English Language Studies /
English for Academic Studies
0389, 1324
Doon Campus
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: June 30, 2015
Table of Contents
1) Program Handbook Guidelines ................................................................................... 3
2) WELCOME ................................................................................................................. 4
3) PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION......................................................... 5
4) PROGRAM OVERVIEW ............................................................................................. 6
4.1) Program Description ............................................................................................... 6
4.2) Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................................. 6
4.3) Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design ................................................................. 7
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS ...................................................... 8
5.1) Academic Assistance ............................................................................................. 8
5.2) Academic Dates ..................................................................................................... 8
5.3) Academic Probation ............................................................................................... 8
5.4) Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements ................................................. 8
5.5) Attendance ............................................................................................................. 9
5.6) Awards ................................................................................................................... 9
5.7) Clearance of Academic Deficiency ......................................................................... 9
5.8) Communication..................................................................................................... 10
5.9) Course Add/Drop .................................................................................................. 10
5.10) Credit Transfer/Exemptions ................................................................................ 10
5.11) Discontinuance ................................................................................................... 10
5.12) Equipment, Supplies and Texts .......................................................................... 10
5.13) Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations) ................................................ 10
5.14) Graduation .......................................................................................................... 11
5.15) Program Advisory Committee ............................................................................. 11
5.16) Program Transfer ............................................................................................... 11
5.17) Program Progression .......................................................................................... 11
5.18) Re-admission requirements ................................................................................ 12
5.19) Student Feedback .............................................................................................. 12
5.20) Student Representation ...................................................................................... 12
6) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION.................................................................... 12
7) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS .......................................... 13
8) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ............................................ 13
9) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES....................................................... 13
10) PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG ............................................................... 14
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.
ELS/ELAS Student Handbook 2015/2016
Revised July 7, 2015
3
2) WELCOME
A Message from the Dean of the School of Language and Communication Studies
Welcome to Conestoga!
Congratulations on being accepted into the English Language Studies/English for
Academic Studies Program offered through the Conestoga Language Institute at
Conestoga College ITAL.
This program focuses on the development of the English language skills needed for
success in post-secondary education in Canada. You will also take General Education
courses which will give you an opportunity to use language within a variety of contexts.
Our faculty members are dedicated educators committed to providing a supportive
learning environment. A variety of current language learning methods and techniques are
used to encourage active participation in class and meaningful language practice to
enhance language learning and acquisition.
This handbook provides you with specific information related to the academic standards,
guidelines and protocols related to the Program. If you have any additional questions
please contact your faculty, your coordinator or contact me directly.
I wish you all the very best in your studies.
Sincerely,
Christine Buuck
Dean, School of Language and Communications Studies
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3) PROGRAM STAFF CONTACT INFORMATION
Dean, School of Language and Communication Studies
Christine Buuck
Room: 2A139
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3675
Cbuuck@conestogac.on.ca
Administrative Assistant to the Dean
Liliana Pereira
Room: 2A139
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3751
Lpereira@conestogac.on.ca
Program Coordinator (Doon)
Lesline Smikle
Room: 2E20
(519) 748-5220 ext.3433
Lsmikle@conestogac.on.ca
Professors
Lois Molto
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3874
lmolto@conestogac.on.ca
Laura Stoutenburg
(519) 748-5220 ext. 3896
Lstoutenburg@conestogac.on.ca
Faculty
In addition to the full-time program faculty, a team of dedicated part-time faculty will
work with you for the duration of this program. These include faculty from other Schools
such as the general education courses. All faculty and support staff are available to
assist you throughout the program.
Contact information for your teachers will be provided on the first day of the respective
classes. Contact your teacher first, the coordinator second and then the Administrative
Assistant in the event of an emergency or school-related issue.
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4) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
4.1) Program Description
Our four-level English Language Studies program focuses on the core skills of listening,
speaking, reading and writing required for college/university studies. You will start at a
level determined by scores on an in-house placement test or on an internationally
recognized English language test such as TOEFL or IELTS. Beginning language
learners enter the program at level 1. In levels 2 and 3, you will reinforce your English
skills through the Canadian Perspective courses as well as through the core courses.
Concurrent with English studies in level 4, you will take post-secondary credit courses
including Student Success for Higher Learning.
4.2) Program Learning Outcomes
Successful completion of this program will enable the graduate to:
1. Identify and correct his/her individual language difficulties.
2. Demonstrate competence in the use of complex grammatical structures in both
speaking and writing.
3. Differentiate between and produce the basic writing styles and formats used in
college/university courses.
4. Develop editing and proof reading skills.
5. Produce a portfolio of English language written material.
6. Develop a systematic approach to academic reading and vocabulary expansion.
7. Recognize and correct his/her pronunciation difficulties
8. Initiate and participate in group discussions.
9. Prepare and give a presentation/session.
10. Identify his/her own learning styles and develop individual learning strategies.
11. Utilize effective study skills techniques.
12. Utilize critical thinking processes and problem solving techniques.
13. Communicate effectively at a level appropriate to access further academic and
vocational studies.
