English Language Center

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Purpose and Focus

The English Language Center (ELC) provides instruction in English language and American culture to immigrant and international students whose native languages are other than English. The center serves this ethnically diverse population by providing greater access to higher education for students from some 70 different nations and ethnic groups. These students prepare for academic success by engaging in a six-level program that focuses on oral/written communication and academic skills. The ELC also serves the needs of working members of the community who need English language skills to enhance employment and social opportunities. Instruction in the center is accomplished in a climate of mutual respect and acceptance that is inviting to the adult learner.

Areas of Concentration

Although enrollment in the ELC does not lead to a degree, students can pursue credit-bearing course work in the following areas of English language development: composition, grammar, academic study skills, oral presentation, critical listening, reading, American idioms and vocabulary, pronunciation, and American culture.

Department Policies

Continuous Enrollment: International students who have been admitted to the English Language Center must maintain continuous enrollment with a balance of 12 credits during each spring and fall semester. Full-time international students who drop below 12 credits are subject to having their student visas revoked.

One-Year Requirement

International students are allowed one calendar year of attending classes in the English Language Center in order to complete their English language requirement (76 on the MTELP, 173 on the CBT or 61 on the IBT). Students failing to meet this criteria are subject to having their student visas revoked.

Minimum GPA

Students in the ELC must maintain a 2.30 GPA or be subject to probation.

Testing

The ELC’s testing program offers the following examinations: Michigan Test of English Language Proficiency (MTELP), Placement Test, and SPEAK (Test of Spoken English).

Language Resource Center

A multimedia language resource center is located in FDH 240. It is available to all registered ELC students for improving their English language skills.

Advisement

Any student without a TOEFL score will be given a diagnostic placement examination for the purpose of determining appropriate course work. Students seeking admission to the university will take the MTELP while non-degree seeking students may take the Placement Test. Following testing, students are interviewed individually by the director of the ELC, and course work is suggested. Each semester prior to registration, student records are individually reviewed and additional course work is suggested as necessary.

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