The University of Texas at Arlington
English Language Institute
Intensive English Program
Student Handbook
Fall 2016
2 Table of Contents English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP)
6
General Class & Textbooks Information
8
Class Expectations of Students
9
Placement Testing Information
10
Mid-Term Report
11
Grading
12
Institutional TOEFL
12
Grade Weights in the English for Academic Purposes Program
13
Makeup Policy for In-Class Assessments
14
Missed Final Exam
15
EAP Late Work Policy
16
Registration and Payment
18
Attendance Policy
19
Responsibility for Strong Effort
20
Academic Progress Policy
21
Academic Integrity Policy
22
Discipline Referral for Academic Misconduct
23
English Language Institute Dismissal Policy
24
Policies on ELI Activities
25
Student Services
26
3 Information Release Forms
27
ELI Student Picture Permission Forms
28
Letters of Recommendation for Admission Requirement or Scholarships
29
ELI Resources
30
Student Library
31
Student ID Card
32
UTA Email & Net ID
33
UTA Student Health Insurance
34
What if the Health Center is closed?
35
Student Guidelines for Maintaining Legal F-1 Status
36
Parking, Smoking, and Lost and Found
37
Where to Get Information on UTA Campus
38
UTA Police
39
Where to Get Information at the ELI
40
4 Program Information
5 English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP)
What is it ?
The EAP is a six-level program based on the Council of Europe Common European Framework of
References for Languages (2001). We offer classes to students who have intermediate to advanced
English language ability. Our focus is on helping students enter and succeed in American university life.
Who is it for?
The EAP exists for students and professionals who meet the entry requirements. The entry
requirements for the English for Academic Purposes program are as follows:
•
•
•
•
All EAP students must be at least high school graduates and be 18 years of age and above
(Other requirements are listed in the application form).
All EAP students must be able to communicate (read, speak, listen, and write) in basic
English to study in the EAP (beginning January 2016):
o Students can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic
phrases.
o Students can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions
about personal details.
o Students can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and
clearly and is prepared to help.
Any student not able to read and write in English, from January 2016 on, must
immediately transfer to another Intensive English Program.
All EAP Students must have a minimum of 35 TOEFL or 3.0 IELTS and/or pass our
placement exam with a minimum of 25 for Conditional Admission*.
How long is the program?
The EAP runs on two 8-week sessions per semester. Students are placed in a level, from Intermediate A
to Advanced B, and then study at that level for the session. T h e p r o g r a m c a n b e c o m p l e t e d w i t h i n
1 to 1½ years depending on the student’s initial placement level.
How long are the different sessions and semesters?
Intensive English courses
6 Fall Spring Summer Session I August Session 1 January One Session June-­‐July Session 2 October Session 2 March Structure 8-­‐weeks 20 hrs/wk What level do students enter when they begin? All new students are given placement tests when they arrive so we can place them into the most
appropriate level based on their test scores.
Conditional Admission* with higher scores Not Admitted too low for EAP Common Reference Levels: Global Scale (CEFR 2001a: 24) What are the courses? The IEP has three courses:
7 Reading & Writing
8 hours/week
Includes 2 hours of Intensive Writing per week
Listening & Speaking
6 hours/week
Focused Grammar
6 hours/week
General Class & Textbook Information
Class Schedule and Skill Areas Monday
12:00 – 12:50
Reading & Writing
1:00 – 1:50
Intensive Writing
Tuesday
12:30 – 2:20
Reading & Writing
Wednesday
12:00 – 12:50
Reading & Writing
1:00 – 1:50
Intensive Writing
Thursday
12:30 – 2:20
Reading & Writing
Friday
12:00 – 1:50
Focused Grammar
Workshops, Tutorials, Meetings with Instructors as scheduled
M-W-F 2:00 – 2:50 p.m.
T – TH 2:30 – 2:50 p.m.
3:00 – 4:50
Listening & Speaking
3:00 – 4:50
Focused Grammar
3:00 – 4:50
3:00 – 4:50
Listening & Speaking Focused Grammar
3:00 – 4:50
Listening & Speaking
Class Textbooks Students must have their own books for all classes.
When do students purchase books? All books are required by the 2nd class meeting. If you do not
have your books then, you will be asked to leave the class and be marked absent for that class period.
Where do students purchase books? At the UTA Bookstore. Do NOT order books online as
this process can delay students from having their books in class by the required date.
Cost of Books: prices are subject to change- Approximately $150
8 Methods of Payment: Cash, Check, or Credit Card
•
•
Check: Student needs to show a photo ID.
o The check must be in the purchaser’s name.
o The check must be from an American bank.
Credit cards (MasterCard, Visa, and Discover)
o Student needs to show a photo ID.
o The credit card must be in the purchaser’s name.
Textbook Refund Policy and Procedure: • Keep your receipt. You must present it for any exchange or refund.
• Do not mark in the book. The book must be returned in the same condition in which you bought
it.
• Take your book and receipt to the Refund Desk in the bookstore (close to computer department).
• Each semester, the UTA sets the date for the full refund. Please check the date accordingly
Class Expectations of Students COURSE SYLLABUS – You will receive a course syllabus on the 1st day of class and must
bring it to class each day.
TEXTBOOKS – All books are required by the 2nd class meeting. The books must be clean and
must not have answers written in them in any way. If you do not have their books by the 2nd class
meeting or if they have answers in them, you will be asked to leave that class and be marked
absent.
