Teaching English as a Second
Language (1008)
2015-2016 Student Program
Handbook
Conestoga Language Institute
Conestoga College Institute of Technology and
Advanced Learning
Note: This is a companion document to the
current Conestoga College Student Guide.
Revised: July 8, 2015
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ............................................................................................................ 2
1) Program Handbook Guidelines ................................................................................. 4
2) WELCOME ............................................................................................................... 5
Conestoga Mission, Vision and Values ........................................................................... 6
Mission ........................................................................................................................ 6
Vision ........................................................................................................................... 6
Values.......................................................................................................................... 6
3) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM ................................................................................ 7
Program Faculty .......................................................................................................... 7
4) PROGRAM OVERVIEW ........................................................................................... 8
4.1 Program Description .............................................................................................. 8
4.2 Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................................. 8
4.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design ................................................................ 9
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS .................................................. 10
5.1 Academic Assistance........................................................................................... 10
5.2 Academic Dates................................................................................................... 10
5.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols ........................................................... 10
5.4 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols ............. 10
5.5 Attendance - Program Protocols .......................................................................... 11
5.6 Awards – Program Specific ................................................................................. 11
5.7 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols..................................... 11
5.8 Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols................................. 11
5.9 Course Add/Drop – Program Protocols ............................................................... 11
5.10 Credit Transfer/Exemptions ............................................................................... 11
5.11 Degree Completion Opportunities and Program Specific Pathways .................. 12
5.12 Equipment, Supplies and Texts ......................................................................... 12
5.13 Discontinuance - Program Protocols ................................................................. 12
5.14 Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations) – Program Protocols ............. 12
5.15 Graduation ......................................................................................................... 13
5.16 Maintaining Student Files .................................................................................. 13
5.17 Program Advisory Committee (PAC) ................................................................. 13
5.18 Program Transfer Protocols ............................................................................... 14
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
5.19 Program Progression ......................................................................................... 14
5.20 Re-admission Requirements – Program Protocols ............................................ 14
5.21 Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice – Program Protocols ............. 14
5.22 Student Feedback.............................................................................................. 15
5.23 Student Representation ..................................................................................... 15
5.24 Student Representatives – Program Protocols .................................................. 15
5.25 Unpaid Work/ Education Placement and Job Shadowing – Program Protocols 15
6) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION.................................................................. 16
6.1 Career Services – Program Specific .................................................................... 16
6.2 Co-Curricular Record – Program Specific............................................................ 16
6.3 Orientation – Program Specific ............................................................................ 16
7) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ........................................ 16
8) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS .......................................... 16
9) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES..................................................... 17
10)
PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG .......................................................... 17
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
1) Program Handbook Guidelines
The purpose of this handbook is to provide students with program-specific details and
other important information. The material in this handbook is accurate at the date of
posting, and is applicable for the current academic year. Students will be informed of
handbook changes that occur, if any, through college email. Program handbooks are
updated yearly and students must check their program handbooks for the current
edition.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
2) WELCOME
Dean, School of Language and Communications Studies
Welcome to Conestoga!
Congratulations on being accepted into the post-grad TESL Program at Conestoga
College ITAL. I am pleased to welcome you to the Program as you begin your journey
into the world of teaching ESL/EFL. The possibilities are endless whether you decide to
teach in a community ESL or LINC Program locally or decide to teach abroad. You will be
amazed where this career can take you!
To ensure that you are prepared to begin your teaching career, the Program combines a
strong theoretical foundation with numerous opportunities for practical application in the
English language classroom. During the two practicum placements in the Program, you
will have an opportunity to apply what you have learned. As you progress through the
program, know that our faculty is dedicated to supporting your learning.
This handbook provides you with specific information related to the academic standards,
guidelines and protocols related to the TESL Program. If you have any additional
questions please contact your faculty, your coordinator or contact me directly.
I wish you all the very best throughout the Program and look forward to meeting you.
Sincerely,
Christine Buuck
School of Language and Communications Studies
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
Conestoga Mission, Vision and Values
Mission
To CHAMPION Student Success within Conestoga College
To ENGAGE and SUPPORT students in building knowledge, skills and attitudes that
support academic success and lifelong learning
To provide INNOVATIVE and RESPONSIVE delivery of academic support services to
meet the needs of our diverse student learners
Vision
The Learning Commons will be recognized as a dynamic and welcoming physical
and/or virtual 'hub' of collaborative learning where respectful and affirming partnerships
amongst students and Learning Commons staff are intentionally fostered.
