Writing Intensive Course Waivers for Students

Students may apply to waive a Writing Intensive course requirement with a Course Substitution Waiver or a Hardship Waiver.

Waivers, in general are rare, and granted only when the student has a compelling reason due to a hardship or for requesting that the WI requirement be met by a course not officially designated as WI.  Below are the requirement and submission instructions for each type of WI course waiver request.


Hardship Waiver

This waiver should only be considered when a student can demonstrate extreme hardship in completing a WI course requirement.

Instructions

Complete the submission form HERE.

As part of the submission form, you will upload ONE document that includes the following:

  1. Write a letter to the Campus Writing Program that explains the nature of your extreme hardship. Be specific. Keep in mind that this letter will serve as an example of your ability to argue effectively in writing.
  2. In addition to your letter, include any evidence you may have to help justify your claim for extreme hardship.

Course Substitution Waiver

This waiver should be considered when a student has a compelling reason for requesting that a WI requirement be met by a non-WI course.

Requirements:

  • Writing assignments are closely tied to course content and serve as a means of teaching course content with at least 20 pages of writing. At least 8 of these 20 pages consist of substantive revision.
  • Writing assignments are complex and require critical thinking and/or argumentation.
  • Writing assignments are distributed throughout the semester.
  • Writing assignments account for a major portion of the course grade.
  • The course meets the guidelines for a WI course.

Instructions

Complete the submission form HERE.

As part of the submission form, you will upload ONE document that includes the following:

  1. A one-page letter addressed to CWP discussing why you believe the course you wish to substitute meets the WI requirements of the University of Missouri.  Include your reasons for requesting this substitution. Keep in mind that this letter serves as an example of your ability to communicate and argue effectively through writing.
  2. A syllabus from the course you believe to be suitable for WI substitution that includes:
  • Assignments requiring substantive revision, totaling a minimum of 8 pages combined.
  • Additional writing for the course, totaling a minimum of 20 pages.
  • At least one assignment encouraging critical thinking (as opposed to merely reporting information or summarizing knowledge).
  • Distributes writing throughout the semester.
  • Considers writing a major component of the course grade.

3.  The writing assignments from the entire course.

4.  Your written responses to those assignments, including all drafts and final versions of the paper.

5.  Examples of other writing you did for the course (e.g., short, unrevised papers, etc.).

6. A transcript (may be unofficial) with the course grade highlighted. Please redact any personal identifying information.


Please note:  All course waivers are approved by the Dean (or designee) of the respective College.  The Campus Writing Program will review the waiver submission and recommend further action to the Dean. There is no further direct right of appeal beyond this process. At their discretion, Deans may grant further review according to guidelines established by their office. Your academic advisor will be required to approve the submission before it is forwarded to the Campus Writing Program for review.  It is recommended you discuss your submission with your advisor before proceeding with the submission requirements below.

If you have questions or problems with the submission form, contact the Campus Writing Program.