Reflection on College Writing FAQ

 

 

Q:  Who completes the Canvas Reflection on College Writing?

A: All entering freshmen complete the Reflection on College Writing to explore their writing requirements and options prior to registration.  Freshmen will also produce the writing they will need to assemble their first SJSU writing portfolio, a requirement in all composition classes.

Students complete this work independently through our online learning management system, Canvas. Once you are enrolled at SJSU and have an SJSU Student ID number, we enroll you in the Reflection on College Writing course.

You will receive a course invitation through Canvas. Please accept the invitation and get started on the work immediately. The sooner you score all 10 points, the sooner your prerequisite can be cleared so that you may register for your class!

Q:  Do I need to do the Reflection on College Writing if I have already satisfied English 1A?

A: All entering freshmen complete the Reflection on College Writing to explore SJSU writing requirements and options, and to build an entry-level writing portfolio.

Q:  Do I need to do the Reflection on College Writing if I have been invited to the Humanities Program?

A: All entering freshmen complete the Reflection on College Writing to explore SJSU writing requirements and options, and to build an entry-level writing portfolio.

Q:  When can I begin the Canvas Reflection?

A: For Summer 2023 enrollees, the Reflection on College Writing opens on June 1.

As soon as you announce your intent to enroll, we will enroll you in the Canvas module.

Q:  What if I am waiting to find out if I have credit by examination for entry-level college writing?

A:  If you are waiting for test scores (AP, IB, CLEP), you can still complete the Reflection on College Writing and register your choice, given what you learn about your capacity to respond to the college reading and writing tasks. Later, if your test scores earn you credit, you can adjust your choice at registration.

Q:  How do I complete the Reflection in Canvas?

A: There are 10 points to be earned in the Reflection exercises. Several of these points you earn as you complete the auto-scored surveys.

But three of the points are manually scored as our facilitator checks your writing submissions to make sure the texts you have entered are readable.

You need to check back after turning in your final assignments to make sure that your submissions have been verified and scored.

Check your grade report. You need to see "10/10" total points to be sure that you will be cleared in the next scheduled clearance.

Q:  How do I know how many points I have earned in the Reflection on College Writing?

A: You can check your grade report in a Canvas course by clicking "Grades" in the course menu. If you see 10 points in the Reflection grade report, you are good to go.

Q:  Do I have to complete all five Reflection on College Writing assignments at one time?

A: No. You can complete the assignments at your own pace over a series of days – or in one day if you wish. Canvas allows you to log on and off as you work to complete a course.

The only real time constraint is your registration deadline. Be sure to have your work completed and scored by the deadlines outlined in the Table of Reflection Deadlines so that you are prepared to register during Frosh Orientation.

Q:  How long does it take to complete the Canvas Reflection on College Writing?

A:  The reading and writing assignments and the self-reflection surveys can be done in three hours. We recommend you work at a comfortable pace. One of your goals in this exercise is to accurately gauge the time you will need to make available in your schedule to succeed in college writing courses.

Q:  What is the cost of the Reflection on College Writing?

A:  The Canvas Reflection course is free of charge.

Q:  Can I come to campus to complete the Reflection on College Writing?

A:  Students who need access to a computer can come to campus to complete the Reflection assignments in Canvas. Please contact Student Computing Services to arrange for access to a computer. The service is located on the 4th floor of the King Library. Bring your SJSU ID number and a photo ID with you. Computers are available on a first come, first served basis. 

Q:  How are Sparta Camp and the Reflection on College Writing related?

A: In summer, registration takes place during Sparta Camp. That is why we set up the Table of Reflection Deadlines to correspond with Sparta Camp dates.

All students must complete the Reflection by the date indicated in the Table of Reflection Deadlines. Completing work by the deadline ensures that you have the information you need to make a course selection. It also ensures that you will be cleared of the prerequisite for entry-level writing courses in the system.

Students who will be enrolling in an entry level course (English 1A or English 1AF/1AS cannot enroll without clearing the prerequisite hold on your account.

Q:  What happens if I don't complete the Reflection before Sparta Camp orientation?

A: There are two consequences to not completing this work:

  • You will not be prepared to produce your first SJSU writing portfolio during the first week of your writing course.
  • You may not have the prerequisite you need to enroll. If you are trying to enroll in either English 1A or English 1AF, the computer will block your enrollment until you have the prerequisite done.

Please work with us by observing the deadlines and checking your Grades in Canvas. You need to be sure you have scored the 10 points before your scheduled Sparta Camp orientation session.

If you miss enrolling in the course at Sparta Camp, you run the risk of having more limited choices for enrollment. If you delay satisfying the prerequisite beyond the final deadline, you will have to enroll on the first day of classes when seats, and choices, will be very limited.