English Language Studies/
English Language for
Academic Studies
0389, 1324
Waterloo 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.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents ................................................................................................................ 2
1) WELCOME ............................................................................................................... 3
Conestoga Mission and Values ........................................................................................... 4
2) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM.................................................................................. 5
3) PROGRAM OVERVIEW............................................................................................... 6
3.1 Program Description .................................................................................................. 6
3.2 Program Learning Outcomes ................................................................................... 6
3.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/ Design .................................................................... 7
4) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION ....................................................................... 8
4.1 Orientation – Program Specific ............................................................................... 8
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS............................................................. 8
5.1 Academic Assistance ................................................................................................. 8
5.2 Academic Dates for 2015-2016 ................................................................................. 8
5.3 Academic Standing and Promotion Requirements – Program Protocols ................. 9
5.4 Attendance - Program Protocols................................................................................ 9
5.5 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols .......................................... 9
5.6 Communication – Program Standards & Emailing Protocols .................................... 9
5.7 Evaluations (assessment tasks and due dates) – Program Protocols ...................... 9
5.8 Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice – Program Protocols ............... 10
6) FACILITY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS .......................................... 10
7) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS ............................................ 10
7.1 Basic Safety ........................................................................................................... 10
7.2 Emergency Program Protocols ................................................................................ 10
7.3 Student Protection Acknowledgement ..................................................................... 10
8) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES ....................................................... 11
1) WELCOME
Dean, 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
School of Language and Communications Studies
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Conestoga Mission 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
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.
Staff Development - We value continuous learning to meet the changing needs of our
students.
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2) PROGRAM ACADEMIC TEAM: Waterloo Campus
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/Professor (Waterloo)
Janice Bennett
Room: 2A02
(519) 885-0300 Ext. 5245
Jbennett@conestogac.on
Professor
Lois Molto
Room: 2A05
(519) 885-0300 Ext. 5451
lmolto@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 those teaching Student Success for Higher Learning. 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.
3) PROGRAM OVERVIEW
3.1 Program Description
Our English Language for Academic Studies (ELAS) program focuses on the core skills
of listening, speaking, reading, and writing required for university studies.
Concurrent with English studies, you will take Student Success for Higher Learning,
and a Mathematics or Computer science course at the University of Waterloo.
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3.2 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 proofreading 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.
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.
14. Apply research techniques needed for English language post-secondary studies
(including Internet access).
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3.3 Program Curriculum Sequence/Design
Course Name
Hours per Week
Academic Writing
6 hours
Pronunciation
3 hours
Reading Comprehension
4 hours
Listening and Speaking
4 hours
Student Success for Higher
Learning
3 hours
Math or Computer
Science at UW
3-5 classroom hours
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4) STUDENT SERVICES INFORMATION
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s student services information: search
Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
4.1 Orientation – Program Specific
Day One
The Dean of the School of Language and Communication Studies, the Math/ ELAS
coordinator at UW, and the CC ELAS coordinator visit each class and review program
protocols and requirements.
Network IDs will be provided to allow students to log into the college computer system.
Students can register for lockers and obtain parking passes.
Week One
CC student I.D. cards are issued. A presentation on counselling services is given.
5) PROGRAM INFORMATION & PROTOCOLS
5.1 Academic Assistance
The program coordinator and faculty can advise you on specific program and course
information. Access the Conestoga website for assistance provided through
Accessibility Services.
5.2 Academic Dates
Refer to the University of Waterloo: Math/ELAS for academic dates relating to your
Math/Computer Science courses (https://uwaterloo.ca/math/currentundergraduates/first-year-students)/mathematicsenglish-language-academic-studiesmathelas/dates-fall)
Courses finish according to the schedules provided on eConestoga. See the
Instructional Plan found in the Course Content module.
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5.3 Academic Standing and Promotion to Full-time Studies at UW
Requirements – Program Protocols
The following criteria must be met:
1. Students must pass all courses; the minimum passing mark is 70%.
2. Students who fail (1) one course may be allowed to continue to full-time
studies at UW at the discretion of UW.
3. Students who fail two courses may be allowed to repeat the ELAS
program at the discretion of UW.
5.4 Attendance – Program Protocols
The ELAS 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.
5.5 Clearance of Academic Deficiency – Program Protocols
At the discretion of UW
5.6 Communication – Program Standards & Emailing Protocols
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.
5.7 Evaluations (assessment tasks and due dates) – Program Protocols
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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Missed Tests or Exams
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 centre for make-up testing for students,
or work together in consultation with the coordinator to provide proctoring
opportunities.
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.
5.8 Standards of Conduct and Professional Practice – Program Protocols
Refer to your Student Guide for “Student Code of Conduct Policy” on Conestoga's
website.
6) 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.
7) SAFETY INFORMATION – PROGRAM PROTOCOLS
7.1 Basic Safety
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures. Search Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
7.2 Emergency Program Protocols
Refer to your Student Guide for Conestoga’s Safety and Security services and
procedures: search Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
7.3 Student Protection Acknowledgement
A Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear after you log
into the Student Portal. A PDF will direct you to the location of related policies,
procedures and program information. You will confirm that you have been duly informed
by Conestoga and attest to that fact by clicking the acknowledgement box provided in
the popup. Date and time of your acknowledgement will be captured in the Student
Portal database. Conestoga will be able to run reports as necessary.
Once the acknowledgement box has been clicked, you may proceed to enter the
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Student Portal and go about your business. An email will be automatically generated
and sent to you acknowledging your acknowledgement. The Student Protection
Information PDF will be sent to your email for your reference.
The Student Protection Acknowledgement confirmation pop-up will appear to all
applicants and students (not just the degree applicants) once per academic year.
8) CONESTOGA POLICIES AND PROCEDURES
For a complete listing of Conestoga’s academic policies and procedures, search
Student Guide on Conestoga's website.
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 as defined in the Student Guide 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 a Writing Centre,
Refworks (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 test, quiz, assignment, or exam will be given a grade of 0.
the instructor will meet with the student, and a plan of action will be
documented--with a copy kept by the coordinator.
After a second offence,
•
•
a grade of 0 for the course will be given.
the student will meet with the Director, who will complete an Academic Offences
form.
Should there be a third offence, the student may be discontinued.
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