Program Policies

Attendance

In order to make satisfactory progress, it is important to attend class regularly. The ability to be successful in the ESL program and move from one level to the next, as well as complete the program, depends on your attending classes every day. Students who fail to meet this requirement will be withdrawn from class and/or dismissed from the ESL program.

Fall/Spring/Summer Attendance

Tardiness

Also, you must arrive to class on time. This includes the beginning of class and after breaks when class resumes. Being tardy three times equals one hour of absence.

Academic Honesty

The ESL/ELA Program strictly adheres to the Academic Integrity Policy of the University. Cheating and plagiarism or assisting another student to commit these acts will not be tolerated. Any student found to be guilty of these acts will be punished to the full extent of the University’s policy regarding this offense.

Below are the definitions of what the University defines as acts of cheating and plagiarism:

• Cheating is an act of dishonesty with the intention of obtaining and/or using information in a fraudulent manner.
• Plagiarism is the act of taking and/or using the ideas, work, and/or writings of another person as one's own.

Students found guilty of either cheating or plagiarizing will be given an “F” on the assignment for the first offense and may not re-do the assignment. A second offense will result in failure of the course and/or the level and will be reported to the Director of ELA. Further infractions will be dealt with according to University policy. Consult the University Student Handbook for a full description of the Academic Integrity Policy.

Classroom Behavior

Students in the ESL/ELA Program come from all over the world and represent diverse and different cultures and societies. It is expected and required that all students interact and communicate with each other in a manner that reflects tolerance and respect toward each others background and experiences. Classroom discussions, activities, and interactions encourage free exchange of ideas and opinion but they must be stated with respect for other cultures, ethnicities, religions, races, and sexual orientation. Use of cellular phones in the classroom is strictly prohibited. Please turn off your phone before entering the classroom. Electronic devices such as translators and/or dictionaries are allowed with permission of the instructor. However, they must be set to function without any noises that may otherwise disturb the class or disrupt instruction, e.g., no beeping, loud volume for word pronunciation, etc.

Comments, Suggestions, and Testimonials

The faculty and staff of the ESL/ELA program are committed to providing you, the student, with the best possible instruction and experience available during your time with us at A-State. We welcome any comments, suggestions, or questions you may have that may lead to the improvement of ESL/ELA program. We would also like to read your positive remarks (testimonials) about the ESL/ELA program.

If you would like to make a comment or suggestion or give a testimonial. Email the Director of International Programs or the Assistant Director for the ELA.

Communications and Announcements

Important announcements and general communication to students of Arkansas State University are sent via student e-mail. Therefore, all students must activate their student e-mail accounts and check e-mail periodically. Student services provided by the University, such as the library, Student Accounts, etc., only communicate to students via student e-mail. Students are ultimately responsible for keeping themselves informed.

ESL/ELA Program Grading

Students must complete all coursework and maintain an average course grade of 80% or higher on all assignments, quizzes, and exams given. You will be given reports and feedback from your instructors on your progress on a regular basis. Additionally, you will receive a mid-session (Fall/Spring) and end of session grade report from your instructor. Review your grades and if there is a problem, consult with your instructor first. If the problem is not resolved, you make contact the Director of International Programs or the Assistant Director for the ELA.

Advancement in the ESL/ELA Program

Advancement to the next level of the ESL/ELA Program or graduation from the program depends on the following:

• Successful completion of all classes taken in the session – Students must pass each course with a minimum of 80% or higher on all coursework, attendance, exams, and quizzes.
• Achievement of the minimum ITEP score for advancement
• Upon completion of Level 5 of the ESL/ELA program, students may apply for admissions to undergraduate or graduate programs with no further English proficiency examination (i.e. TOEFL or IELTS scores) provided they meet the following requirement:
  • Completion of Level 5 of the ESL/ELA Program with 80% or higher – for undergraduate admissions
  • Completion of Level 5 of the ESL/ELA Program with 90% or higher – for graduate admissions 

Students must also meet any additional admissions requirements required by the program of study in which they desire to enter.

English Use Policy

Speak English as much as possible! It’s important that you get the most out of your studies and time here in the ESL/ELA Program and your stay in the U.S. Don’t waste it all by not practicing your English skills. You have a great opportunity being here in the United States to meet people from all over the world and locally. However, if you only speak your native language it will be as if you never left your country. Take advantage of this opportunity and speak English whenever you can. Also, only English is allowed in ESL/ELA classes.

Notice!

If a student arrives in the middle of a semester (beginning of spring II or fall II), then he/she will be required to attend one full semester of classes before becoming eligible to take a break for a session.