From the 2000-2002 California State University, Northridge Undergraduate & Graduate Catalog (pg. 43-44):

Upper Division Writing Requirement.

The University has implemented the Trusty Policy for the Writing Skills Graduation Requirement for all upper division students who will graduate Spring 1982 or thereafter in the following manner:

1. Students who have completed 56 units and have met the lower division writing requirement shall be required to take an essay examination.
2. Undergraduate students are encouraged to take the Writing Proficiency Examination (WPE) as early as possible after (1) above has been met, but must take the WPE no later than the semester in which 90 units are completed. Students who have not taken the WPE by the completion of 90 units may have an advisement hold placed on their subsequent registration(s).
3. Students who fail shall be permitted to repeat the examination. Subsequent attempts, however, shall be permitted only after the students have taken further steps to improve their writing deficiencies, such as completion of an appropriate course in writing.
4. The examination shall consist of an essay on an assigned topic evaluated by the faculty.
5. The criteria of evaluation shall include (a) demonstration of analytic skills, (b) effective organization, (c) use of relevant concrete detail, (d) proper use of English grammar, diction, and mechanics.
6. Administrations of the examination will be announced in the Schedule of Classes as well other official University publication, such as www.csun.edu/~tc2020/#writing and the Sundial.
7. The examination shall be scheduled at least five times within an academic year.
8. Registration cards are available at University Cash Services and at the Testing Office.
9. Certification of graduation writing competence shall be transferable from once CSU campus to another.