/Institutions/Southern-University-and-A-M-College/json/2024-2026/Undergraduate-Catalog-local.json

/Institutions/Southern-University-and-A-M-College/json/2024-2026/Undergraduate-Catalog.json

Testing Policies

Standardized and Proficiency Testing Policies

Departmental Comprehensive

Each student will be required to make a passing score on a comprehensive examination in the major area as a part of the requirements for graduation.
Beginning with those students who enter any post-secondary institution in the fall of 1987, all such students will be required to take competency examinations in certain general education core courses and/or in subject matter and other competencies related to the general education core in its entirety or in part.

Writing Proficiency

All students are required to pass the University Writing Proficiency Examination before graduation. All students shall be advised of writing proficiency expectations at the beginning of each course and shall be advised that a minimum of 10 percent of their grade will be based on demonstrated writing skills for that course.

A degree-granting department may require a writing seminar for its majors, upon presentation of a detailed syllabus for the same and approval by the executive vice chancellor and provost through the college, school, or division dean or director. Where approved and required, the student must pass the course with a grade of “C” or better before graduation. Departments may be requested by the executive vice chancellor and provost to require such courses upon review of writing performances of students in the area.
Students who have not yet passed English 111 and have not passed the Writing Proficiency Examination must take them together (Approved by the Academic Council, Spring 2010). The Writing Proficiency Examination is given as a part of the English 111 course.

Academic Policy on Articulation of the Writing Proficiency Examination Requirement with Other Regionally-Accredited Degree-Granting Colleges and Universities
Southern University accepts and articulates satisfactory completion of a Writing Proficiency Examination from other regionally accredited, degree-granting colleges and universities as fulfilling its writing proficiency requirement. Appropriate documentation will be required to effect such articulation, in the form of one or more of the following, as applicable:

• A passing grade (P of P/F or C and above for letter grade) for a writing proficiency examination recorded on an official transcript.
• A course/examination description and copy of the writing proficiency requirement policy statement from the other institution.
• An official letter of certification and explanation from the Registrar, Chief Academic Officer or other appropriate administrator will be required when such an examination at another institution is not separately registered, but given as part of another course, taken from a standardized test or otherwise not listed or readily identifiable on a transcript.