The American Language Institute
Faculty Handbook
The American Language Institute
The University of Toledo
Snyder Memorial 1400
2801 W. Bancroft Street
Toledo, Ohio 43606
419-530-4702
The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Table of Contents Table of Contents .............................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Welcome from Director (Sara Letter?) ......................................................................................... 5 A.L.I. Office .............................................................................................................................................. 5 Location .............................................................................................................................................................. 5 Contact Information ....................................................................................................................................... 5 Hours ................................................................................................................................................................... 5 Staff Directory .................................................................................................................................................. 5 Services ............................................................................................................................................................... 5 Mission ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 A.L.I. History ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Center for International Studies and Programs Organizational Structure ...................... 7 A.L.I. Organization Chart ................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Important Dates and Calendars ...................................................................................................... 7 Instructor Hours and Contracts ...................................................................................................... 9 ESL Specialists .................................................................................................................................................. 9 All A.L.I. Faculty ................................................................................................................................................ 9 Contract Faculty ............................................................................................................................................ 10 Contract Details ............................................................................................................................................................. 10 Part Time Faculty ......................................................................................................................................... 10 Subbing Procedures .................................................................................................................................... 11 Protracted Illness of Non-­‐Contract Instructor ................................................................................... 11 Faculty Days ................................................................................................................................................... 11 Instructor Workload ......................................................................................................................... 11 Staff Evaluations ................................................................................................................................. 11 Course Evaluations by Students .................................................................................................... 12 Instructional Methodology ............................................................................................................. 12 Syllabus Template ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Course Descriptions ................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. First Day Handouts/Syllabi ...................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. The Materials File ........................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Late Arrivals ................................................................................................................................................... 12 Checking Rosters .......................................................................................................................................... 13 Computing ITS Support and Services .......................................................................................... 13 Banner ................................................................................................................................................... 13 iTunes .................................................................................................................................................... 13 Blackboard ........................................................................................................................................... 13 2 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Commonly Called Phone Numbers ............................................................................................... 14 Library Support .................................................................................................................................. 14 Carlson Library ............................................................................................................................................. 14 The Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries .......................................................................................... 14 The A.L.I. Library .......................................................................................................................................... 15 Campus Bookstore ............................................................................................................................. 15 A.L.I. Classrooms ................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Computer Lab ................................................................................................................................................ 14 Counseling and Disability Services .............................................................................................. 15 Extracurricular Activities ................................................................................................................ 15 Professional Development .............................................................................................................. 15 Conferences ......................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Tuition Waiver ................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Faculty and Staff Support ................................................................................................................ 15 Personnel Records ............................................................................................................................. 15 Classroom Supplies .......................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Academic Expectations for Students .......................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Typical Student Schedule ................................................................................................................ 15 Instructor Expectations ................................................................................................................... 16 Final Exams .................................................................................................................................................... 16 List of Students Who Don’t Pass .............................................................................................................. 16 List of Students Who Got All A’s and Most Improved Students ..................................................... 16 Academic Review Meeting ......................................................................................................................... 16 Narratives ....................................................................................................................................................... 16 Submitting Attendance ............................................................................................................................... 17 Submitting Grades ........................................................................................................................................ 17 Preparation for Class ....................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Participation ....................................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. English-­‐Only Policy ........................................................................... Error! Bookmark not defined. Attendance Policy .............................................................................................................................. 17 Withdrawal from Courses .............................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Early Departure .................................................................................................................................. 17 Homework ............................................................................................................................................ 18 Cell Phone Courtesy .......................................................................................................................... 18 3 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Food ........................................................................................................................................................ 18 Success Tips ......................................................................................................................................... 18 Photocopying ....................................................................................................................................... 18 Guidelines ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Copyright Laws ................................................................................................................................... 18 Fair Use .................................................................................................................................................. 18 Mentoring ............................................................................................................................................. 18 Grades .................................................................................................................................................... 19 Change of Grades ................................................................................................................................ 19 Book Policies ....................................................................................................................................... 19 iPad Policy ............................................................................................................................................ 19 Clery Act and Reporting Incidents .............................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Student Resources ............................................................................................................................. 19 TurnItIn ................................................................................................ Error! Bookmark not defined. Banner .................................................................................................. Error! Bookmark not defined. Level Placement and Progression ................................................................................................ 19 Level Progression .............................................................................................................................. 19 Transition Policy ................................................................................................................................ 20 Progression into Full Academics .................................................................................................. 20 Placement and Progression Testing ............................................................................................ 20 Grievance Procedure ........................................................................................................................ 20 Understanding Privacy Rights: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) 21 Student Probation and Suspension .............................................................................................. 21 The University of Toledo Policies ................................................................................................. 21 4 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Welcome from Director A.L.I. Office The American Language Institute is housed under the Center for International Studies and Programs. Location The University of Toledo Main Campus
Snyder Memorial 1400
Toledo, OH 43606
Contact Information Phone: (419) 530-4702
Fax: (419) 530-4600
Email: ali@utoledo.edu
Hours 8:15 am -­‐ 5:00 pm Staff Directory Director: Global Engagement and American Language Institute
Sara Clark, M.A. (sara.clark2@utoledo.edu)
Assistant Director: American Language Institute
Brandon Shigematsu, M.Ed., Ph.D. (brandon.shigematsu@utoledo.edu)
Secretary: Fran Molnar (fran.molnar@utoledo.edu)
Faculty
A.L.I. faculty hold advanced degrees and are very experienced and highly motivated to
assist you on your educational journey. Several of our faculty have taught and studied
overseas in countries such as China, France, Germany, Greece, Israel, Japan, Jordan,
Marshall Islands, South Korea, Turkey.
