ELI Policies
CURRICULUM
The ELI curriculum consists of eight proficiency course levels: 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108.
Classes of the full-time courses are usually limited to 10-18 students. As a general rule, the lower the proficiency, the smaller the number of students per course.
Courses meet 4 periods each day Monday through Friday.
Each course level has classes from the following:
+ Grammar (English Structure)
+ Listening and Speaking
+ Writing/Composition (Rhetoric)
+ Reading and Vocabulary
In addition, elective classes offer students the opportunity to practice informal English as they pursue interests such as music, art, and public speaking.
Students are encouraged to recommend other topics for these classes.
PLACEMENT
Upon arrival, students are assigned to classes according to their ability in each language skill area.
Assignment to the appropriate classes is based on placement test results and instructor evaluations of student proficiency.
During the first week, all students are re-evaluated and may be assigned to a class or classes at a higher proficiency level. An important point is that placement is highly individualized to meet student needs.
For example, students may be assigned to advanced reading but intermediate composition if they are significantly better in reading than in composition.
This initial careful testing and placement of students is almost always final.
Students should never attempt to study at a proficiency level higher than their own competence.
BOOKS
In addition to faculty-prepared materials, the best recently published textbooks are used. Books are provided by the Institute.
CERTIFICATE
The ELI Certificate of Attendance, which also includes a record of performance, is issued to each student at the end of each session. It is signed by the Director and bears the program seal.
SOLVING PROBLEMS OR COMPLAINTS AT ELI
If you have a problem or concern about anything at ELI, you should speak to any faculty or staff member. ELI’s goal is to help you solve problems as quickly as possible.
You can talk about most problems or complaints with your teacher. If you are unhappy or have a problem with your teacher, or if you feel uncomfortable speaking to your teacher, you can speak with Jan Hitt or Jim Hamrick in the ELI office.
In most cases your teacher or other ELI staff will help you with your problem. If, however, you have a problem that cannot be resolved, you may write your problem, on paper, or on e-mail, and give it to Jim Hamrick and Jan Hitt in the ELI office.
Mr. Hamrick or Ms. Hitt will respond to your problem, in writing, and will keep a copy of all communication in your file.
If your problem cannot be resolved by Jim Hamrick or Jan Hitt, you can meet with Dr. Norvel Burkett, Assistant Provost, University Outreach and Continuing Education.
CLASSROOM PROCEDURES
Grading System:
Course grades are given at the end of the session in each of the following areas: Grammar, Writing/Composition, Reading, Listening Comprehension, and Attendance.
Individual course grades are based on quizzes and examinations given regularly in classes, as well as homework assignments and class attendance.
The A (excellent), B (good), C (average), D (passing), F (failure), grading system is used.
All grades are recorded on the Certificate of Attendance.
Probation:
Students who receive failing (F) grades in two or more courses in a term will be placed on academic probation for the following term.
A student on academic probation must earn all grades of A, B, or C. Failure to earn A, B, or C grades during the probationary term will result in dismissal from the program.
Class Assignments:
Students will be given daily assignments (homework). A significant percentage of the final grade is based on this daily work.
Therefore, students should do all assignments. Students who miss classes for any reason are responsible for the assignments. They should ask classmates (by telephone, if necessary) what the assignments were.
Cell Phones:
Cell phones should be turned OFF during class.
Computer Laboratory:
Students should regularly work in the computer-assisted language learning laboratory with the multi-media software for TOEFL and general English practice.
The laboratory is also a resource for e-mail, Internet access, and word processing.
Instructors may make assignments requiring laboratory work.
TOEFL
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is given to all ELI students at the end of each session.
The TOEFL is used by admissions offices of most U.S. colleges and universities for evaluating the English proficiency of applicants for academic study.
The TOEFL results of students scoring 500 or above on the Institute-administering test are sent to The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, undergraduate and graduate admissions offices.
If students want a report of their scores sent to any other school, they must contact the program secretary. This procedure normally takes one week.
Students should remember that the ELI-administered TOEFL is an institutional one, not an international one, and that the admissions offices of some universities may accept only international TOEFL test scores.
International TOEFL scores are mailed to individual schools by Educational Testing Service, Princeton, N.J.
ELI-administered TOEFL scores are recorded on student certificates. Students may use the certificates as official Institute reports of their scores.
UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE ADMISSIONS FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
The language of instruction at the University of Tennessee is English, except in cases of advanced foreign language classes.
Applicants whose native language is not English are required to take and pass the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL).
Passing marks for graduate admissions are 550 (paper), 213 (CBT) or 80 (iBT) with a minimum score of 20 in each sub-section.
Passing marks for undergraduate admissions are 523 (paper), 193 (CBT) or 70 (iBT).
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Institute will certify that a student’s English is sufficient for academic study when he/she has:
1) studied intensive English for at least one full-length term at the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute, and
2) successfully completed all classes at the 107 or 108 course level, and
3) received faculty endorsement of his/her application for academic study.
Students who meet this requirements and who need a recommendation should consult with the program secretary.
A letter is prepared reflecting the consensus of the faculty concerning the student’s English proficiency. The letter is signed by the Director.
Students should not request recommendations from individual instructors. Students should ask for the letter at least one week before they need it.
