2011-2012 Archived Catalog Information

The ELI Program is an intensive, non-degree English as a Foreign Language program, designed for international students planning to attend Suffolk University or other American universities. The ELI classes help students develop English proficiency and prepare them to matriculate into a college setting. Because this is a language immersion program the classes are non-credit. The program is appropriate for students who need language instruction at the intermediate to advanced level; it is not designed for individuals with little or no knowledge of English.

The ELI Program offers seven levels of instruction. Each level may be completed within a semester of study. Four semesters of study are offered a year. The fall and spring sessions are 14-week programs, while the summer sessions meet for six weeks. Placement into and progression through each level is determined using a variety of assessment tools, including coursework and institutional TOEFL/TWE scores.

All levels require 20 hours of class instruction per week, including:

• 12 hours a week of skills instruction (grammar, reading, writing, speaking, listening, note taking, and research)
• 3 hours a week in the computer and/or language lab (TOEFL preparation, pronunciation and accent reduction, and academic computing skills)
• 5 hours a week of cultural and academic activities (including research and guest lectures)

Conditional Acceptance

Students may apply directly to the ELI Program or be referred by an Admissions Counselor. Students applying to a degree program who are academically admissible, but whose language proficiency is not acceptable, may be offered a conditional admittance, contingent upon successful completion of the ELI Program. Suffolk University reserves the right to make the final determination as to when program requirements have been successfully completed and when a student may qualify for admission to a degree program.

Attendance Policy

For students enrolled in the ELI Program, attendance and completion of assignments is vitally important to their progress. In addition, it is important for students to understand that regular attendance is a requirement of the Immigration and Naturalization Service for students with an F-1 visa. The current policy allows for students to miss a total of 20% of their classes without penalty. Missing between 20 and 40% of the classes will have a negative effect on a student’s average and evaluation. Missing more than 45% of the scheduled classes without justification or permission from the Director of Second Language Services or the Dean of Students Office will result in a grade of “F” for that class. Grades of “W” or “I” will not be given in cases where a student’s work is incomplete due to frequent unexcused absences. It is important to note that for students who have been conditionally admitted to a program at Suffolk University, a negative evaluation or failing grades could result in a denial of their application.

Advising

Charlotte McAleer, the ELI Coordinator, officially advises ELI students during the program and offers assistance throughout their time at Suffolk, should they matriculate into a Suffolk degree program. To make an appointment, please call 617.994.4215.

Field Trips and Guest Speakers

ELI students may participate in field trips as part of their coursework throughout the semester. Past trips have included the Computer Museum, the State House, the Boston Stock Exchange, and the Suffolk County Courthouse. Guest speakers are often invited to the American Culture Lab.

Tutoring

Individual and small group tutoring is available free of charge to all second language students through the SLS Office. Tutoring is offered by ESL professionals in a variety of areas including: Language Skills, Academic Writing, TOEFL Preparation and Classroom Conversation Skills and Pronunciation.