STRONG EFFORT– You are expected to make a strong effort, complete your ELI studies
within a reasonable time, and make satisfactory academic progress without violating ELI’s
Policies. Remember to be READY ~ RESPECTFUL ~ RESPONSIBLE
Participate in class and turn in your assigned work every day!
LATE WORK POLICY - You are expected to turn in all work on time. Out of class
assignments such as journal entries, essays, projects, and compositions not turned in by the due
date are considered LATE. You may submit late work for a maximum of 50% within 24 hours of
its due date. If you are not going to be in class that day, You may send your work to the teacher
through email or bring it in person before the time class starts on the day it is due for full credit.
ACADEMIC PROGRESS POLICY- You are required to obtain a minimum of 75% (C+ or
higher) to pass each class and level. If you have a final grade of 95% or higher in all three skills
and if you score an 85% or higher on all the final exams in the following level, you may skip that
level and move to the next one. If you fail a level due to lack of effort, attendance, or any other
behavioral issues, you will be considered an AT-RISK student and will be placed on Probation.
You may be required to meet with administrators and follow an Individualized Educational Plan
in order to continue your studies at the ELI.
ACADEMIC DISMISSAL -You will be asked to leave the program due to failing the same level
2 times unless you request permission to remain in the program. If the ELI Director grants you
permission to remain in the program, you must pass that level or you will be asked to leave the
program at the end of the session, thus possibly affecting your visa status.
9 FINAL EXAM POLICY – You must take the final exams on time. If you are absent for a final
exam, you will receive a 0% on that final exam, which may result in failing that class, unless you
have received permission from the ELI Director per Academic Policies.
ACADEMIC INTEGRITY AND SCHOLASTIC DISHONESTY POLICY – You are
expected to be honest and do YOUR own work at all times. In summary, if you act or help
another student act dishonestly on class assignments/examinations, or if you submit a plagiarized
of unoriginal work to an instructor, you will be violating this policy. Examples of such violations
are cheating, plagiarism, and collusion (working together with another person without the
instructor’s approval). The possible consequences for violating this policy include a 0% grade for
the assignment, examination, and/or the course at the discretion of the instructor and/or the ELI
Director. Continuing with this behavior or committing a serious act of dishonesty mat be grounds
for more severe disciplinary actions up to an including Academic Probation and immediate
dismissal from the ELI.
Placement Testing Information Placement Testing New students in the ELI take a placement test on the first day of the program each semester
to determine the best level for them in the areas of reading/writing, listening/speaking and
focused grammar. They are placed in the level best suited for their present skills according to
the results of these tests.
Testing of Returning Students Returning students must take placement tests at the beginning of the semester.
Who are “returning” students? These are students who were once ELI students but
who skipped a semester (this includes summer) and are now returning to the ELI for study.
They have missed part of a semester, an entire semester, or several semesters. Why is it necessary for returning students to take placement tests again? Students learn best when they are in the correct level of study for their present ability in
English. Why can they not just begin at their last exit levels? The ELI’s goal is to place
them in a level which challenges them but is not too difficult for the student in order to
maximize the learning process.
When students skip part or all of a semester, they may or may not maintain their English
skills while absent from the ELI. Most students will be speaking their native languages in
their own countries. As a result, their English skills may become weaker. In order to place
the student in the best level at which he or she can learn, the ELI must have recent testing
scores showing the student’s current ability in English (NOT their ability when they were
previously a student at the ELI).
Three Possible Results of Placement Testing for Returning Students • The student may be placed in the same level of class he/she studied the semester
he/she was last at the ELI. He/she may have to repeat a level.
10 •
•
The student may be placed in a lower level than his/her exit level from the last
semester in which he/she studied at the ELI.
The student’s skills may have actually improved during the time he/she was away
from the ELI, and he/she may be placed in a higher level than their last exit level.
NO move-up or further diagnostic exams are offered as of Fall 2015.
11 Mid-­‐Term Report Our purpose at the English Language Institute is to help you be successful in your current
and future academic life in the United States. In order to achieve this goal, the ELI pays
close attention to students’ academic progress, attendance, study skills, and overall behavior
while studying in the English for Academic Purposes program. It is our goal to help you
improve any behavior that could lead to repetitive failure of classes or lack of academic
progress that could ultimately result in academic probation and/or dismissal from the
program.
The Mid- Term Report serves as an early intervention tool that allows all students to know
how they are doing in all their classes by week 4. If the student is not making satisfactory
progress, the Mid-Term Report will encourage him/her to improve his/her academic
performance before it is too late to pass the session. In other words, this is just a warning
for students who are at-risk of failing the session- a new opportunity to see the areas that
need improvement.
1. Teachers will track homework, tests, quizzes, classwork, participation scores,
and all other assessments as defined on the class syllabus.
2. Students need to participate and complete at least 75% of all work in weeks 1-4.
3. FOR THOSE WHO DO NOT COMPLETE AT LEAST 75% OF ALL WORK:
•
•
•
Students will be considered AT-RISK
Students are expected to make an appointment with their instructor(s) to get
feedback on areas to improve
(For sponsored students) A copy of the letter will be sent to the sponsoring
organization.
12 Grading What do Final Grades Mean? The Intensive English Program gives formal grades to students at the end of the
semester. The grades on the Final Report are based on the language proficiency of the
students in each class. The important question is whether the student has the
language skills necessary to succeed at the next level.
Grades On The Final Report Form Are As Follows: A = Excellent. Student has exceeded the expectations for the level. The score is
90% to 100%. The student has excellent chances of doing well next session.
B = Good. The student has met the expectations for the level. The score is from
80% to 89.9%. The student has a very good opportunity to do well the
following session.
