We believe that first-year students should have the opportunity to decide how well-prepared they are to succeed in college-level writing. Therefore, we use a process called Directed-Self Placement (DSP) that allows students to choose their path through first-year writing. The Directed Self-Placement process requires new students to take two surveys in D2L. To receive a class schedule, students must complete both steps of the DSP process. To learn more about Directed Self-Placement, please click through the frequently asked questions below.
The only students who do not need to complete the English placement are those in these six Associate degree programs:
Students with transfer or advanced placement (AP) credits for English should still take the placement. Student Success will check for these credits as they build schedules.
The first survey asks students to reflect on their experiences with writing, their perceptions of writing, and their confidence related to different writing tasks. The survey is an opportunity for students to carefully consider their writing skills and practices and to decide which first-year writing option will best meet their needs.
This is not an exam, but at the end of it, students do receive a score that they often use to make their choice. Based on 12 years of data, we recommend a score of 75% or higher for self-placement into English 1200. Students who score below 75% tend to be more successful if they first take English 1100 and follow it up with English 1200 (see “What are the two paths...” below). In addition to the survey, we also ask students to consider their success with writing in high school, their standardized test scores, and to reach out for support and guidance, if needed.
Students officially make their choice by completing the second survey (also in D2L). This survey contains just one question where students choose from the two first year writing paths described below. Both steps of the DSP process must be complete before Student Success can make a student’s first-semester schedule. The entire process should take 45 minutes (or less), but we encourage students to take their time and to carefully consider each question.
There are two possible paths a student may take:
English 1100 counts for three General Education credits (Arts and Humanities) and is designed to provide students with an introduction to the processes and practices of academic writing.
English 1200 is the Foundations Written Communication requirement for all PennWest students. This course emphasizes analysis, reading and writing arguments, and integrating research into writing.
We suggest viewing The Student’s Guide to Directed Self-Placement.
As the guide notes, in the Fall of 2024, 62% of first-year students at PennWest selected Option 1 and started in ENGL 1100.
Students who would like additional guidance on their course choice can also reach out to Dr. Leah Chambers, Faculty Director of First-Year Academic Success.
The following steps, 1-4, are for new, first-year students. Transfer students will follow a similar process, but once logged into myPennWest, transfer students need to locate "D2L Brightspace" on their Student Quick Access tile. Once in D2L, they will see "English Placement 2025 Fall" in their courses near the bottom of the screen. From there, transfer students can follow Step 4, below, to find the English placement surveys.
To get started, students need to have access to their myPennWest platform:
Directed Self-Placement is required of all students except those in the six Associate degree programs listed above.
Students choose their first-year writing path (option 1 or option 2) by taking two surveys in D2L. Both surveys must be completed before Student Success can create a student’s first semester schedule.
Students who would like additional guidance on making their decision can reach out to Dr. Leah Chambers, Faculty Director of First-Year Academic Success.
Students who need assistance accessing their placements should reach out to:
Claire Pizer
724-938-5779
pizer@pennwest.edu