GWAR

Writing Proficiency Requirement for CSU Students

If you started at a CSU in Fall 2023 or later, you need to demonstrate your writing proficiency to graduate.

GWAR courses are single 3-unit courses or a series of courses.

When to Take GWAR Courses

• Complete lower-division GE courses in areas A1, A2, A3, and B4.
  • Starting Fall 2025, the GE courses will be in areas 1A, 1B, 1C, and 2.
• Achieve junior status. But start planning for this course in your sophomore year.
• See an academic advisor to understand if you will meet GWAR in your major automatically.
• Post-baccalaureate, students pursuing a second baccalaureate degree, and graduate students do not need to meet GWAR.

Where to Find GWAR Courses

Step 1: Use the linked list to identify a GWAR class within your major OR another GWAR course in upper-division General Education or university electives in which you meet the prerequisites.

Step 2: In the searchable class schedule, use the "Course Attribute" field to search for "GWAR" to find courses. For step-by-step help in searching the class schedule, watch this video.

Requirement to Pass

• You need a C- or better in a GWAR course to meet the GWAR requirement (even if you can pass the class with a D- for your major or GE)

Make sure to plan ahead to meet this graduation requirement! Speak with your academic advisor for more details.

Questions

For questions regarding GWAR exemptions or special circumstances, please contact the LARC Director, Loriann Negri at loriann.negri@sonoma.edu

Note: Students who have been away from the University (no longer an active student) and have applied for graduation and completed all other graduation requirements, may be eligible to waive the GWAR. Please see the Registrar’s Graduation FAQ Page for more information about applying for graduation.