C = Fair. The student is just meeting the expectations for the level. The score is
from 75% to 79%. Students who receive this grade might find it difficult to
do well next session and must do their very best to obtain good grades in the
future. It is highly recommended that students with a 75% on the
class/level make an appointment with the director of the ELI to discuss the
possibility of repeating the level voluntarily.
D = Deficient/Repeat. The student has almost met the expectations for the
level. The score is from 70% to 74%. Follow all instructors’
recommendations to do better next session.
F = Fail/Repeat. The student has not met the expectations for the level.
The score is from 0%-69%
Institutional TOEFL •
The ELI gives the I-TOEFL five times a year: October, November, March, April
and July.
•
Any ELI student may take the I-TOEFL for the cost of $50 but only if s/he has
signed up and paid by the deadline.
•
At times, the ELI will require the iTOEFL of all students in a particular level. When
this happens, the iTOEFL will be free for the students required to take it.
13 Grade Weights in the English for Academic Purposes Program As of Fall Semester 2016 Focused Grammar
Graded Material
In-­‐Class Work, Participation, Homework Graded Homework 4 Scheduled Grammar Quizzes (Average) Grammar Test #1 Grammar Test #2 Final Grammar Exam Total Weight
10%
10%
20%
15%
15%
30%
100%
Listening and Speaking
Graded Material
In-­‐Class Work, Participation, Homework Graded Homework Quizzes Listening Test Speaking Test/Presentation Final Listening Exam Final Speaking Exam Total Weight
10%
10%
10%
10%
20%
20%
20%
100%
Reading and Writing
Graded Material
In-­‐Class Work, Participation, Homework Graded work Quizzes Reading Tests Writing Assessments Final Reading/Writing Exam Total Weight
10%
10%
10%
20%
20%
30%
100%
14 Makeup Policy for In-­‐Class Assessments Students are expected to take tests on the days the tests are given. Students Who Can Make Up Tests • Students who present t h e E L I o ffice with official proof of a medical
emergency on a test day and receive an Excused Absence slip from the ELI
Director
•
According to the Oxford Dictionary an emergency is defined as follows:
e·mer·gen·cy (/əәˈməәrjəәnsē/) Noun: emergency, plural noun: emergencies A serious, unexpected, and often dangerous situation requiring immediate action "your quick response in an emergency could be a lifesaver" synonyms: crisis, urgent situation, extremity, exigency, accident, disaster,
catastrophe, calamity, difficulty, plight, predicament, danger • Students who missed a test due to issues with the payment policy
When Do I Take the Make-­‐up Test? The ELI will schedule one test make-up day within the 8-week session.
Who Gives These Tests? The curriculum coordinator will arrange for these tests to be given. In the case of a
make-up LS presentation or listening test, the student must make special arrangements
with the LS instructors to give the presentation.
What Time are the Tests Given? These test make-ups will be given from 10:30am-12:00pm.
NOTE:
This policy does not include the I-TOEFL. Missing class to take the TOEFL or other
kinds of tests is not an excused absence.
Tests and Entering a Class after the First Day of Classes
Late Arrivals- Students who have missed a test because they joined a session after the first
day of classes will not be required to take the test missed.
15 Missed Final Exam The ELI does not normally give makeup exams f or final exams. If a student is not
present to take the final exam at the scheduled time, s/he will get a zero for that grade.
A student with a documented extreme emergency should contact the ELI director for a
possible arrangement. If the student receives approval:
1. The student will be required to take the mid-term/final exam at a different
date/time; attendance at the rescheduled time will be mandatory.
2. The student will receive a temporary grade of “Incomplete.”
3. If the student does not take the rescheduled exam, the student will receive a 0%
for that grade. This may mean that the student fails the level.
Additional Implications Students who do not complete the session by taking final exams and who do not seek
and/or get approval for later testing risk the following:
1) Failure: if a student fails a class twice, he/she risks not being allowed to
return for future semesters.
2) Students desiring an extension of their I-20 to study longer at the ELI/UTA
risk being denied an extension by the Office of International
Education (OIE).
3) OIE only grants extensions to students clearly making academic progress.
4) Failing to take exams does not show focused academic purpose.
16 EAP Late Work Policy You are expected to turn in all your work on time. Out of class assignments such as journal entries, essays, projects, and compositions not
turned in by the due date are considered LATE. Students may submit late work for a
maximum of 50% within 24 hours of its due date.
Students who are going to be absent can send their work to the instructor through email or
bring it in-person before the time class starts on the day it is due for full credit.
Notes: • Being absent from class may have a significant negative effect on a student’s
grades.
•
There are no guarantees that an absence of more than a day or two will not
hurt the student’s final grade in a class.
•
Receiving a zero on a major assignment can affect the final session grade
negatively. It is particularly important to be in class with a completed major
assignment on the day it is due.
•
Students must follow the rules given on the instructor’s course syllabus for
make-up work and/or receive ELI director’s approval for extreme
circumstances.
17 GENERAL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES 18 REGISTRATION AND PAYMENT NEW STUDENT REGISTRATION
1. New students must register on program day one to secure a seat for the session.
2. New students who miss their orientation, placement exams, and/or orientation
meetings will receive a $50.00 late fee.
3. New students must pay the full tuition, student health insurance, and health center
fee(s) by the end of the first program week.
CONTINUING STUDENT REGISTRATION
1. Continuing students must register during week 6 of the session they are currently
enrolled in. For example, students would register for Spring 2 in week 6 of Spring 1.
