English Corequisite Workshops

English Corequisite Workshops at KU

Writing is a big part of college. Whether it’s a lab report, a research paper, a newspaper article, or a podcast script, most college courses involve writing, and it can feel challenging at first. To help you improve your writing skills and feel more confident, KU offers a corequisite workshop (ENGL 1W) you may take alongside ENGL 101: Composition.

What is an English Corequisite Workshop?

ENGL 1W, the corequisite workshop,is designed to support you as you complete assignments for ENGL 101 and to provide structure and experience to enhance your writing skills. The course also offers resources that will help you in ENGL 101 and throughout your college career. 

In ENGL 1W, you will: 

  • Explore your reading and writing habits through discussion and reflection 
  • Practice academic skills like interpreting assignments, developing ideas, drafting, revising, and effectively using feedback.  
  • Work collaboratively in workshops, small groups, and peer review sessions to strengthen your writing. 

Who Completes an English Corequisite Workshop? 

Any student can choose to take a corequisite workshop for additional support. Taking this self-guided placement will help you determine if ENGL 1W is right for you. 

Students who do not meet any metrics outlined below are required to complete ENGL 1W alongside of ENGL 101: English Composition. 

  • 18+ on ACT Reading AND ACT English
  • 500+ on SAT ERW (Evidence-based Reading and Writing)
  • 3.0+ high school cumulative unweighted GPA fall semester of junior year
  • 16+ ACT Reading AND ACT English AND B or higher in most recent high school English course;
  • 2.7+ high school cumulative unweighted GPA after fall semester of junior year AND B or higher in most recent high school English course

Your academic advisors will discuss any requirements and available options.

Frequently Ask Questions

A workshop‑style class is a course where you spend most of the time actively working on assignments, sharing ideas, discussing readings, and giving or receiving feedback. Your instructor acts more like a guide or coach, helping you develop skills through practice, collaboration, and step‑by‑step activities.

Here are more details about what to expect in ENGL 1W. 

Writing is an important part of college, and KU wants to help you succeed! Wingspan: The Center for Learning & Writing Support offers free resources like writing consultants, writing groups, and online tutoring to make your writing stronger. Another great option is ENGL 1W, a corequisite writing workshop that gives you extra support while you take ENGL 101 This guided self placement survey will help you determine if ENGL 1W is right for you.

If a corequisite workshop is not required for you, but you’d like extra help, your advisor will talk with you about the best options to make sure you feel confident and successful in math.

If your scores don’t meet the requirements, the Kansas Board of Regents requires you to take a ENGL 1W alongside ENGL 101. Think of it as extra support that will help you in this course and throughout your academic and career journey. 

Yes, corequisite workshops are graded (A,B,C, Credit or No Credit) and count toward your GPA.

No, the Kansas Board of Regents (KBOR) determined that corequisite workshops do not count towards degree requirements and do not contribute to the 120 hours required to graduate. 

Some students are required to take ENGL 1W, a 2‑credit corequisite workshop that provides additional academic and writing support, based on their ACT/SAT scores, high school grades, and overall high school GPA. Though not required, students may benefit from taking ENGL 1W alongside ENGL 101.

KU’s Guided Self-Placement tool is not an exam or a test; it’s a low-stakes questionnaire that asks you to think about your previous writing experiences and your comfort with reading and writing. Based on your responses, you can make an informed decision about whether to enroll directly in ENGL 101 or to pair ENGL 101 with ENGL 1W.

Completing the Guided Self-Placement survey is not required but can be  helpful. It gives you a clearer picture of what you need so you can start college feeling confident, supported, and ready to succeed. You should complete it prior to orientation so that you can your academic advisor can have a conversation about your options.