The Learning Commons will be acknowledged by the academic areas within the
college, as a valued partner in the strategic development, support and/or
implementation of student success initiatives.
Values
Students - We value students and learning as our priority. We value our students'
potential to grow and develop as people and learners.
Respect - We honour where our learners begin in their acquisition of skills and
knowledge. We respect the diversity of our students as individuals and as learners.
Knowledge - We value knowledge and its acquisition.
Collaboration - We value working with our college stakeholders. We value internal and
external collaboration.
Research - We value evidence-based decision making.
Innovation - We value creativity in the development and design of effective and
efficient academic support services.
Academic Integrity - We value academic integrity in all our processes.
Professional Integrity - We model behaviours that support the mission, vision, and
values of the college and Learning Commons.
Staff Development - We value continuous learning to meet the changing needs of our
students.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
3) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM
Dean – School of Language and Communications Studies
Christine Buuck
Doon Main Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3675
cbuuck@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Assistant to Executive Dean
Liliana Pereira
Doon Main Campus
519-748-5220 ext. 3751
lpereira@conestogac.on.ca
Program Coordinator
Laura Stoutenburg
Doon Main Campus, Room 2E20
519-748-5220 ext. 3896
lstoutenburg@conestogac.on.ca
Program Faculty
Lesline Smikle
Doon Main Campus, Room 2E20
519-748-5220 ext. 3433
lsmikle@conestogac.on.ca
Laura Stoutenburg
Doon Main Campus, Room 2E20
519-748-5220 ext. 3896
lstoutenburg@conestogac.on.ca
Other Faculty
Including the above-mentioned faculty, dedicated faculty from the Conestoga Language
Institute and from partnering language education institutions will work with you for the
duration of this program. Your academic success is paramount to the whole team.
Contact information for this faculty will typically be provided on the first day of related
courses.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
4) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
4.1 Program Description
The Certificate in Teaching English as a Second Language is a post-degree program
designed for students who wish to teach English as a Second Language in Canada
and/or overseas. The two-part program consists of 340 hours (25 weeks) of academic
study in nine courses. Each course provides background on key theoretical issues and
practice in application of these issues to language teaching. The program includes two
supervised teaching practicums. Part 1 of the program is accredited by TESL Canada,
Professional Certificate Standard 1. Part 2 of the program is accredited by TESL
Ontario and by TESL Canada, Professional Certificate Standard 2.
4.2 Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
1. Demonstrate his/her knowledge of how languages are learned by applying the
principles of language learning to the selection of teaching methods, techniques, and
materials.
2. Identify various teaching and learning styles.
3. Plan and deliver instruction that accommodates the learning styles of his/her
students.
4. Identify and analyze cultural issues and their application to the ESL classroom.
5. Demonstrate intercultural appropriacy in classroom teaching.
6. Analyze the development of ESL teaching methods from a historical perspective.
7. Use his/her knowledge of the historical development of ESL methodology as a
framework for the development of a personal teaching philosophy and its
application.
8. Identify standard types of ESL curricula.
9. Analyze the grammar of English systematically and apply the principles of English
syntax to the teaching of grammar.
10. Write effective grammar lesson plans.
11. Apply his/her knowledge of the sound system of English to analyze learners'
pronunciation and design a systematic plan to address individual needs.
12. Write effective pronunciation lesson plans.
13. Employ methods and techniques for the effective teaching of reading, writing,
listening, speaking and vocabulary.
14. Write effective lesson plans for reading, writing, listening and speaking.
15. Select and implement computer assisted language learning resources.
16. Develop assessment tools for classroom use.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
4.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design
The following is the anticipated sequence of the program over its two semesters of
implementation beginning in September 2015.
COURSE NUMBER
COURSE NAME
CREDITS
HOURS
1 TESL8200 (100)
TESL001: Foundations for English Language Learning
4
55
1 TESL8210 (100)
TESL002: Foundations for English Language Teaching I
2
35
1 TESL8220 (100)
TESL003: The Structure and Sound of English I
2
35
1 TESL8230 (100)
TESL004: Observation/Practicum I
2
25
TESL005: Foundations for English Language Learning and
Teaching II
2
25
2 TESL8250 (100)
TESL006: The Structure and Sound of English II
4
60
2 TESL8260 (100)
TESL007: Teaching the Four Language Skills
3
50
2 TESL8270 (100)
TESL008: Assessment and CALL
2
25
2 TESL8280 (100)
TESL009: Observation/Practicum II
2
30
2
TESL8240 (100)
In-class delivery students will take the Part 1 classes concurrently for 9 weeks
beginning in September, followed by the Practicum in November and December.
