SCSU Department of English, August 2003

REQUESTING AN EXEMPTION FROM ENGLISH 101

If:

You are an undergraduate student with:

Prior credit for English 100 (Composition I) at SCSU or the equivalent at another college or university

Extensive experience writing research-based, inquiry-driven papers at the "A" level

A compelling educational reason for bypassing the required second-semester composition course

Then:

You may apply for an exemption from English 101, Composition II.

The procedure for requesting an exemption is as follows:

Contact Professor Kelly Ritter, Coordinator of Composition, at 392-7048 or via e-mail at ritterk1@southernct.edu, to discuss your circumstances.  Once you have spoken with Professor Ritter and have determined that you are eligible for an exemption request, you will then need to prepare a portfolio of your writing.

This portfolio must include:

· A cover sheet stating your full name, university ID number or social security number, phone number, and e-mail address.

· A statement of 250-500 words (one to two pages, typed, double spaced) which outlines in writing your reason(s) for requesting an exemption from 101. This statement may reflect your discussion with Professor Ritter, or may introduce other reasoning which supports your request.

· At minimum two 8-10 page or three 4-5 page graded papers which incorporate research as part of an argument-driven thesis. These papers should be original, graded papers, preferably from an SCSU course or courses. Papers from other institutions will be considered upon request; other documents may also be considered, such as professional work. The work you provide may be on any topic so long as it includes documented, integrated outside sources; uses a style sheet consistently and accurately (APA, MLA, etc.); and exemplifies "A" work (as indicated in the grade and/or comments).  Please note that as English 101 is not a literature-based course, it is recommended that students submit papers other than those from introductory literature courses to prove equivalent writing/research experience to SCSU's English 101.

After submitting these materials, you will be notified within two to three weeks of a decision. Please note that submitting a portfolio does not automatically qualify a student for an exemption, nor does impending graduation or entry into a professional school or program guarantee an exemption.  Exemptions are granted on a case-by-case basis based on materials submitted.