How are WID courses different from regular courses in the same department?

WID courses typically cover the same material as non-WID courses offered by the same department, but they require more writing and revision and provide more writing instruction than non-WID courses. In a few cases, WID courses carry an extra credit hour (e.g., 4 credits rather than 3).

How many credit hours will WID courses carry? Will it be more than existing courses?

Most WID courses will carry 3 or 4 credits, as is the case with non-WID courses. However, there are some exceptions. A few 3-credit courses have been redesigned to carry 4 credits as WID courses.

Are this year's UW20 students required to register for a WID course in the fall?

No, they are not required to register for a WID course in the fall. They may register in the fall or the spring of next year. They may even wait until the following year, but that is not recommended. The requirement, in fact, states simply that UW20 students must take two WID courses before they graduate, but not in the same semester.

How are WID courses designated in the schedule of classes for registration?

WID courses are designated by a "W" following the course number (but before the section number).

Is it required that both WID courses be taken in a student’s major?

No, there is no requirement that either WID course be taken in the major. However, it is strongly recommended that students take at least one WID course in their major, their minor (if any), or a closely related field.

If a course includes students enrolled for WID credit and students who are not, do they receive different credit hours for the course?

No, they will receive the same number of credit hours. In most classes, the workload will be the same as well.

How will students who study abroad in their junior year be able to satisfy the WID requirement?

Such students may take both WID courses in their sophomore year or one each in their sophomore and senior years. It is not recommended that they wait and take both WID courses in their senior year; that would defeat one of the major goals of the WID program, which is to provide intensive writing instruction throughout a student's undergraduate career.

May a student take a WID class abroad and receive WID credit at GW?

Perhaps, but probably not. WID courses at GW are designed to meet specific guidelines. WID courses offered at other institutions would have to meet those same guidelines in order to substitute for a WID course taken at GW.

May a WID course satisfy part of the University Writing requirement and a General Curriculum or major requirement at the same time?

Yes, a WID course may do “double-duty” and satisfy part of the WID requirement and a General Curriculum, major, or elective requirement at the same time.

May students enroll in more than two WID courses during their career at GW?

Yes, they may.

What sorts of WID courses will be available to students after they have completed UW20?

There are WID courses scheduled for fall or spring in almost every department or discipline. Many WID courses also fulfill GCR requirements. If you are having trouble finding a course that fulfills a major requirement, check with your department to see what offerings are planned. Also, keep in mind that while it is recommended that you take at least one WID course in your major or a closely related discipline (preferably in your junior year), you are permitted to enroll in a WID course in any department or discipline