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14. Apply research techniques needed for English language post-secondary studies
(including Internet access).
15. Apply the basic techniques of career exploration to develop an academic/career
plan.
16. Outline the elements of Canadian culture, geography and history.
4.3) Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design
The following is the anticipated sequence of the program over its four levels of
implementation beginning in September 2015. Occasionally, minor program design
changes do occur and students are notified of these changes. The Conestoga English
Language Studies In- house Examination will determine your level of entry into the
program.
Course Name
Academic Writing
Pronunciation
Hours per Week
6 hours (Level 1 has 8 hours)
3 hours (Level 1 has 5 hours)
(Level 2 has 4 hours)
Reading Comprehension
Listening and Speaking
4 hours (Level 1 has 5 hours)
4 hours (Level 1 has 5 hours)
Canadian Perspectives
3 hours (Levels 2 and 3)
Student Success for Higher
Learning
3 hours (Level 4)
Program Electives
Subject to availability
• Business Computer
Applications
• IELTS/TOEFL
Preparation
• Wellness: A
Better You
3 hours (Level 4)
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5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & REQUIREMENTS
5.1) Academic Assistance
The program coordinator and faculty can advise you on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for additional assistance through
Accessibility Services and the Learning Commons.
5.2) Academic Dates
Program start and end dates, holidays and deadlines for course add/drop and
withdrawals are located in the Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
Courses follow the instructional plans provided the first week of classes.
5.3) Academic Probation
Students at academic risk are tracked at midterm and supported with suggested
strategies for academic success. Students who fail the same level twice consecutively
are discontinued for one semester.
5.4) Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements
Progression from Level 1 to 2 to 3 to level 4:
The following criteria must be met in order to progress to the next level:
1. Students must pass all core* courses – the minimum passing mark is 70%.
2. Students who fail (1) one core* course may be allowed to continue at the
discretion of the department.
3. Students who fail (1) one or more courses must retake all core* courses at that
level.
Level 4:
A pass of 70% in all core* courses admits a student to most diploma courses at
Conestoga College, all colleges in Ontario, to the Math and Computer Science degree
programs at the University of Waterloo, and to all undergraduate degree programs at
Wilfrid Laurier University.
To enter ALL degree programs at Conestoga College, a student must have an average
of 80% in all core courses with nothing below 75% (Check for exceptions with the
department of the next program you wish to attend).
Level 4 students who fail two or more core* courses must retake all core* courses at
level 4.
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One core* course failed at level 4 must be retaken, and a maximum of two credits may
be allowed in that semester in some diploma programs in the college.
*CORE COURSES:
Listening/Speaking, Pronunciation, Writing, Reading, Canadian Perspectives 1 & 2.
5.5) Attendance
The ELS/EAS program provides multiple opportunities to practice English skills for
academic purposes. In order for you to benefit from these opportunities, regular
attendance is expected throughout the program. Please inform your teachers of any
absences and in the case of missed assessments, read the section “Evaluations”.
5.6) Awards
Apply 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 for more information.
5.7) Clearance of Academic Deficiency
Supplemental Exams
Any student who has failed a course may apply for a supplemental in order to pass
providing the student meets the eligibility requirements to complete the supplemental
as outlined below.
It is the responsibility of the student to indicate to the course instructor and the
Coordinator his/her intent to clear the deficiency. This must be done within five (5)
working days after the final grade was posted. Within this time the course instructor,
Coordinator, and student must complete the 'Supplemental Authorization and Terms'
Form (RO 479) and the student must take this completed form to the Registrar's Office
and pay the required fee.
Since the marks for the Fall semester are not released until just before the Christmas
break, it may not be possible to give formal permission for the supplemental until the
beginning of the Winter semester. In this case Form (RO 479) must be completed and
submitted to the Registrar's Office and fees paid within five (5) working days from the
beginning of the Winter semester.
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To be eligible to write a supplemental the student must have a failing grade of not less
than 65% in no more than one core language course in their level.
A successful completion of the supplemental will result in a final grade mark of 70%
which is the minimum passing grade for the course.
5.8) Communication
Conestoga College email accounts will be used as the primary method of
communication between instructors, the college and the students. You are expected to
regularly check your email accounts for messages and updates.
5.9) Course Add/Drop
See Student Forms on the Conestoga website.
5.10) Credit Transfer/Exemptions
Refer to the Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
5.11) Discontinuance
In failing a level twice consecutively, a student will be required to withdraw from the
program for one semester.
5.12) Equipment, Supplies and Texts
A list of textbooks and materials required for each level is provided on the first day of the
semester.
