Portfolio FAQs
Who creates a portfolio?
All English majors intending to graduate with a Liberal Arts or Education degree in English from UW Oshkosh, regardless of when they became a member of the program. English minors do not need to complete a portfolio or take the exit interviews.
What is the goal of the portfolio?
The portfolio serves two purposes. One, it provides students with a tangible means for monitoring their growth in the English program and setting new goals for themselves.
Two, it allows the English Department to monitor the degree to which it meets the goals for Abilities, Knowledge, and Attitudes stated in the published “Goals of the Major in English at UW Oshkosh.”
What goes into the portfolio?
Portfolios include 2 self-reflective essays and 3-4 substantial pieces of writing (researched essays, creative nonfiction essays, short stories, or collections of 4-5 poems) from courses in the English major numbered 301-482. One of the 3-4 essays must be the Senior Seminar project. For creative writers, 4-5 poems serve as the equivalent of one essay.
Will I get a grade on the portfolio?
Portfolios are not graded by the Assessment Committee. The self-reflective essays completed in 281 and 481 will be included in the final grade for those courses, although the means of grading is determined by individual instructors. Individual instructors may also elect to grade your portfolio for a course in the English major. As part of the English major assessment process, the Assessment Committee (composed of teachers in the English Department) examines portfolios for completeness and for the degree to which writers demonstrate the ability to meet the Abilities, Knowledge, and Attitudes stated in the published “Goals of the Major in English at UW Oshkosh.”
Will a poorly prepared portfolio prevent me from graduating?
The portfolio cannot hold any student back from registering for classes, receiving scholarships, or receiving a degree at UW Oshkosh.
Where do I turn in my portfolio?
Typically, 481 instructors collect the portfolios. If your 481 instructor does not collect the portfolio or if you take 481 prior to your final semester of college, you may bring the portfolio to the exit interview with your advisor, who will then give it to the Assessment Committee.
When can I get my portfolio back?
Portfolios will not be returned to students. Students are advised to prepare a duplicate copy for their own records.
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