A.L.I. Faculty Member
Fuad Al-Daraweesh, Ph.D.
Anne Bennett, M.A., M.S.
Julian Branch, M.A.
Pamela Clines, M.Ed.
Dan Current, M.A.
Faculty E-mail Address
fuad.al-daraweesh@utoledo.edu
anne.bennett@utoledo.edu
julian.branch@utoledo.edu
pamela.clines@utoledo.edu
daniel.current@utoledo.edu
5 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Heather Elbriki, M.A.
Michael Klüg, M.A., M.Ed.
Matthew Krull, M.A.
Ting Li, M.Ed., ABD
Terra Myers, M.A.
Deena Ohana, M.A., M.Ed.
Kathleen Reaume, M.A., MLIS
Pamela Rice, M.A.Ed.
Sherris Schwind, M.A.
Alexander Wrege, M.A., ABD
Ronald Zallocco, M.A.
heather.elbriki@utoledo.edu
michael.klug@utoledo.edu
james.krull@utoledo.edu
ting.li@utoledo.edu
terra.myers@utoledo.edu
deena.ohana@utoledo.edu
kathleen.reaume@utoledo.edu
pamela.rice@utoledo.edu
sherris.schwind@utoledo.edu
alexander.wrege@utoledo.edu
ronald.zallocco2@utoledo.edu
Services English language courses for those not ready for academic study placement testing counseling advising tutoring ITA testing and training support for international student orientation Mission The American Language Institute (A.L.I.) at The University of Toledo provides students,
scholars, and area residents of international origin with the language skills and the
cultural background for successful engagement with the university and the
community. Its learner-centered activities, both on and off campus, provide
opportunities for meaningful interaction and foster the use of authentic language and the
development of cross-cultural skills.
Vision The American Language Institute (ALI) will foster a creative environment for language
and cultural education through the innovative use of interactive technology, experiential
learning, and extracurricular programming. It will be distinguished by its engagement in
both the campus and the metropolitan communities, and recognized for both its expert
faculty and its academic, student-centered rigor.
6 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Center for International Studies and Programs (CISP) Assistant Provost Executive Assistant to Sammy Spann Assistant Director-­‐ CISP Associate Director -­‐ Office of International Student and Scholar Services Director of Confucius Institute Director of Global Engagement and American Language Institute Immigration Advisor Immigration Coordinator Regulatory Coordinator International Education Specialist, Study Abroad Experiential Learning CISP Secretary Sammy Spann Cheryl Thomas Diane Engbretson Pete Thomas Xinren Yu Sara Clark Mike Mahon Dayna Boes Tracey Hidalgo Michelle Ploeger Shelly Drouillard Sabina Serratos Jessica Bergman International Admissions Assistant Director of International Admission Senior Specialist International Recruitment Specialist International Recruitment Specialist International Recruitment Specialist Scholarship/Recruiter Joe Guziolek Peggy Colombo Erik Longton Jameela Abdullah Kasia Varsak Mark Schroeder Important Dates and Calendars copy from student handbook, add orientation and registration A.L.I. Calendar The A.L.I. has five regular terms and one bridge term. New students can start in A.L.I. classes in any of the regular terms. 7 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Fall
Term 1
Classes
Begin
Classes
Late
August
Early
Fall
Spring
Spring
Early
Mid-
October
January
March
Early
Early
Term 2
Term 1
Mid-
Term 2
Late April
Summer
Bridge
Mid-May
Early July
Term
Late June
Term*
Early
End
October
December March
August
*Bridge Term is for students in Advanced Levels only. The courses in Bridge Term are
held for fewer weeks, with longer class times each day.