You will take the Part 2 classes concurrently for 10 weeks beginning in January,
followed by the Practicum in March and April. Occasionally, minor program design
changes do occur and students are notified of these changes as soon as possible by
the Coordinator of the Program.
Online students may register for Part 1 classes in any order, as long as the
Practicum is taken after or concurrent to at least one other course. All Part 1
courses must be complete before registering for courses in Part 2.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
5.1 Academic Assistance
Academic assistance is available to students through a variety of avenues. The
program coordinator and faculty can advise students on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through
Accessibility Services. Access the Learning Commons website for detailed
information on the academic services they provide, including Learning Skills, Peer
Services, Math and Writing assistance.
5.2 Academic Dates
Refer to your Student Guide for academic dates: search “Student Guide” on
Conestoga's website.
• Academic start dates for the TESL in-class delivery reflect the start dates of regular
Conestoga programming. Courses finish according to the week-by-week schedule
provided in the first week of classes.
• Online course start dates reflect the start dates for OntarioLearn courses. Each online
course is designed on a 12-week schedule.
5.3 Academic Probation – Program Protocols
See 5.4 below.
5.4 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols
• Students must successfully complete all courses in Part 1 before beginning Part 2.
• Students who fail no more than one course by not more than 10% in Part 1 or Part 2
may take a supplemental assessment for a pass in the course.
• Students who fail the same course more than once will be discontinued from the
program. Students who fail two or more courses will be discontinued from the
program.
• The Practicum is assessed on a Pass/Fail basis. Failure will result based on any of
the following three circumstances:
o the student teacher fails to achieve an assessment better than “needs
improvement” in more than one category of the supervisor rubric.
o the student teacher fails to observe professional comportment at all times, as
captured in the TESL Practicum Protocols.
o The mentor teacher requests early removal of the student from the practicum out
of concern for the learning of the students in the ESL practicum class or due to
failure of the student teacher to observe professional comportment.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
• If you fail the practicum, you will attend your feedback session and receive
suggestions for improvement. You may apply in writing to request an opportunity to
repeat the practicum, listing reasons why the request should be granted. At the
discretion of the Practicum Supervisor, you may be given the option to repeat the
practicum. If this option is given, you must wait at least one full semester before
beginning a new practicum so as to have time to work on the areas suggested for
improvement.
• This program's faculty reserves the right to modify the implementation of the above
policies, in individual cases, due to extenuating circumstances
5.5 Attendance - Program Protocols
• The TESL Certificate program provides multiple opportunities to practice and apply
skills needed for effective teaching and classroom management. In order for students
to benefit from these opportunities, regular attendance is expected throughout the
program.
5.6 Awards – Program Specific
Apply for academic awards using the online General Application available through your
Student Portal to be considered for awards, scholarships and bursaries available
through Conestoga. Notifications and instructions to complete the application will be
sent to all full-time Conestoga students’ email accounts in the Fall semester (Deadline:
first Friday in October) and Winter semester (Deadline: first Friday in February). Visit the
Financial Aid and Student Awards Office on Conestoga’s website at for more
information.
5.7 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols
• Students who fail a course in Part 1 may wait a year to take the failed course again
before continuing to Part 2 or may transfer to the online version of the program in
order to take the course as soon as it is available.
5.8 Communication – Program Standard & Emailing Protocols
Conestoga College student email accounts will be used to communicate to the students
via email. Students are expected to regularly check their student email accounts.
Faculty will not respond to emails from non-Conestoga email addresses.
5.9 Course Add/Drop – Program Protocols
See Student Forms on the Conestoga website.
• All courses in the program are required for successful completion of the program.
5.10 Credit Transfer/Exemptions
See Student Forms on the Conestoga website.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
5.11 Degree Completion Opportunities and Program Specific Pathways
• Griffith University Master of Education program (Queensland, Australia) will accord
Prior Learning for graduates of the Conestoga TESL Program.
5.12 Equipment, Supplies and Texts
Required texts are listed in the Course Outline of each course.
5.13 Discontinuance - Program Protocols
• Students who fail the same course more than once will be discontinued from the
program. Students who fail two or more courses will be discontinued from the
program.
