We understand that you may have questions, so we've done our best to categorize them to help you find what you're looking for. Please click on the drop-down sections below to see if your question has been answered.
Is there a minimum credit requirement to participate in E-WRAP?
No.
Can I complete EWRAP at another time?
No. EWRAP is only available to students during the semester when they’re enrolled in an Intermediate Seminar course. If you elect not to satisfy the Writing Proficiency Requirement via EWRAP this semester, you will need to attempt it via the traditional WPE.
What is the difference between Electronic Writing Assessment Portfolio (EWRAP) and the traditional Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE)?
EWRAP involves collecting a set of essays you’ve already written for your UMB courses and composing a reflection letter to accompany them. For the traditional WPE, you are given a reading set and accompanying question and are asked to compose a new essay in response to that question in addition to also compiling a portfolio of your work. Thus, the major difference is that EWRAP asks for a reflection letter while the traditional WPE requires you to write another source-based essay.
Can I participate in both the traditional Writing Proficiency Exam (WPE) portfolio and the Electronic Writing Assessment Portfolio (EWRAP)?
You may only submit to one option at a time. In other words, if you submit EWRAP this semester, you must wait until you’ve received your score to determine whether you will need to register for the traditional WPE.
What papers do I need to include in my e-portfolio submission?
Specific information about papers to include in your e-portfolio can be found on the “Which Papers Should I Choose?” page.
Can I revise my papers before submitting them?
No. Submit the papers as you initially submitted them in class. You can use the reflection letter as an opportunity to discuss changes you might have made to them as a way of demonstrating your growth as a writer.
Do I have to submit graded copies of the papers?
Graded copies of papers are not required, but the paper must be the one submitted in your class.
Can I submit a lab report in my e-portfolio?
Submitting a lab report is permissible if the report includes a written discussion of the work that meets the criteria for writing proficiency and this discussion meets the minimum word count requirement.
Can I submit a paper that I wrote as part of a group project?
No
Can someone review my papers before I submit them?
No. EWRAP is designed to evaluate your work as it has been submitted in your classes. We don’t want you to have to do extra revising work (and we don’t have the staff to review everyone’s portfolio.)
I am a transfer student at UMass Boston. My Intermediate Seminar is the only course I am taking that includes writing. Can I submit two papers from this course?
If you are a transfer student in your first semester at UMass Boston, you may submit two papers from your Intermediate Seminar. However, we encourage you to submit a third paper from a different course, if possible, to give evaluators a fuller sense of your writing capabilities across disciplines.
If you are a transfer student, but this is not your first semester here, you'll need to submit all three required essays. That said, while we encourage you to submit to EWRAP, if you are concerned about the essays you have written since transferring to UMB, please email us at Writing.Proficiency@umb.edu and we can discuss your options with you.
I am a second-degree student. It is my understanding that I am exempt from the Writing Proficiency Requirement (WPR). Is there anything I need to do to confirm this?
Check your degree audit to review outstanding requirements, including the WPR. See your advisor if assistance is needed with this review.
When will I know if I passed?
EWRAP portfolios will be evaluated shortly after the semester in which the portfolio was submitted. The results of this evaluation will be “pass” or “retake.” The results will be sent to you after the faculty assessments of all submitted portfolios have been completed (up to five weeks after submission). Only students who have submitted complete and visible e-portfolios will receive notification of the results.
If I do not pass, can I appeal the decision?
The e-portfolios submitted within EWRAP undergo rigorous review so that the results are valid. Appeals will be considered on a case-by-case basis for a short period of time after results are posted and only after the student meets with an EWRAP staff member. If a student is eligible to appeal, details on the process will be provided to students when they meet with a staff member. If your e-portfolio is not found to demonstrate proficiency, you are required to participate in the Writing Proficiency Evaluation to satisfy the Writing Proficiency Requirement. Appeal decisions are final.
If I pass EWRAP, does this mean I have completed the Writing Proficiency Requirement or is there more that I must do?
Passing EWRAP satisfies the Writing Proficiency Requirement; there are no additional steps you need to take.
Will my EWRAP score be posted to my degree audit?
No. The only information that will appear on your degree audit is an affirmative note indicating that you have satisfied the Writing Proficiency Requirement.
I received an invitation to participate in E-WRAP, but I have already taken the writing proficiency evaluation (WPE) and passed.
The invitation to participate has gone out to all students enrolled in Intermediate Seminar courses that are participating in the program. If you have already satisfied the Writing Proficiency Requirement through the traditional WPE, please ignore the invitation.
I forgot to fill out the Online Confirmation Form. Will my e-portfolio be reviewed?
The Online Confirmation Form is required since it verifies that you, the student, have given permission for your e-portfolio to be distributed for review. Without this permission, we will not be able to distribute your e-portfolio and so it will not be reviewed. You MUST complete the Online Confirmation Form, so be sure to complete it prior to the deadline.
Can't find the answer to your question in our FAQs section? Reach out to us at Writing.Proficiency@umb.edu .