2. Continuing students who do not register are not guaranteed a seat in the ELI
Program.
3. *Continuing students must pay the full tuition, student health insurance, and health
center fee(s) by the end of week 8 of the session they are currently enrolled in. For
example, students would pay by the last day of Spring 1 for Spring 2.
a. *Sponsored students will receive a letter of enrollment to submit to extend
the financial guarantee.
Refund Policy
The program week includes the first date of registration and holidays. If a student withdraws from the ELI,
then the refund shall be determined daily:
During the first, second, or third program day
75%
During the fourth program day (up to 5:00 p.m.)
50%
After 5:00 p.m. on program day four
NO REFUND
Arrival Date
• The student is expected to arrive on the arrival date, which is scheduled one week before the
session begins.
• If the student is not able to arrive on the arrival date, the student should arrive on registration
day, which is the first day of the session.
• If the student is not able to arrive on either the arrival date or the registration day, the student
must follow the Late Arrival Policy (see below) in order to be able to enroll in the program.
Late Arrival Policy
• The student will be enrolled in the program if the registration is completed by 5:00 pm on the
DAY THREE of the semester.
• The $50 late registration fee will be charged if the student registered later than the regular date
scheduled.
• Sponsored students are responsible for the late registration fee. This fee will not be charged to
your sponsor.
• NO students will be admitted or registered AFTER 5:00 pm on DAY THREE.
Exceptions and Waivers to the Late Arrival Policy
• Exceptions to the Late Arrival Policy may be made on rare occasions. Exceptions will be
considered on a case-by-case basis and are not guaranteed.
• Students must detail the reason of the late arrival to the ELI office in writing.
• Submitting documentation of an emergency (if applicable).
• Absences and a late registration fee will be applied, except for the following reasons:
• Inclement weather
• Delayed issuance of the student visa
19 Attendance Policy 1. Students are expected to attend classes throughout the session.
2. There are no excused absences.
3. Students are counted absent based on the following:
Missing 0.01 – 9:59 minutes of class
Missing 10 minutes or more of class
(whether arriving late or leaving early)
• = 1 hours absence
• = .3 hours absent
4. Students who miss the following number of absences each session will receive the
following:
Hours of Absences
• 6 hours – Attendance Warning
• 10 hours – Attendance Probation I
• 12 hours – Attendance Probation II
5. Definitions and procedures:
Attendance Warning
• Meet with the Head of Student Affairs.
• Receive an attendance-warning letter.
Attendance Probation I
Attendance Probation II
• Meet with the Head of Student
• Meet with the Head of Student
Affairs.
Affairs.
• Receive an attendance probation I
• Receive an Attendance Probation II
letter.
letter.
• Remain on probation the next
• Remain on probation each returning
session.
session.
6. Students who violate the conditions of their Attendance Probation may be dismissed
from the ELI. *See “ELI Dismissal Policy” for more information.
Final Exam Attendance 1. Students are required to take all final exams.
2. Students who receive permission from the ELI Director to take final exams late will
receive a temporary grade of “Incomplete” and must complete all final exams on the
designated dates. Students who do not complete all final exams on the designated
date will receive 0% on the exam, which may result in failing that class.
Medical Waiver 1. Students with long-term medical issues may qualify for a medical waiver.
2. Medical waivers are available through the Office of International Education.
20 Responsibility for Strong Effort 1. ELI students must show a strong effort in their classes by:
a. Passing their classes
f. Bringing textbooks to class
b. Doing all assignments
g. Turning off cell phones in class
c. Doing their own work
h. Speaking only English in class
d. Taking all assessments
i. Listening to the teacher
e. Participating in class
j. Behaving appropriately
2. Students who do not make a strong effort in class may receive the following:
-
Meeting with individual teacher
Meeting with all teachers of that student (as a group)
ELI office referral
Probation
3. Students who continue to violate the Strong Effort Policy may be dismissed from the
program. * See “ELI Dismissal Policy” for more information
21 Academic Progress Policy
1. ELI Students are expected to pass their classes with a 75% or higher.
2. Students with a final grade of 95% in all three skills and who score an 85% or higher on
all of the final exam in their following level may skip that level and move to the next one.
3. Student who do not have a passing grad (75% ( C) or higher) will be considered ATRISK and will adhere to the following procedures:
Mid-­‐term Report less than 75% -­‐ Meet with Teacher Fail 1st Time -­‐ End-­‐of-­‐semester Feedback Mid-­‐term Report: Less than 75% -­‐ Academic Probation I Fail the same class a 2nd Time -­‐ ELI Improvement Plan Fail 3rd Time -­‐ Possible Dismissal from the ELI 22 Academic Integrity Policy 1. Students are expected to be honest and avoid academic misconduct.
2. Academic Misconduct includes: Cheating, Plagiarism, and Collusion.
Cheating
• Copying another’s test or assignment
• Communicating with another during an exam
• Giving or seeking aid form another when not permitted by the instructor
• Possessing or using unauthorized materials during the test
• Buying, using, stealing, transporting, or soliciting a test, draft of a test, or
answer key
Plagiarism • Using someone else’s work in your assignment without appropriate
acknowledgement
• Making slight variations in the language and then failing to give credit to
the source
Collusion • Working with another student without a teacher’s permission
3. Students found responsible for academic misconduct will receive one or more of the
following consequences:
Warning Probation Failing the class Immediate Dismissal ***Avoid Academic Misconduct: use your own words or cite your sources! **** 23 DISCIPLINE REFERRAL FOR ACADEMIC MISCONDUCT An instructor should use this form when a violation of ELI policies on academic misconduct is
suspected. For additional clarification, contact the ELI director or Head of Student Affairs.
