UM recognizes that WRIT placement and completion differs institutionally and from state to state and works to accommodate the subsequent needs of transfer students.

The Admissions Office (406–243–6266) evaluates transcripts for coursework equivalent to WRIT 095/101/201. If you believe that your work has been evaluated incorrectly, please contact the Admissions Office for information on appealing their initial review. Be sure to have a syllabus from the course you believe to be equivalent to support your claims.

The Petition

If you cannot reach an accommodation with the Admissions Office, you are eligible to petition for exemption petition for course exemption through the Writing Committee (per procedure 202.50.5). In order to petition for credit, please compile the following information:

1. A cover letter outlining the basis for the request. The cover letter should clearly articulate how the proposed course meets the learning outcomes of Introductory or Intermediate Writing Courses at the University of Montana (listed below). Include pertinent information such as contact information, student ID number, and how you fulfilled this requirement in a course at your previous institution.
2. Evidence of a C- or better in the course.
3. A syllabus and course description, and any available writing assignment instructions. For introductory courses, the syllabus or instructions must show that the course a) emphasized rhetorical understanding, textual analysis, and genre flexibility, b) emphasized on structure, argument, development of ideas, clarity, style, and diction, c) required expository prose and research paper, d) expected to write without major faults in grammar or usage.

How to submit your petition:

• Materials should be submitted to the Faculty Senate Office, camie.foos@mso.umt.edu, (406) 243-5553.
• NOTE: Students within two semesters of graduation must use the Graduation Appeal process in place of the Introductory and Intermediate Writing Course Exemption Appeal process.

Questions?

Do you have questions about the writing requirements at the University of Montana? Please review the Writing Placement FAQ.