There are many ways that faculty can design a Gordon Rule Writing class, and FIU recognizes the diverse ways that writing can be incorporated effectively into classes. FIU's review process requires at least three substantive writing assignments that support overall course goals and that are clearly designed and sequenced to promote student learning.
What is the Gordon Rule?
Originally introduced in the state legislature by Senator Jack Gordon in 1987, this rule was envisioned as a means of preparing first- and second-year college students to succeed in their education, career, and life through the development of critical, analytical, and communication skills.
In 2005, in a move aimed at shifting the focus from quantity of writing to quality of writing, the Florida Department of Education, State Board of Education, and Florida Board of Governors approved the following revision to the original requirements of the Gordon Rule:
Six semester hours of English coursework
Six semester hours of additional coursework in which the student is required to demonstrate college-level writing skills through multiple assignments
A grade of C or higher is required for successful completion of the course
Gordon Rule with Writing Committee
Charged by FIU's Faculty Senate, the Gordon Rule with Writing (GRW) and WAC Advisory Committee reviews proposals for new GRW courses and reviews existing courses for compliance with university policies on GRW curricula. They also advise the WAC team and help promote WAC's mission of integrating writing across FIU's many disciplines.
Current Committee Members
- Dr. Carmen Caicedo, College of Nursing and Health Sciences
- Dr. Alok Deoraj, Department of Environmental Health Sciences
- Dr. Vernon Dickson, Department of English
- Dr. Tim Goddard, Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Dr. Kimberly Harrison, Department of English
- Dr. Ming Fang, Department of English
- Dr. Christine Martorana, Department of English
Gordon Rule Regulations
The FIU Faculty Senate's Curriculum Forms & Information page has all the necessary application documents and a detailed breakdown of GRW process and review criteria.