1. I am referring the student listed below for allegedly violating ELI policies on scholastic
dishonesty.
Student’s Name
__________________________________________________
Student’s ID
__________________________________________________
Instructor
__________________________________________________
Course and Level
__________________________________________________
2. Type of Violation
_____ Cheating on test/assignment
_____ Plagiarism
_____ Collusion
3. Attach a report of the incident and supporting evidence of the violation and a
copy of the original assignment. Please include the date of the alleged violation, your
name, and relevant documents (or copies), such as crib notes, exams, or plagiarized
materials.
4. If the student is found responsible for scholastic dishonesty, the director of the ELI
and/or the Head of Student Affairs will assign the academic penalty.
24 English Language Institute Dismissal Policy
Reasons for Being Dismissed 1. Being absent from classes more than the allowed hours
2. Failing to meet the conditions of any probation
3. Scholastic dishonesty issues
4. Overtly disruptive behavioral patterns that UTA has designated as grounds for
immediate expulsion
Types of Dismissal There are two types of dismissal. Please review the definitions and the consequences on your I-­‐20/Immigration status below. Delayed Dismissal Immediate Dismissal Student may successfully complete the current session Student must stop attending classes immediately Student is not allowed to return to the ELI in future sessions Student is not allowed to return to the ELI in future sessions The student’s I-­‐20 will be recommended for termination The student’s visa will be recommended for termination Immigration Concerns UTA must report a student’s dismissal to United States Citizen and Immigration Services
(USCIS).
Students should contact an advisor in the Office of International Education to review
additional immigration concerns.
25 Policies on ELI Activities
Semester Activities
• The ELI arranges activities as part of student services to students each session.
• The purpose for the activities is for the students to learn and have the experience in American culture in a
non-classroom setting.
Types of activities
• Field Trip
• Event
Policy for attending activities
Field Trips
Event
Full-Time Students
Attendance is required.
• 2 hours absences if
signed up to not attend
• 4 hours absences if
signed up to attend but did
not actually attend
Part-Time Students
Attendance is not required.
Optional
Optional
Transportation
•
•
•
•
ELI arranges a bus for any trips that require transportation.
Students may choose to ride the bus, drive their own vehicles, or carpool with their friends.
The ELI will NOT be responsible for students who provide their own transportation.
If students decide to ride the bus, policies for riding the bus must be followed.
Policies for Riding the Bus
•
•
•
Students must sign up to ride the bus.
The following individuals are eligible to ride the bus: ELI Students, faculty, staff, and a pre-approved
family member.
Everyone who plans to ride the bus must complete The Release and Indemnification Agreement form prior to
the trip.
26 Student Services The ELI Newsletter
The ELI Newsletter is issued monthly. It is the resource of important
announcements, information, and news. Students will receive the ELI Newsletter
in Reading/Writing class. Students are encouraged to submit articles for the
newsletter.
ELI Student Clubs
Conversational Opportunities
Each semester various off-campus organizations work with the ELI to offer conversational
practice to ELI students through conversation groups, classes, and conversation partners. These
are good opportunities for students to practice their English, meet Americans, and sometimes
visit an American home.
ELI Conversation Club
This began in Spring 2010 as a means for ELI students to practice their English in a relaxed
atmosphere. UTA TESOL students lead the weekly sessions.
ELI Community Service Club
The ELI Community Service Club (formerly the Service Learning Club) began in the fall of
2010. Students volunteer in the local community while using their English skills outside of the
classroom. While volunteering, students work with ELI instructors and community members in
addition to students, faculty, and staff of UTA in order make the community a better place to
live. Regular community partners for volunteer projects include Special Olympics, the Down
Syndrome Partnership, and City of Arlington Parks and Recreation. For more information
about projects, visit the ELI Service Club website at:
https://www.facebook.com/ELIServiceLearning
27 Information Release Forms
General Release Form Each semester, the English Language Institute receives requests for information on its students
from non-institutional persons or organizations and from some student organizations on
campus. The types of information asked for are name, address, nationality, telephone number,
age, and sex.
The “Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974” states that a student has the right to withhold this
information from the public and other students.
Please check one of the following below:
_______ It is OK to give out personal information on me.
_______ Do NOT give out any personal information on me.
Signature_____________________________________________Date___________________
Print Name_____________________________________ID__________________________
Academic Information Release Form Students who transfer to another Intensive English Program or apply to enter a graduate or
undergraduate program at a university will be required to furnish certain records.
English for Academic Purposes students who want their records or information sent to other
institutions must give permission to the English Language Institute at UT Arlington to do this.
If students wish to have their records sent to other institutions or have information provided on
their behalf, students must sign the permission form below:
I, _________________________________, give my permission to the English Language
Institute at the University of Texas at Arlington to release information about my academic
achievement to the parties which I have checked below:
________1. Other academic institutions
________2. Family members
________3. Neither of these
NOTE to SPONSORED STUDENTS: Information about sponsored students is sent
regularly to the sponsoring organization. There are no exceptions.
Signature_____________________________________________Date___________________
Print Name___________________________________________ID____________________
28 ELI Student Picture Permission Form Throughout the semester, the English Language Institute will take pictures of students at various
activities and club events. The ELI will use some of these pictures in ELI materials. To respect
each student’s privacy, the ELI asks for permission to use the student’s image (picture).
