Directed Self Placement

Directed Self Placement (DSP) is a tool that provides students with information about curricular options and asks each student to self-select into one of two RIT first-year writing courses.

The faculty of the University Writing Program strongly support the idea of student agency. That is, we believe that students should make decisions about the coursework that best suits their writing goals. This will also help to prepare them for the many decisions they will face as they navigate the academy, the workplace, and the world. If you are beginning your first year here at RIT, you have a choice to make about which writing course you would like to enroll in.

The Placement Process

If you have AP or Transfer credit, you have already filled the first-year writing requirement.

If you do not have AP or transfer credit, you will need to decide whether you’d like to take UWRT-100 (which counts for 3 credits of Gen Ed). Students who take UWRT-100 will also need to take UWRT-150 in order to fill the requirement.

Learn more about UWRT-100
Learn more about UWRT-150

In order to make an informed decision, you first need to read through the materials to see which course best fits your needs. You will find course descriptions, assignments and sample readings in the course description.  

After reviewing these materials, you’ll need to take a self-assessment survey. A series of questions asks you to reflect further on your current reading, writing, and academic literacy knowledge and practices to assess where you are right now, in terms of academic work. At the end of the survey, you will be asked to reflect on your answers, as you reflected on the course materials, and then you will select one of two options.

Take the Directed Self Placement Survey

How to Choose Your Writing Course

What to do:

  1. Learn about UWRT 100 and UWRT 150. See sample syllabi, assignments, and readings.
  2. Take the Survey to reflect on your writing and which of our writing resources you would like to choose from.
  3. If you decide that you would like to take UWRT 100, simply email your 150 instructor.  Your choice will then be relayed to the program director, who will contact you, and advise you as to next steps that will best fit your schedule.
  4. Unsure right now? You will still be able to change your class during the drop/add period, but it is best to change the class as soon as possible.

Questions?

Contact the University Writing Program team at wpe@rit.edu.