• To graduate from this program, students who have been discontinued from the
program must request and be granted re-admission to the Program.
• A student who wishes to appeal academic decision or discontinuance from the
program should refer to the Conestoga College Student Procedures Guide.
5.14 Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations) – Program Protocols
• Graduates from the Conestoga College TESL Certificate program, both in-class and
online deliveries, can apply to TESL Ontario and to TESL Canada for TESL Ontario
Accreditation or TESL Canada Certification based on the understanding that
graduating students from the TESL Certificate program have interacted with all of the
course material in a meaningful way. The program provides for this interaction through
providing students with feedback on work which must be completed before the end of
each course in order to demonstrate meaningful achievement of program objectives.
Tasks
• Course
tasks facilitate learning and prepare students for the Course Assignments. A
TASK may take a variety of forms: Discussion Forum Postings; exercises found within
the text(s); tasks created by the instructor; blogs or journal entries.
Chats and On-Campus Workshops
• The
instructor for each course in the online delivery of the program will schedule chat
sessions periodically through the semester. The instructor will ask you for your
availability at the beginning of the semester in order to accommodate schedules.
These chats are considered a component of the task work. Online courses may
include one or two on-campus workshops during the semester. It is required either that
you attend the workshop or, if the distance is too great, that you participate in an
alternative fashion identified by the instructor.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
Course Assignments and Tests
• Assignments
and or tests are scheduled for each course. Due dates will be specified
for each assessment. These dates can be found in the course week-by-week
schedule, which has been created to help you keep track of your own progress
through the course.
Late penalties
• In
order to facilitate learning for the whole class, the following protocols have been
established for assignments handed in late.
• A penalty of 5% per day will be applied to all late assignments unless permission is
obtained for an extension.
• Permission for late submissions must be obtained from the instructor in advance of the
due date.
5.15 Graduation
• Students are eligible to graduate upon completion of all academic requirements in their
program of study. Students are expected to respond to their invitation through their
Student Portal. Convocation ceremonies are held in the spring and fall of each
academic year. Students who take longer than the advertised program length are
responsible for completing any new or additional courses due to a program design
change. Students who are discontinued or have withdrawn and then return to the
college will be placed in the current program design and must meet all requirements to
graduate.
• Online students are responsible to apply to graduate upon completion of the
requirements of the program. See Student Forms on the Conestoga website.
5.16 Maintaining Student Files
• As a condition of program review and accreditation, the TESL Certificate program is
required to retain examples of student coursework in each of the courses of the
curriculum. Each student is required to complete the “Permission to Retain Material”
form on the last page of the handbook. In doing so, students grant Conestoga
permission to retain coursework over the duration of the student’s enrolment in the
Program. The course work we retain will only be used for review and accreditation
purposes.
5.17 Program Advisory Committee (PAC)
Program Advisory Committees (PACs) are usually made up of professional and
academic representatives, as well as alumni and current students. They meet several
times a year to discuss future trends and any improvements that can be made to keep
the program current. This helps to ensure that students are learning material that is
relevant to their field. At the beginning of each year, the coordinator of the program will
ask for student volunteers. The coordinator will decide which students will represent
the program for the year. The student representatives are expected to attend the
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
meetings. Students must prepare and submit a report based on guidelines provided by
the Program Chair/Coordinator which will be presented at the meeting. Students are
expected to be professional, dress in business attire and engage in discussions.
5.18 Program Transfer Protocols
Use Program Application Form located on the website.
• Any student transferring to TESL from another program at the college will provide any
required documentation not already on file and will be interviewed for program
suitability.
5.19 Program Progression
• Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the
designed program length of time to complete their studies are accountable for
completing any new or additional courses that may result due to changes in the
program of study. Students registered in non-cohort delivered programs must
complete the program of study within five years of being admitted to the program.
5.20 Re-admission Requirements – Program Protocols
• Students who were accepted unconditionally into the program but did not attend or
who withdrew before the end will have to re-apply, but will not be required to sit for a
second interview or writing sample.
• To be readmitted to this program, students who have been discontinued from the
program must request in writing and be granted re-admission to the program. The
student will then re-apply through OCAS, but will not be required to sit for a second
interview or writing sample.
5.21 Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice – Program Protocols
Standards of conduct and professional practice refer specifically to student conduct
during the practicum. They are as follows:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
Dress professionally.
If you are unsure of the content of the lesson, research it. Make sure that you are
prepared. When in doubt, ask for help.