________ I give permission to the English Language Institute to use my image in any ELI
related material for educational and recruiting purposes (e.g. ELI Facebook page, New Student
Orientation, ELI Newsletter, and the ELI Memory Book).
________ I DO NOT give permission to the English Language Institute to use my image.
Signature_____________________________________________Date___________________
Print Name___________________________________________
UTA ID________________________
29 Letters of Recommendation for Admission Requirements or Scholarships Who Needs a Recommendation Letter? Students who plan to apply to graduate school, for the UTA Honors College, for
scholarships, or undergraduate programs.
Preferred Types of Recommendation Letters Universities STRONGLY prefer the following types of recommendation letters:
1. Letters from former content, academic area professors or instructors, NOT English
teachers. Why? These letters describe the student’s academic ability in the content
area.
2. Letters from job supervisors. Why? These letters describe students’ work
experience.
Acceptable Type of Recommendation Letters One letter from the ELI through the Academic Advising Office. Why? It explains the student’s
English Language proficiency and general academic readiness.
Letters Accepted by the UTA Graduate School 1. Letters from former content, academic area professors or instructors
2. Letters from job supervisors
3. One letter from the ELI
Guidelines for Eligible Students 1. Check intended university for required admission recommendation letter
requirements. It might be a printed document, a letter with or without guidelines, or
an electronic copy.
2. Request a letter of recommendation from the ELI’s academic advisor with all of the
information that is needed by the university, including guidelines and deadlines.
3. Students can expect that the letter will be written within 10 business days.
Types of Letters Given by the ELI Official: 1. Written on ELI/UTA letterhead
2. Written by the ELI academic advisor with instructor feedback
3. The letter will attest to the student’s language proficiency and academic
readiness.
4. Students must be currently enrolled in Advanced II courses or may be former
students on a case-by-case basis.
Types of Letters NOT Given by the ELI Employment: See the Students Services Coordinator if you have any questions about oncampus employment.
30 ELI Resources Language Acquisition Center-­‐ LAC Location:
Room 302, Trimble Hall
Hours:
Please look on the door of the LAC for hours posted.
Holdings:
Books, CDs, cassettes, DVDs and VHS. These include documentaries, news
reports, TOEFL materials, movies, ESL texts, and pronunciation materials.
Rules for the LAC: • A UTA student ID card must be presented to use materials.
• Materials are only used in the LAC.
• No food or drink are allowed in the lab.
• Any materials taken out of the LAC can be considered stolen property.
• If something is not working, LAC personnel will help you.
ELI Computer Laboratory Location:
Rooms 9 and 10, Basement of Trimble Hall. Resources:
Room 9 has 19 PCs and 3 Macs.
Room 10 has 18 PCs and 1 Mac.
Hours:
9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Student Usage: Before classes, during the long break, and after classes.
During class times:
• Students may only use the lab with the authorization of their teachers and the teachers using
the lab at that time.
• Students must work quietly and not interfere with the instruction of the teacher assigned to
the lab or with the work of the scheduled students.
• The assigned teacher may ask a student to leave the lab if that student’s presence interferes
with the instruction or students’ work.
31 Student Library Location: Room 24 Trimble Hall
Hours: Students will first visit the Student Library with their reading teacher during reading class.
They will learn the process for checking out and checking in books with the barcode scanner.
After the teacher is confident that students understand the check-out and check-in
procedures, students may visit the Student Library at any time Trimble Hall, Room 24 is open.
Holdings: General non-fiction, biography, modern and historical fiction, mystery, fantasy,
science fiction, folk and fairy tales, humor, romance and magazines
Check-out Procedure:
Students will use the barcode scanner and the computer in the Student Library. Click on
“Check-Out;” place the cursor on “Asset Tag” field; scan the ELI barcode; enter
“Student ID Number;” highlight Title of Book (if necessary); click on “Check-Out;”
Click on “Close.” Do not click on the box with the red X.
Check-in Procedure:
Students will use the barcode scanner and the computer in the Student Library.
Click on “Check-In;” place the cursor on “Asset Tag” field; scan the ELI barcode.
Check box next to the book title; select (>) or (>>); click on “Check-In;” click on
“Close.” Do not click on the box with the red X.
Books Not Returned or Lost
At the end of the semester, for any books which have not been returned/signed in,
The ELI office will withhold the student’s grades and certificate of completion.
When a student either returns the book(s) or pays for the lost material ($10 per book),
the grades and the certificate will be released.
32 Student ID Card The student ID card is called MAV Express Card. This card is the source of a student’s
identification and is required for the use of many of UTA facilities.
How to get the Mav Express Card • Go to the Mav Express office. To verify a student’s identification, students must show
the photo from their passport.
• At the Mav Express office, your photo will be taken and the ID card will be issued.
• There is no charge for the first ID card. If students need a replacement, a fee of $15 will
be charged.
Access to Facilities: Student ID card will give students the access to enter to the following
facilities:
• UTA Library
• UTA dormitory or apartment
• Language Acquisition Lab
• Health Center (service fee is required per semester)
• Maverick Activity Center or MAC (membership fee is required per semester)
Mav Money • Deposit funds to Mav Express Card. Funds can be deposited online at
https://mavmoney.uta.edu or in-person at the Bursar’s Office.
• Student can use Mav Money at all dining and retail locations on campus.
• Mav Money can also be used off-campus at the following locations:
!
CVS Pharmacy - 815 East Abram Street, Arlington, TX 76010
!
Papa John's - 2633 West Park Row, Arlington, TX 76013
!
Pie Five - 503 South Spaniolo Drive, Arlington, TX 76010
!
