Arts Degree Requirements

The University of Waterloo believes that students must have a basic competency in written English in order to prosper in their university studies. The English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE) is a diagnostic exam intended to determine the level of a student's ability in written English. Students who do not pass the ELPE should consult the Arts Undergraduate Office for advice on the appropriate method of fulfilling the proficiency requirement.

Students entering the Faculty of Arts in September 2004 or thereafter must:

1. Write the English Language Proficiency Examination by the end of their 1B term. Students taking courses on a part-time basis must write the ELPE upon the completion of five courses.
2. Pass the English Language Proficiency requirement by the end of their 2B term. This requirement may be fulfilled in one of the following ways:
   • a grade of 65 or higher on the ELPE; or
   • a grade of 65 or higher in ARTS 101; or
   • successful completion of the work assigned (ELPE Tutorials) by the University of Waterloo Writing Centre.

After two or more failed ELPE attempts, or an unsuccessful attempt at ARTS 101, or one or more unsuccessful attempts at the work assigned by the Writing Centre, a student may petition the Arts Examinations and Standings Committee to request permission to fulfill the requirement by achieving a grade of 65 or higher in one of the following courses: ESL 102R, ESL 129R, or ENGL 129R (for non-native speakers), or ENGL 140R (for native speakers).

Notes:

1. Students entering the Faculty of Arts prior to September 2004 should consult the ELPE Requirement as laid out in the calendar of their year of entry.
2. Students who have written and failed the ELPE should consult the Writing Centre rather than attempt the ELPE again unaided.
3. Students who have not completed the English Language Proficiency Requirement by the end of their 2B term will have their future registrations cancelled and will be allowed to proceed only after successful completion of this requirement.  
4. A completed English Proficiency milestone on a student's academic record will indicate successful completion of this requirement.
5. Transfer credits cannot be used to satisfy the English Language Proficiency Requirement.