Go over your lesson plan with your Mentor Teacher before and after you teach the
lesson. Show the Mentor Teacher your lesson plan summary IN ADVANCE of the
class according to the deadline agreed upon by the two of you.
Treat your mentor teacher and any colleagues you encounter with respect at all
times.
Do not argue with your mentor teacher or refuse to take his/her advice
Maintain the confidentiality of all interaction with ESL students, mentor teacher,
and any others involved in your practicum setting.
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7.
Be reliable and committed. Do not miss a lesson unless you have a documented
illness.
5.22 Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process.
Our opportunities for student feedback include:
Key Performance Indicators: All college programs in the province are evaluated
using Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) through the Ministry of Training, Colleges and
Universities. This survey is conducted each academic year. Strategic goals to
improve the programs are developed from these results. This data and other data
specific to the campus and the program/school are collected so that Conestoga
College can continually improve quality.
Student Appraisal of Teaching: The Student Appraisal of Teaching (SAT) allows
direct feedback from students on teaching for a particular course. Completion of the
SAT form gives teachers and academic managers valuable information to use for
improving teaching at Conestoga.
OntarioLearn students have an opportunity to complete a SAT form at the conclusion
of each Continuing Education course.
5.23 Student Representation
CSI and Conestoga agree that a student has the right to invite a member of CSI to a
student/faculty meeting, provided that 24 hours advance notice is given to faculty.
This advance notice will ensure that all parties will have an opportunity to
adequately prepare for the meeting.
5.24 Student Representatives – Program Protocols
Student representatives are selected at the beginning of the Fall term. The student
representatives will represent the class at Program Advisory Committee meetings and
perform other duties as required.
5.25 Unpaid Work/ Education Placement and Job Shadowing – Program
Protocols
• Online students must provide the practicum instructor with a completed Program
Information Form (available online through D2L at the beginning of each practicum
course) before a practicum placement can be confirmed.
• Students on practicum placement are expected to sign all required insurance
documentation before beginning the practicum.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
• Each student is responsible for costs incurred by a particular practicum placement,
including the following:
1. A police check (if needed – relevant for programs run by school boards)
2. Course texts (if needed – relevant for English for Academic Purposes courses)
3. Transportation/parking as required.
6) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to the Student Guide for information on Student Services including Accessibility,
Counselling, Learning Commons, Student Financial Services and Student Life.
6.1 Career Services – Program Specific
• As part of the Part 1 Practicum, TESL8280, a workshop specific to job search for an
ESL job market will provide you with sample resumes and cover letters, names
addresses of regional employers and sound advice on looking for work in Waterloo
Region and beyond.
6.2 Co-Curricular Record – Program Specific
Conestoga offers a number of volunteer opportunities to enhance your college learning
experience in concrete ways, including Conversation Partners with second language
students. The new Co-Curricular Record initiative will provide you with the opportunity
to document these experiences.
6.3 Orientation – Program Specific
• The TESL Certificate program, in-class delivery, participates in the post-graduate
program orientation in the evening one week prior to the beginning of classes. At that
time, you will be introduced to the program faculty, learn important information about
the program, and meet with graduates of the program who are currently teaching
English in the community. You will also receive an overview of services available at
the college and have the opportunity to purchase textbooks and parking passes, and
to obtain a library card.
7) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
Refer to the Student Guide for information on after-hours access, parking, and
classroom & computer labs. Search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
8) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures. Search “Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook
9) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear once an
applicant/student logs into the Student Portal. A PDF directs students to policies
and procedures relevant to their academic responsibilities. Policies and procedures
are searchable on Conestoga's website. Students are advised to review and
comply with all policies and procedures including the following:
• Academic Dispute and Resolution Policy/Procedure
• Academic Integrity Policy
• Academic Recognition Policy
• Academic Credential Procedure
• Clearance of Academic Deficiency Policy/Procedure
• Discontinuance Policy/Procedure
• Eligibility to Participate in Co-op Work Terms Policy/Procedure
• Evaluation of Student Learning Policy/Procedure
• Grading Procedure
• Graduation Requirements and Convocation Procedure
• Honours Policy/Procedure
• Program/Course (Cohort) Withdrawal Procedure
• Student Concerns and Issues/Procedure
• Student Fees Policy
• Student Feedback Policy
• Violation of Academic Integrity Procedure
10) PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG
Revision Date
07/06/2015
Summary of Changes
Program Information-Revised
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TESL Certificate Program Student Handbook