Greenville Technical College's
English Department

Exemption Policies for English 101

   Testing dates:  Tests will be administered by English faculty between the 
     third and seventh weeks of the semester.  Note general procedures listed 
     below.     

     Introduction: An exemption exam is not a viable option for everyone, nor should 

     it ever be perceived as an "easy" way to get course credit.  The exams are rigorous 

     and hold to the same standards as the course.  However, there are specific groups 

     of students who could benefit from an exemption.  These groups are described below.

          **IMPORTANT NOTE: Exemption credit is generally only awarded at 
          the institution where it is granted.  Most colleges do not accept exemption 
          credit in transfer.  Therefore, any student who is considering transfer to 
          another institution should check with the destination institution before 
          attempting exemption at Greenville Tech.

     WHO SHOULD/SHOULD NOT CONSIDER AN EXEMPTION? According 
     to the Greenville Tech Student Handbook, “Exemptions will not be granted for a 
     course in which a student is currently enrolled, for a course in which a student was 
     previously enrolled or for a course which has been audited.”  In every case, the 
     department head will determine if the student is eligible.  If the student meets one of 
     the following guidelines, the department head will refer the student to the test 
     administrator for the particular test: 

• placement into Eng 101 with an Asset score of 50+ and a reading score of 39+; 

• placement into Eng 101 with a Compass score of 90+ and a reading score of 85+;

• prior composition credit (C or better) which does not transfer as English Composition 101.  This situation usually develops when the prior course does not have sufficient credit hours; 

• demonstrable significant writing experience (for example, the student might present a portfolio of prior writing).

     Exemption Essay:  the exemption for Eng 101 is comprised of a 600-900 word 
     researched, argumentative essay with outline and draft.  The essay will be graded 
     according to the standards of the English Department Theme Standard Sheet.

     The research articles will be provided by the test administrator at the pre-test 
     conference.  All research will be documented in the exemption essay using MLA 
     standards.

     The essay will adhere to standard patterns of argumentation development.

     The essay topic will be chosen from a list of topics provided at the time of the    
     exemption.  These topics will be derived from the research articles.

     Students may use texts and dictionaries during the exemption.

     The essay must be completed during a three-hour exam period.

     To exempt Eng 101, the essay must earn at least an 85 (B).

     GENERAL PROCEDURES: The student should: 

•  meet with the English department head to determine eligibility.  The   
   department head will provide a written indication of eligibility and will   
   refer the student to the test administrator;

•  meet with the test administrator for a pre-test conference.  At this time 
   test format and materials will be reviewed and a date for the exemption 
   exam will be set.  In  general, the exemption should occur within two 
   weeks of this meeting;

•  register for the exemption at Student Records.  Pay a  non-refundable  
   fee of $75 at the Business Office;

•  present the paid receipt and grade form to the test administrator prior to
   the exemption test.