FACT SHEETS - EXIT EXAM OF WRITING PROFICIENCY
Purpose
The Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency determines whether students completing a baccalaureate degree at Old Dominion University are competent writers.
Who
ALL undergraduate students are required to pass the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency.
When
Students should take the Exit Examination DURING THE JUNIOR YEAR (upon completion of 58 hours). Students must have passed the Writing Sample Placement Test to be eligible to take the Exit Examination. Students who fail may retake the exam but are advised not to take back-to-back exams so that they will have time to schedule an appointment to review their exam with a Writing Center counselor.
Procedures
The Exit Examination (a three-hour writing exam) is usually given on the third Saturday of every month (except December). Dates and times of the exam are sent to all offices on campus. Students MUST REGISTER to take the exam approximately one month in advance of the exam. At that time the student will choose topics for the exam. On-line registration is now available: http://www.uc.odu.edu/writingcenter.
Grading
Each exam is evaluated by two or more graders. (All Colleges are represented in the group of graders.) Students may request a review of the examination and an explanation of the evaluation system.
Results
Results are posted online (http://uc.odu.edu/writingcenter) approximately one month after the exam is taken.
Essay
The essay written for the Exit Examination should
- Answer the question and demonstrate logical consistency
- Sufficiently develop supporting evidence
- Possess clarity in sentence structure and word choice
- Show reasonable freedom from mechanical errors.
Notes: Students are advised to attend a Registration/Orientation session in order to take the exam. The sessions begin promptly and last 45 minutes - please be on time.
Distance Learning (TELETECHNET) students should contact their site directors in order to register for the Exit Exam.
EXAM DATE: April 18, 2009
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: March 24 12:30 p.m. BAL 1012 **
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: March 26 6:00 p.m. CONST 1005
RESULTS POSTED: May 15, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
EXAM DATE: May 16, 2009
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: April 21 12:30 p.m. BAL 1012**
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: April 23 6:00 p.m. CONST 1005
- RESULTS POSTED: June 19, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
EXAM DATE: June 20, 2009
- REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: May 19 12:30 p.m. BAL 1012
- REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: May 21 6:00 p.m. BAL 1012
- RESULTS POSTED: July 17, 2009 5:00 p.m.
EXAM DATE: July 18, 2009
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: June 23 12:30 p.m. BAL 1012
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: June 25 6:00 p.m. BAL 1012
RESULTS POSTED: August 14, 2009, 5:00 p.m.
EXAM DATE: August 15, 2009
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: July 21 12:30 p.m. BAL 1012
REGISTRATION/ORIENTATION: July 23 6:00 p.m. BAL 1012
RESULTS POSTED: September 18, 2009 5:00 p.m.
** Locations are subject to change -- new locations will be posted. Call 757-683-4112 or email wcinfo@odu.edu for more information. Email rrjones@odu.edu for additional information regarding the Exit Examination of Writing Proficiency itself.