Bach said transfer students are the largest group taking the test this year. Some transfer students said they are not pleased with the new requirement. Transfer student Clyde Wright, a senior in English, agreed, saying the test is an unnecessary requirement. Wright also said he is unsure that this method assesses his ability. Bach said the writing proficiency committee, made up of nine members including staff, faculty and one student position that has yet to be filled, prefers tutoring instead of a mandatory class geared to refresh writing skills for those who failed.
Students can take the exam an unlimited number of times free of charge.
Montana is one of 28 states that require this type of writing assessment to graduate, Bach said. The test has actually been a requirement at UM since the 1992-1993 school year when the university switched to semesters, but has only recently been put into practice. The next assessment will be given on Saturday, Feb. 24. The text is available to students two weeks before the test date. Please include you full name, address, and current phone number so that we can verify the letter's authenticity.