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Western Michigan University is committed to offering a high-quality education to all students. Our basic writing program is designed to assist students who need to develop their writing skills to work successfully at the college level. The program is a collaboration between the WMU English Department and WMU Center for Academic Support (CASP). Most basic writing course sections are offered in Fall semester, although we occasionally offer one section in Spring semester if there is a need for it.

Students who complete English 1000: Basic Writing usually go on to take one of the three Proficiency 1 writing courses (English 1050, IME 1020, or BIS 1420) offered by WMU. The experience of taking English 1000 has been shown to be an important prerequisite for many students' future success in writing-intensive courses at WMU.

English 1000 is 'pass/fail,' and the course does not count directly towards graduation. However, since WMU only has a one-semester requirement for first-year composition (unlike many colleges with two-semester programs), students who successfully complete English 1000 will stay on track for their program of study.

English 1000 students will find themselves in an encouraging and supportive  classroom in which effort and improvement are valued.  Instructors are specially selected for their commitment to basic writing issues. They are deeply committed to their students and their teaching. We also have tutors at the WMU Writing Center who are directly tied to the program.

We encourage high school teachers, parents, and potential English 1000 students to contact us with any questions regarding the program.