FAQs for 302 Waiver

1. I took English 302 but did not pass it. Can I still submit a portfolio?

Once you take English 302, even if you withdraw from the course, you cannot submit a portfolio. 

2. How long is the process?

Evaluation of the portfolio may take 2-6 weeks, depending on the reading committee's availability and the number of portfolios ahead of yours. You will be notified of your results via email. If you pass the portfolio stage, you are then eligible to take the exam. (Please note that students must write the essay exam within 6 months from the date of eligibility notification.) Evaluation of the exam may take 2-4 weeks. You will be notified of your results via email. 

3. What if I receive a no-pass on my portfolio?

You will be ineligible for the exam and will be required to take the course. All results are final.

4. What if I receive a no-pass on the exam?

You will be ineligible to retake the exam and will be required to take the course.  All results are final.

5. Do I receive credit if I am awarded the waiver?

If you pass the exam stage, you will be awarded a waiver. The waiver does not provide credit hours or affect your grades or GPA. It simply stands in your degree audit as satisfaction of the English 302 requirement for the purposes of your degree here at Mason.

6. Can I still submit a portfolio if I am taking a prerequisite at the time of submission?

You must meet all eligibility requirements, which includes completion of all prerequisites, to be eligible to submit a portfolio.

7. Are there exceptions made for graduation or other deadlines?

No exceptions are made for deadlines. It is assumed that the student has an alternative registration plan in the event that a waiver is not awarded.  

8. Where do I submit my portfolio?

Interested students who meet all eligibility requirements (and who have samples that meet all portfolio requirements) should contact Dr. Jennifer Ann Janisch, Associate Director of Advanced Composition.