Coolberry - 435 Spaniolo Dr, Arlington, TX 76010
!
Texadelphia - 445 Spaniolo Dr, Arlington, TX 76010
33 UTA Email & Net ID UTA Email Each student in the English for Academic Purposes program will receive an e-mail address from
UTA. The ELI uses these addresses to contact students. Even if you have another address, it is
important that you regularly check your UTA e-mail. UTA Policy does not allow grade or other
private information to be sent to any email other than a student’s official UTA email account.
Log in Information • Email Setup
1) Go to https://login.microsoftonline.com
2) UTA Email Setup Guide available online: http://eli.uta.edu/lab/mavmail.pdf
• WI-Fi
1) Wi-Fi Setup Instructions are on the UTA website:
http://www.uta.edu/oit/cs/connections/wireless/Universal.php
2) For your phone or mobile device go to http://www.uta.edu/oit/cs/software/apple/howto/iPhohe/wire
Net ID
What is the Net ID used for? Campus Wireless Network (Wi-­‐Zi) UTA Computer Labs UTA Email Mymav (Online Payments) Apply for UTA Housing To receive your Net ID or for help with activation, visit the UT Arlington Help Desk, located in the
UTA Library (first floor).
• To locate your UTA email address: Go to https://webappsuta.edu/oit/selfservice/
• Login with Your Net ID. Click on “View information about your accounts”
34 UTA Student Health Insurance Why is it important?
Every international student at UTA is required to have the UTA Health Insurance plan. Any
students who have a citizenship card or permanent resident status have the option to buy UTA
student insurance. As of January 1, 2014 the Affordable Healthcare Act requires all citizens and
permanent residents to have insurance or receive a tax penalty from the federal government.
Academic Health Plan (AHP)
The UTA Student Health Insurance provider is Academic Health Plans (AHP). AHP provides
insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield. Blue Cross Blue Shield is a PPO network (Preferred
Provider Organization). Insurance with a PPO network means you get to choose your doctor.
There are discounts for choosing a doctor inside the PPO network, but you are not restricted
from choosing a doctor outside the network. The cost, though, will be higher.
UTA Health Center
UTA Health Center is the campus clinic. It is staffed and equipped to care for most routine
health needs of students. Students who are sick should go there first. If further treatments are
needed, the doctor will refer you to a specialist outside UTA.
!
!
!
Hours: 8:00 – 5:00 pm on Monday – Friday
An appointment is required: call 817-272-2771 to schedule an appointment
For more information visit www.healthservices@uta.edu
Health Center Fees
Each semester every student is required to pay the $45 health center fee. This permits you to see
a doctor at the health center an UNLIMITED number of times each semester. There will be
additional charges for any testing services and/or lab work performed.
Covered Services with Health Insurance (up to 100%) ! The Women’s Health Clinic
! Laboratory
! Pharmacy
! X-Rays
! Most Gynecology
! Mental Health Visits
Medicines For pharmaceutical medicine there is a copay:
! $15 on generic medicine
! $ 30 on brand name medicine
35 What if the Health Center is closed? Treatment Options after Hours
Care Now
5405 S. Cooper Street
Arlington TX
817- 465-4928
Park Row Medical
801 W. Park Row Drive
Arlington TX 76013
817-303-888
Arlington Memorial Hospital
800 W. Randol Mill Road
Arlington TX
817-960-6100
Dental Medical Center of Arlington
3301 Matlock Road
Arlington TX
817- 465-3241
How to waive the UTA Student Health Insurance online
! Visit the training tutorial to learn how to use the waiver system:
! https://www2.academichealthplans.com/training/
If you have an alternate health insurance plan, and you meet the waiver eligibility criteria, please
follow these instructions to see if your insurance meets all mandatory requirements.
1) Have an electronic copy your insurance card, Policy Benefits Summary, and
proof of Medical Evacuation and Repatriation Coverage – if you have this available.
2) Go to http://uta.myahpcare.com/waiver
3) Enter the required information, including your UT Arlington ID number, and select
your password.
4) Select the ‘Register’ button to continue.
5) Select the waiver form under Submit Waivers.
6) Complete the waiver form and attach copies of your scanned insurance documents.
7) Select the ‘Submit Waiver’ button.
36 Student Guidelines for Maintaining Legal F-­‐1 Status ELI faculty and staff cannot answer immigration questions. Any immigration
questions must be directed to the Office of International Education (OIE).
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.
Maintain a passport valid for at least six months into the future.
Attend the University that issued the I-20 on which you entered the U.S.
Complete a full-course of study: English for Academic Purposes students
must maintain regular full-time attendance.
Do not work off-campus without authorization from the United States Citizenship &
Immigration Services (USCIS).
Apply to the Office on International Education for an extension of stay if you cannot
complete the program of study by the ending date on your I-20. You must apply for an
extension BEFORE the ending date, and you must have a valid reason for needing to
extend your program.
Do not change schools without first contacting your International Student Advisor for
the proper procedures.
Report a change of residence to both the Office of International Education and the
English Language Institute within 10 days.
Pay all debts to UTA and other applicable fees that have occurred during your stay.
Request travel documents from the Office of International Education before leaving
the U.S. for holidays.
All applications to Immigration must first be signed by the International Office. If a
student has any questions regarding their immigration or immigration requests, please
go to the Office of International of Education during advising hours.
Additional Information
FULL COURSE OF STUDY: Students who fail to complete a full course of study are outof-status and will have to apply for reinstatement with USCIS (United States Citizenship &
Immigration Services). Students who are denied for reinstatement will have to leave the
United States within the deadline given by USCIS.
