UNIVERSITY OF SOUTHERN MISSISSIPPI
School of Mass Communication & Journalism
Policies and Registration
Grammar, Spelling and Punctuation (GSP) Examination
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|
|
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| Why
a GSP Exam?
| Who must take the GSP Exam?
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| When and where will it be held?
| How do I register to take the
GSP? |
| How will the Exam be held?
| What is the Exam format?
|
| Who
do I talk to for more information?
| What
if I don’t pass the GSP Exam?
|
| What is MCJ 103?
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|_________________________________________|_____________________________________|
This page contains the policies concerning the GSP
Examination. For more information, contact the School’s Main Office,
Southern Hall 216; 601-266-4258.
Why a GSP Examination?
The ability to write is the cornerstone of mass communication. Many
schools of mass communication have instituted GSP Examinations to ensure
students have the proper tools to be successful in their desired field.
The GSP has been adopted so that students can learn of any deficiencies and
address them accordingly.
Who must take
the GSP Examination? As of August 25, 2005,
any student declaring a MCJ major or minor (or any USM student wishing
to enroll in a writing intensive MCJ course) must pass the GSP before they
may enroll in a writing-intensive course. At their discretion, faculty
may also require passage of the GSP as part of the requirements for successful
completion of a specific course; be sure to check with your instructor
if you are not sure if the GSP is a course requirement.
When and where will
it be held? E-mail messages will be made to
all majors announcing dates and registration for the GSP; students may also
contact the School office for information. Two examinations will be
held each semester. Registration will be limited to the number of
seats available; register early! Call, go by the Main Office
or check
the GSP link on the SMCJ Home Page
for dates
and times.
How do I register
to take the GSP? Students must complete a
GSP Examination Registration Form and pay a $20 exam fee in the School
office. Those students enrolled in MCJ 103 do not have to pay the fee
but must register and get a numbered Registration Receipt. Registration
for each exam will cease at close of business the day prior to the
exam. No unregistered students may take the GSP exam. Be sure
to get a signed and numbered receipt; you will not be allowed to take the
GSP without a receipt and a photo ID. Failure to show up for the exam
will forfeit payment; the student must register and pay for another exam
period. Monies generated by the GSP exam will be used to fund MCJ
computer lab supplies/purchases used by students.
Any student paying with a check returned
for insufficient funds will be charged an additional $25 service fee
plus any bank fees assessed against the School. Students will be
notified of insufficient fund notice by phone and e-mail and have ten class
days from date of notification to complete payment of the service registration
and fees in cash. The grade for the exam will be withheld until the
service fee is paid. Failure to pay the service fee within ten class
days of notification will void the exam grade. To reregister for the
exam, the student will be required to make a $40 cash payment for any
future registrations. Failure to pay the service fee will result in
the student being dropped from current/future courses and the student’s
unpaid balance will be reported to the University as an unpaid debt which
may be required for future graduation.
How will the
Examination be held? Students must show a
paid Registration Form receipt and an official USM photo ID or driver’s
license (with photo ID) to take examination. Students may begin
the exam at any time after the exam period has started, however no student
may begin the exam after the first exam is turned in for that examination
period. (Be sure to bring a #2 pencil with eraser to the Exam!
What is the Examination
format? The GSP Examination is a multiple-choice
format exam; students need only bring a #2 pencil and eraser to the
exam. The spelling section consists of 50 questions; each with
one of four words misspelled (or none may be misspelled). The
grammar/punctuation section consists of 50 statements, each with four
parts. One of four parts may contain an error (or none may contain
an error). Students are allowed 90 minutes to complete the GSP examination.
The GSP
Spelling List is available online.
What if I don’t pass the
GSP Examination? Students may take the GSP
Exam three times; failure to pass the exam after three attempts will result
in the student being dropped as an MCJ major or minor and/or denied
enrollment in a writing intensive MCJ course. The GSP will
be graded PASS/FAIL only. You will receive a certificate of attendance
indicating your grade; it will be given to you in MCJ 102 or MCJ 103, or
sent to you by mail. Allow one week to receive notification.
Students who do not pass the GSP Examination are encouraged to attend
MCJ 103 to hone their skills and prepare them for the exam. Students
may take the Exam prior to taking MCJ 103. There are also avenues
to appeal GSP Policies; see the MCJ staff in the Main Office for a copy of
the Waiver Policy.
Who do I talk to for more information?
Please consult the School staff and/or Director if you need more information
about the GSP Examination. The GSP Exam Policies are established
by the faculty of the School.
What is MCJ 103? MCJ
103 is a one-credit course designed to help you pass the GSP. It meets
for one hour once a week. (Many students also attend other section
sessions to help learn the material.) MCJ 103 is a requirement of
all new majors. If you pass the GSP on the first exam of a semester
in which you are enrolled in MCJ 103, your MCJ 103 attendance is no longer
required. Students enrolled in MCJ 103 do not have to pay the registration
fee.
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