The UMKC Faculty Senate voted unanimously to approve the new writing proficiency exam, RooWriter, as a replacement for the WEPT. This vote serves as an indefinite approval for the adaptation of RooWriter and implementation is anticipated for spring 2013. In 2009, the college presented a vote to omit the WEPT entirely, without considering an alternative assessment.  English professor Stephen Dilks interjected, proposing research be done to find a viable alternative. The committee then drafted its proposal for RooWriter, a directed self-placement designed for undergraduate students.  After spring 2013, this writing assessment will be required for students to graduate. The motion to accept the RooWriter sparked initial concerns.  One concern voiced during the faculty senate meeting was a lack of minimal standards, meaning there were no explained principles in which student submissions wouldn’t be accepted. Dilks … Read entire article »