admissions and Advising Center.
How do I find a Writing Intensive Course?
In the class search in SIS, Writing Intensive Courses are listed as -60WI (in-person) and -40WI (online). For example, ENG 253-60WI and ENG 253-40WI are both WICs.
No Extra Cost for Tutors if You Need Assistance with Writing!
PVCC has a Writing Center in the Main Building, room M617, where writing tutors can assist you in strengthening your writing skills in any discipline or in a Writing Intensive Course assignment. If you can't come to campus, you may submit papers to our online tutoring partner, SMARTHINKING. There is no extra charge for PVCC tutoring services, as these are included with paid tuition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Writing Intensive Course (WIC)?
A Writing Intensive Course, called a “WIC” for short, is a course that engages students in a variety of writing activities to enhance learning and improve writing abilities. WICs include many writing activities but they are not writing courses. WICs are discipline-specific courses such as biology, philosophy and history.
Why do I need to know about Writing Intensive Courses (WICs)?
As of fall 2013, each student enrolled in a PVCC degree program must successfully complete one WIC as a graduation requirement unless you enrolled in your program prior to 2010, in which case you should speak with an advisor in the Admissions and Advising Center.
How do I register for a Writing Intensive Course (WIC)?
Use the PVCC Student Information System (SIS) to register for your course. Courses that fulfill the writing intensive requirement are marked with “WI” as a section number. Example: CHM 243-11WI. NOTE: You must complete ENG 111 and ENG 112 before registering for a WIC as they are prerequisites for all WICs. Contact an advisor in the Admissions and Advising Center for additional assistance.
What are the benefits of taking a Writing Intensive Course (WIC)? Isn’t it just more work?
There are many benefits to WICs:
- Studies show that writing about course content improves learning and grades.
- WICs improve writing skills necessary for future academics and future employment.
- WIC activities are interactive and often group-oriented.
How are Writing Intensive Courses (WICs) different from other courses?
The content is the same for both WIC and non-WIC courses; however, writing improvement is one of the learning goals of the WIC. You will have additional opportunities to learn course material through graded and non-graded writing activities. You will share your writings with other students in the class as well as your professor, and receive feedback from both.
Is a Writing Intensive Course (WIC) more difficult than a non-WIC?
No. The course content is the same for both, but students in the WIC section are expected to spend a significant amount of time “thinking in writing” as an additional way to learn course material.
Do I need to take a Writing Intensive Course (WIC)? If so, when should I take a WIC?
Every student who is enrolled in degree program at PVCC is required to take one WIC as a graduation requirement.* You should register for your WIC after successful completion of both ENG 111 and ENG 112, as these prerequisite courses prepare you for WIC writing experiences.
How do I know which Writing Intensive Course (WIC) I am required to take?
Students enrolled in the Associate of Arts (AA) and Associate of Science (AS) degree programs at PVCC can choose from a variety of designated WICs listed in each program’s degree requirements available at www.pvcc.edu/programs. Students in Associate of Applied Science (AAS) programs are required to take program-specific WICs. The designated WICs for AAS programs are listed in each program’s degree requirements available at www.pvcc.edu/programs. Contact an advisor in the Admissions and Advising Center for additional information.