Directed Self-Placement in Expository Writing (DSP) Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do if I am unable to sign into the DSP?
You must use your official Skidmore username and password to access the DSP. If you do not have your username and password, refer to the email from Admissions with information about creating your Skidmore account.
If you have your username and password but cannot enter the DSP, contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- I have an IEP and require extended time on tests and papers. Can I get extended time on the DSP?
Click on the “Start with Extended Time” button at the beginning of the DSP.
- I already took a college-level writing class prior to enrolling at Skidmore. Should I still take the DSP?
Yes, you should still complete the DSP. Pre-college writing courses must be evaluated by the Registrar before you can receive credit for them. Be sure to submit an official transcript of your writing class to the Office of the Registrar.
- I do not intend to enroll in a writing course this fall. Do I still need to complete the DSP now?
Yes. The DSP determines your writing course level placement regardless of when you enroll in a course. You will not be able to register for a writing course (this semester or for future semesters) without this placement. If you believe your writing placement should be changed, contact Professor Thad Niles, Director of Expository Writing.
- I would like to change the course level placement I initially selected, but I have already exited the DSP. What should I do?
Contact Professor Thad Niles, Director of Expository Writing.
- I cannot read the text of the DSP because it is unclear or cut off on my computer screen. What should I do?
Contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- I received an error message when attempting to access or while working on the DSP? What should I do?
If possible, take a screen shot of the error message you received and then contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- My computer froze (or crashed) before I completed the DSP. What should I do?
Contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- I got “thrown out” of the DSP before I completed it. What should I do?
Contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- I did not receive an email message with a record of my responses to the DSP. Was my DSP properly recorded?
Contact the SKIDMORE HELPDESK at 518-580-5900 or HELPDESK@skidmore.edu. The HELDESK is open 8:30 am to 6 pm Monday through Friday, East Coast Time.
- I was unable to complete the DSP by the deadline. Can I receive an extension to complete the DSP?
You should complete the DSP as soon as possible. Late submission of the DSP may prevent you from being able to enroll in an expository writing course for the fall semester. Please direct questions to Professor Thad Niles.