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The Use of Portfolios

At Queensborough, the Writing Across the Curriculum Subcommittee of the Curriculum Committee has approved courses as writing intensive (WI) based on a portfolio submitted to them after one semester of course development by the course instructor and the writing fellow assigned to work with that instructor. Portfolios include: (1) initial and revised course syllabi; (2) drafts of low-stakes, in-class writing assignments and of formal assignments which include revision; and (3) examples of student writing from each stage of each assignment.

The portfolio was initially envisioned only as a means of course assessment, a way of ensuring that a given course met each of the criteria to be designated as writing intensive. However, they have proven to be far more useful tools than we realized. We are now using portfolios from nearly every department at Queensborough as resources from which to cull assignment ideas, understand the development processes of effective assignments, gauge changes in student writing, assess the program's impact on faculty and students, and illustrate to faculty who are not involved with WAC how writing-to-learn-strategies work.

We will help you compile your portfolio over the course of the workshops. Here are a few documents in PDF format to assist you in creating your portfolio. Moreover, we have some (anonymous) sample portfolios available. If you contact your fellow, you can reach them online.

  • Check-List of Items for WI Portfolio (see below)
  • Faculty Release FormOpens in a new window (PDF)
  • Student Release Form

Writing Intensive Portfolio Checklist

  1. Syllabus

  2. Planning Cover Letter

  3. Copies of Instructions for all writing assignments given in the course

  4. Copies of any rubrics used to evaluate student work for these assignments

  5. At least three samples of student writing (of different qualities)

  6. At least three samples of student work through the revision process (e.g. first draft, professors’ comments, revised draft)

    • Items 5 and 6 may be combined

  7. WI Reflection Letter (completed towards the end of the semester)

  8. Any other material that the professor thinks represents the WI work of the semester

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.