5.13) Evaluations (deadlines, tests and examinations)
The following protocols for missed assignments will be followed:
1.A
If a student contacts the teacher before the due date with a reasonable
explanation, the teacher will set a new date in discussion with the student. The
teacher will use his/her discretion to determine whether an explanation is reasonable. If
the teacher determines that an explanation is not reasonable, section 1.B applies.
1.B
If a student does not contact the teacher regarding a missed assignment or has
not given a reasonable explanation for a missed assignment, an automatic 5% will be
deducted for each day the assignment is late up to ten working days after the due
date. After this time, the student will receive a grade of 0 for the missed assignment.
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The following protocols for missed tests or exams will be followed:
2.A
All tests and examinations are to be written on the dates and at the times
scheduled. A student must notify the teacher before the beginning of class by email if
he/she is not able to write a test in order to have one opportunity to write a make-up
test without losing marks. Without prior notification, students will have one opportunity to
re-take the test at a later date for a maximum grade of a pass.
2.B
Instructors will make use of the test center for make-up testing for students in
Level 3 and Level 4 or work together in consultation with the coordinator to provide
proctoring opportunities. Instructors for Levels 1 and 2 will make arrangements with
the coordinator for test make-ups.
If a student misses a mid-term or final exam, prior notification and/or appropriate
documentation must be provided in order for the student to have an opportunity to
reschedule. It is up to the faculty member to reschedule the exam for the student.
5.14) Graduation
ELS students are eligible to graduate upon successful 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.
5.15) Program Advisory Committee
Program Advisory Committees (PACs) are usually made up of industry and academic
representatives, as well as alumni and current students. They meet to discuss future
trends and any improvements that can be made to keep the program current.
5.16) Program Transfer
Prior to enrolling in their next program, it is recommended that the students meet with the
program coordinator or academic advisor.
When a student moves from one Conestoga program to another and where course
numbers/codes are identical or equivalent, automatic credit is given if passing grades are
met.
5.17) Program Progression
Students actively registered in cohort delivered programs who take longer than the
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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 who have been away from the program for longer than six months must be retested for placement purposes.
5.18) Re-admission requirements
Student are required to apply for re-admission when they have been absent from their
program for one semester or longer unless an Intention Form RO#401 has been
completed, or student has withdrawn or been discontinued. Upon readmission, students
are placed into the current program design.
5.19) Student Feedback
Student feedback is an essential component of our continuous improvement process.
Opportunities for student feedback include completing Student Appraisal of Teaching
(SAT) forms, attending forums and completing feedback forms.
5.20) 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.
6) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s student services information: search
“Student Guide” on Conestoga's website..
Orientation
Orientation and placement testing takes place in the week prior to the beginning of
classes each semester. At this time, you have the opportunity to log into the college
computer system, register for lockers and obtain student I.D. cards. A campus tour is
also part of this session.
Within the first two weeks of each semester, the coordinator visits each class and
reviews the student guide and program rules and requirements for the semester and for
promotion to the next level.
Each semester, counselors from Counseling Services present a workshop on cultural
adjustment strategies.
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Once a year, a series of workshops designed to empower students with information
about issues related to safety and health in Canada is provided.
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.
9) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
Students are advised to review and follow all policies and procedures including the
following:
Academic Dishonesty
Academic honesty is an essential aspect of academic studies. It means that a student
submits his/her own work and gives credit when using the words and ideas of others.
Please note that academic dishonesty is not tolerated.
Plagiarism is one form of academic dishonesty. We are committed to helping you
prevent plagiarism BEFORE your work is submitted. Effective paraphrasing and
documentation skills are part of our curriculum and will be taught with ample opportunity
for instructor feedback. In addition, Conestoga College provides online assistance
through the LRC and access to 'Turnitin" software. Teachers are also available for
consultation outside of class so that students can get assistance with documenting
sources correctly BEFORE submitting assignments. Once an assignment is submitted,
however, the college considers that you are claiming it to be your own work. Note that
incorrect paraphrasing or documentation on any assignment handed in during the
learning process will simply be pointed out the first time it occurs. Subsequent instances
will be subject to the rules below, which deal with any instance of academic dishonesty.
With a first offence,
• The student will meet with the instructor to document a plan of action using an
Academic Offenses form. A copy of this form will be sent to the Registrar’s Office.
ELS/ELAS Student Handbook 2015/2016
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•
The penalty will be decided by the instructor choosing from the list available on the
Academic Offenses form.
After a second offence,
• The student will meet with the Dean, who will complete an Academic Offences
form and decide upon the penalty.
Should there be a third offence, the student will be discontinued.
For a complete listing of Conestoga’s academic policies and procedures, search
“Student Guide” on Conestoga's website.
10) PROGRAM HANDBOOK REVISION LOG
Revision Date
07/06/2015
Summary of Changes
Program Information-Revised
ELS/ELAS Student Handbook 2015/2016
Revised July 7, 2015
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