The Writing Flag replaces the Substantial Writing Component (SWC) designation that was part of the old core curriculum. (Find out more about the current core here). Like the SWC, Writing Flags are intended to offer students more opportunities to hone their writing skills as they progress through their core curriculum and major coursework, without subjecting them to additional required courses. Thus they are typically content-area courses that require the student to write within a specific scholarly context. Learn more about the difference between Writing Flag courses and Substantial Writing Component courses.
Once the flag requirements have been fully implemented, all students will be required to earn credit for at least three Writing Flag courses in order to graduate. Currently, most degree programs require students to complete two courses carrying either a Writing Flag or Substantial Writing Component designation. Specific information for individual degree programs can be found in the current Undergraduate Catalog.
All Writing Flag courses must meet the criteria adopted by the Faculty Writing Committee. Note that these university-level requirements are minimums. Colleges are free to set more stringent criteria for their Writing Flags—for example, a minimum of 50% of the course grade based on writing.
The UGS Writing Office offers support for all instructors using writing in their courses.
To propose a Writing Flag course, log on to the online Flag Proposal System. The UGS Faculty Writing Committee will review proposals and send approved flags to the Registrar for addition to the course schedule.
Flags may be approved at either the Instructor-level or the Course-level:
Instructor-level approvals are attached to the course number, topic number (if any), and instructor EID. Currently, Instructor-level approvals last for three years. Note that individual instruction courses may not be flagged at the Instructor-level.
Course-level approvals are linked to the course number and topic number (if any) and apply to all sections taught under the flagged course number or topic. Course-level approvals continue unless removed by the School of Undergraduate Studies.
The Course-level approval is best suited for courses that are taught in a consistent manner relative to the flag criteria by a stable pool of faculty and coordinated by a specific individual. Course-level flags can be added to course numbers or numbered topics. All sections offered under this number will then be automatically flagged each semester. Currently, unnumbered topics courses cannot be flagged at the Course level.
Courses receiving a Course-level Flag must meet all of the criteria for a Flag Course. All sections of the course must be taught in a way that satisfies the Flag criteria. The department or program proposing the course must provide the name and/or title of the Faculty Contact who will be responsible for ensuring all sections meet the Flag criteria. Courses with Course-level Flag approval will be assessed by the same methods, and held to the same standards, as courses approved at the Instructor level.
A single course may carry flags in up to three areas. A course may, for example, carry flags for both Writing and Global Cultures. Please see the Flag Information page for flags other than writing.
If you have questions about your proposal, please email Dr. Susan “George” Schorn or call her at 232-1421.