ESLG PROGRAM OVERVIEW

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses for CU-Boulder degree students and other interested persons are offered through the Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies' International English Center with formal oversight from the Department of Linguistics. These courses are non-intensive and can be taken concurrently with regular degree courses.

The ESLG courses constitute a valuable and needed support service for international students, as well as for foreign-born students who have graduated from American schools. Learning to use a language at the level of proficiency required for successful academic work is an ongoing process which does not necessarily conclude with attainment of a minimally acceptable TOEFL score. This is especially the case for those linguistic skills that are primarily productive and it is for this reason that the curricular content of the courses targets specifically academic speaking and writing skills. See course descriptions under course information.

The credit courses are offered for a grade; pass/fail may be formally requested. Credit counts toward a full-time load to fulfill immigration or financial-aid requirements but does not count toward graduation. The grade counts toward student’s GPA. Tuition is in addition to tuition for regular degree courses. See current tuition under course information.

CU-BOULDER ENGLISH PLACEMENT TEST

The English as a second language placement test is available to international students enrolled at the University of Colorado at Boulder. College of Music students must take it. All others, both graduates and undergraduates, should check with their college or department about the necessity of taking the placement test. The purpose of the test is to assess the student’s proficiency in English for academic work.

Testing is scheduled two to three days prior to the new student orientation provided by International Students and Scholar Services (ISSS). A make-up test for late arrivals is also scheduled.

Test results will indicate which, if any, courses are recommended. Advisors with specific concerns about a student’s assessment should contact the ESLG Coordinator.

Students receive their test results on the day of the ISSS orientation. Students who do not show up for testing should contact the ESLG Coordinator as soon as possible for information on late testing and placement.

REGISTRATION

Registration for ESLG courses must be done in person at the Continuing Education and Professional Studies Office, 1505 University Avenue. In order to register, students must present the recommendation form received from the ESLG Coordinator. Tuition is due in full at the time of registration.

Non-degree students must also follow the Approval to Register process before registering for a course.

ATTENDANCE

Class attendance is critically important both for academic reasons and, in the case of F-1 visa students, for maintaining immigration status.

Non-attendance DOES NOT constitute withdrawal from a course. Students must contact the ESLG Coordinator and officially withdraw from the course through the Continuing Education and Professional Studies Office; otherwise, a grade of Fail will be recorded on the transcript.

CONTACT

Char Norloff , ESLG Coordinator
International English Center
Division of Continuing Education and Professional Studies
63 UCB
Norloff@Colorado.edu
303-735-0477

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