Dropping Out of the ELI Program
There is no refund for students that leave after 5:00pm on program day four (4).
37 Parking, Smoking, and Lost and Found Parking Permit: A parking decal is required to park on-campus.
MavPark is an online service to order parking permits. Students can also manage payments for
campus parking meters and review and pay parking citations through MavPark.
For more information about MavPark, please visit: www.uta.edu/MavPark.
Parking Violations are subject to result in a citation. The following are violations:
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Not Parked within a Space
Parked in a Space with an Expired Meter
Parked in a Space over the Maximum Time Limit
Failure to Remove a Vehicle after Notification from Parking and Transportation Services
Parking Permit Violation
Parked in an Area Designated as No Parking
Improper Parking
Parked Within 15 Feet of a Fire Hydrant
Parking in a Reserved Space
Parking in a Fire Lane
Person with Disabilities Space Violation
Tampering with University Equipment
Tobacco Free Campus UTA is a tobacco-free campus. Smoking is not permitted anywhere
on campus.
Lost Property Procedure •
•
•
If a student lost a Mav Express card, contact the Mav Express office for a replacement.
If a student loses an item other than the Mav Express card, go to the ELI office,
Hammond Hall 402, to check if his/her item is reported as a found item.
To receive the lost item, students must:
o Provide the owner’s name, address, and telephone number.
o Have a form of positive identification.
o Provide proof of ownership.
o Must be able to describe the property.
o Provide the date and approximate location the property was lost.
o Sign a Property Release form.
Found Property Procedure •
•
•
•
If lost or abandoned property other than a Mav Express card is found, take the property
to the ELI Main Office, Hammond Hall 402.
Make a report by giving your name and the location of the lost or abandoned property.
The found item will be kept at the ELI office for 48 hours.
After 48 hours, the ELI will contact University Police Department, which is the
designated department for processing abandoned and/or lost and found property.
38 Where to get information on UTA campus Office of International Education (OIE)
Purpose:
This office takes care of your immigration needs.
Location:
Office of International Education
Website:
www.uta.edu/oie
University Housing Office
Purpose:
This office takes care of any questions about university dorms and apartments.
Location:
University Center
Website:
www.uta.edu/campus-ops/housing
Call:
817.272.2791
Bursar Services Office
Purpose
This office takes care of receiving tuition and university housing
payments.
Location:
Davis Hall- First Floor
Website:
www.uta.edu/policy/sfs/make-payment
Counseling & Career Development Office
Purpose:
This office offers test information, pamphlets and applications for tests
required by the university (TOEFL, SAT, GMAT, GRE, etc.).
Location:
Ransom Hall, Room 305
Website:
www.uta.edu/caacs/counseling
Testing Services Office
The Testing Services Office provides information to help students identify tests they
Purpose:
may want to take for undergraduate or graduate admission or credit by
examination.
Location:
Davis Hall Room 201
Website:
www.uta.edu/uac/testing-home
Admissions Office
Purpose:
Information about university undergraduate and graduate
admission requirements is available here. Pamphlets and
brochures from different departments and campus services
are available.
Davis Hall
Location:
Website:
www.uta.edu/uta/admissions
39 UTA Police Contact Information !
Emergency number- 817.272.3003
!
Non-Emergency Number- 817.272.3381
!
Lost and Found- 817.272.2904
!
Website: www.uta.edu/campus-ops/police
On-Campus Incidents:
call the UTA police, not Arlington police.
Off- Campus Incidents:
call the Arlington police at 911.
Special Services Provided by the UTA Police !
If your vehicle fails to start due to battery failure, contact one of the University Police
officers, and they will help you.
!
If you lock your keys in the car, the police can only give you numbers to locksmiths.
!
If requested, the police will escort a student to his/her car or to the dorm after dark.
You must call about 15 minutes ahead of time. The police escort will either be on-foot
or in car. You need to call 817-272-3381.
40 Where to get information at the ELI ELI Office – Hammond Hall 402 Nantawat Samermit – Admissions Counselor
Information about admission to the ELI and conditional admissions to UTA
Sue Ball – Support Specialist II
General inquiries
Request enrollment or intention letter
Sign up for the I-TOEFL test or class
Tamma Jones – Administrative Assistant II
Tuition Payments
Health Insurance Questions Student Affairs-­‐ Hammond Hall 407
Josh Atherton – Advanced Academic Coordinator and Heads of Student Affairs.
Absences, academic issues, student concerns, probation, and dismissal
Advising-­‐ Hammond Hall 409 Debra Basler – Academic Advising and Effectiveness Liaison; Interim Curriculum & Testing Coordinator
University entry requirements and processes for both undergraduate and graduate level.
Information about entrance criteria for UTA and other colleges or universities
Testing information, placement, I-TOEFL, and other exams for university entrance
Student Services and Activities -­‐ Hammond Hall 406
Apinan Samermit – Student Services Coordinator
Non- Academic issues, questions about services at UTA and student activities
information
Computer Resources-­‐ Trimble Hall 10 Bill Sanchez – Database Coordinator
Issues related to computer lab, technical difficulties, printing, and others
Director of the ELI – Hammond Hall 403 Cynthia Kilpatrick – Interim Director, English Language Institute Academic, administrative and financial issues or concerns that have not been resolved
with the appropriate staff/faculty member. To schedule an appointment, contact her
directly or talk to Ms. Sue Ball in Hammond Hall 402.
41 42