English as a Second Language
Currently, Dr. Mara Loeb is the International Student Adviser and Director of International Services and Programs. Her staff in the International Students' Office, located in Hannah Hall, provides information and assistance regarding University regulations, legal requirements, financial matters, and personal affairs. However,
The English as a Second Language program for international students is administered by the Department of Foreign Languages.
International students enrolling as undergraduates must submit the following documents/money before the required date for each semester:
- Application for admission with the application fee.
- Statement of financial backing.
- Confidential health record.
- ACT scores (if available).
- Complete and official transcripts of all college/university work or documents showing completion of secondary education if
college work has not been attempted.
- A 2.2 GPA (as determined by the Admissions Office, using a 4.0 scale; foreign student athletes must meet NCAA requirements) for all undergraduate and transfer students.
- Official TOEFL score of no less than 500.
Documents must be submitted by:
July 1 for fall semester
November 1 for spring semester
April 1 for both summer sessions.
Curriculum:
ESL 103 Advanced Structure, Grammar, and Composition
ESL 104 Advanced Reading and Vocabulary
ESL 106 Advanced Oral Language Development
Until the students have completed the English as a Second Language requirements, advisers in their major areas and faculty in English as a Second Language will monitor their academic progress.
The Compass Test
International students who do not have a TOEFL score of at least 600 on the paper-based test or 100 on the internet-based test, 250 on the computer-based, or less than 7 on the IELTS will take the English proficiency test (Compass) upon arrival on campus. Enrollment in ESL courses is required if an English language deficiency is determined on the Compass exam administered in the Testing Center. International students from English speaking countries are also required to take the Compass. Exemption may be granted if the students have attended four academic years and graduated from a U.S. regionally-accredited college or university or have submitted a satisfactory passing score in English Language on the University of Cambridge/London G. C. E. examination.
International students who earn the minimum score on the English proficiency test or who meet one of the prescribed exemption requirements are not required to enroll in developmental courses (except for mathematics). If the score on the Compass places the student in ESL 103, the student must enroll in that course in the first semester of classes. Students may appeal to postpone taking 104 or 106 for one semester.
(318) 342-1525