CU Employee English

Program Facts

  13-week Sessions in Spring and Fall

  3 Hours/Week, 40 Hours/Session

   Introductory to Advanced Levels

   In-person

   Permanent Resident, U.S. Citizen

Instruction focuses on communicative skills for the workplace, and addresses everything from employees' everyday language needs to professional development topics (writing a resume, completing a job application, and preparing for interviews).

Video Reveal: Employees video

Course Descriptions Placement Test Dates & Prices Frequently Asked Questions How to Apply
Course Descriptions
This beginning English course for learners who may have limited literacy provides foundational instruction, focusing on letters and numbers, fundamental grammar structure, and basic vocabulary and communicative functions related to the workplace. Participants will learn to fill out basic workplace forms, understand simple oral instructions, and have everyday conversations with coworkers. This course may be repeated.
In this course for basic users of English, participants expand their facility with common workplace vocabulary and phrases, deepen their understanding of basic grammar structure, and increase their comprehension of oral and written instructions. Writing practice will focus on constructing simple sentences on work-related topics.
In this course for low-intermediate English speakers, participants will further develop their workplace vocabulary and communication skills. They will focus on reading and interpreting simple instructions, schedules, signs, and maps, as well as learn to give oral and written directions, ask for information, and report problems.
In this course for intermediate users of English, participants will build on their workplace language skills, practicing telephone conversations, writing basic emails and notes, and completing common workplace forms. In addition, participants will learn to identify and describe increasingly complex workplace objects and situations with greater accuracy.

Participants in the program take the CASAS test, a nationally recognized workplace English exam, prior to starting the course, to determine their level. The placement test takes 75 minutes and includes Listening and Reading sections. 

Participants may also take a pre-program assessment to establish a baseline score from which progress is measured. This exam also includes Listening and Reading sections and takes one hour.

Each person learns at a different pace, depending on several factors. First, their level of education in their first language has a direct relationship to their ability to progress. Also, the effort they put into their studies outside of the classroom affects their language development. Finally, the most successful language learners take chances by practicing even when they feel nervous. On average, participants stay in the program for at least two sessions.
We know that employees lead busy lives with many commitments. Instructors are told to limit homework to 30 minutes per class. However, they will give participants extra practice if they ask for it.

Contact carolyn.allen@colorado.edu for information on how to apply for the program.