Junior Writing Portfolio: FAQs

1. I was enrolled automatically in the JWP because I have 60 units. However, I am not able to complete the JWP this semester. Is there anything I can do?
   Yes. Just complete this online form and your request for a deferment will be reviewed: http://tinyurl.com/jwpinquiry.  In most cases, you can defer the JWP for one semester, especially if you are a sophomore, a transfer student, or you are studying overseas.
2. Can I revise my papers before I submit them in the portfolio?
   It is better to revise your papers sufficiently before submitting them to your professors for a grade. Once they have been graded, you may make changes to them if you desire.
3. Can foreign language students submit papers in a language other than English?
   No. The Junior Writing Portfolio is meant to assess writing in English. However, upper division foreign language students may substitute any other paper for the paper in the major.
4. Can I submit an essay exam as one of my papers?
   Yes. As long as your portfolio meets all the other criteria outlined, you may use an essay exam as one of your papers.
5. Can students submit work from a creative writing class?
   Creative writing can certainly be part of the portfolio, so long as there are enough papers to illustrate competence in all the areas being assessed (check the rubric for specific requirements).
6. What should I do if I did not take English 101 at Pepperdine?
   If you are not required to take ENG 101 or the equivalent, you should include a paper from your First-Year seminar course or an appropriate substitute (a writing-intensive course from your first year of college). If you cannot find anything from your first year you may substitute another paper and explain this in your cover letter. 
7. What if I lost all my papers?
   Those students who cannot locate enough papers to complete their portfolios can defer the JWP for a semester to give them more time to write papers. To avoid this problem, it is highly advised that students upload all their papers to a free, online digital repository such as Pepperdine's Google Drive: http://google.pepperdine.edu/.
8. I'm a transfer student. What if I cannot find any papers from the college I transferred from?
   In such cases, all papers submitted will be those which were written for your classes at Pepperdine. You might consider asking your professor if you can write a paper in lieu of another assignment, in order to have enough papers.
9. Do I have to wait until I am automatically enrolled to complete the JWP?
   No. You may request to be enrolled for the fall (October)  or spring (February) JWP by filling out the form at this link: http://tinyurl.com/jwpinquiry. 
10. Can I submit a paper portfolio?
    It is preferred that you scan your papers into PDF documents and upload them electronically. However, if you are unable to do this then you may use a binder or a two-pocket portfolio cover and attach a JWP label to the front. You can download a label by clicking here. Just print on regular paper, cut, and paste onto the front of your portfolio cover.

If you have other questions or concerns, please contact Dr. Theresa Flynn, Director of the Junior Writing Portfolio project: tflynn@pepperdine.edu or (310) 506-4803.