Orientation and Registration
All A.L.I. staff are responsible for assisting with International New Student Orientation,
A.L.I. New Student Orientation, and A.L.I. New Student Registration. Other
responsibilities may include assisting returning students with registration, assisting the
Accuplacer team with check-in and proctoring placement tests...
International New
Student
Orientation*
A.L.I. New Student
Orientation
Accuplacer
Placement Testing
A.L.I. New Student
Registration
Fall
Fall
Spring
Spring
Summer
Bridge
Term 1
Term 2
Term 1
Term 2
Term
Term
8-10
5-7
6-7
days
days
days
before
UT
none
before
UT
classes
classes
start
start
none
before
UT
none
classes
start
5-6 days before A.L.I. classes start
Directly following A.L.I. New Student Orientation
3-4 days before classes start
(Online)
A.L.I. Returning
Student
Registration
Returning students can register for classes online
throughout the semester.
8 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 (Online)
Late Registration
(add/drop forms)
Once classes begin and for the first three days of the
term, students must add/drop by form with an A.L.I.
advisor.
*(Day One for New A.L.I. students and UT admits who have not met their English requirement
and may need to take the TOEFL; Day Two for all International students.)
Instructor Hours and Contracts ESL Specialists Officially, A.L.I. faculty are known as ESL Specialists at the University of Toledo. Most A.L.I.
faculty refer to themselves as instructors and teachers. This manual uses the terms faculty,
teachers, and instructors to refer to A.L.I. faculty.
All A.L.I. Faculty All A.L.I. Faculty, regardless of contractual status, are required to perform the following duties:
Ø Assist in the beginning-of-term procedures of registration, placement testing, and
orientation.
Ø Part and Full Time Faculty are expected to be of assistance for subbing.
Ø In connection with teaching a class perform the following:
Ø Review course documents
Ø Plan an overall course system which is appropriate to the course objectives and title
Ø Make a course description handout
Ø Prepare adequately for each individual class session
Ø Grade assignments in a timely fashion
Ø Find or create supplementary material as necessary
Ø Test and evaluate students frequently
Ø Counsel, through regular office hours, students who are not making a full effort or are
not making progress
Ø Keep accurate records of student attendance
Ø Make a carefully reasoned decision (with input from colleagues if necessary) on what
to omit when all parts of the course cannot be completed.
Ø Assign final grades to each student in each class and decide who is ready for the next
level.
Ø Attend the Level Change Meeting (usually held around the fifth or sixth day of each
term), Academic Review Meeting at the end of each term, and any other meeting
labeled as mandatory.
Ø Schedule and hold student conferences at the end of each term to discuss students'
progress and final grades with them. A minimum of one hour should be allowed.
9 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Ø Submit the following to the A.L.I. office by the deadline on the faculty calendar:
Ø Course descriptions ("First-Day Handouts")
Ø Office hours (1.5 hours weekly per course)
Ø Attendance report
Ø Grades
Ø Progress reports
Ø List of students who received As and most improved students at the end of the
semester
Ø Room changes, temporary or permanent
Ø Any significant problems with curriculum materials to the curriculum
administrator
Ø Keep professional file up to date with current resume, address, phone number
Contract Faculty A.L.I. faculty hired on a twelve–month contract are required to perform the following:
Ø Screen ITAs using the SPEAK test
Ø Attend required field activities, A.L.I. social activities, and Awards Ceremony
Ø Attend all day at A.L.I. Faculty Conference Days
Ø Submit all professional evaluation instruments in a timely and accurate fashion
Ø Attend all A.L.I. faculty meetings
Ø Participate on at least one committee each term
Ø Perform assigned administrative duties
Contract Details
Contract faculty are hired on a twelve-month contract, renewable each year at the pleasure of the
University of Toledo. Faculty on this kind of contract are expected to teach full-time during the
academic year. In addition, if they are not excused from their teaching duties or authorized to
teach on a part-time basis, they are expected to teach full-time during the summer term. A
person appointed to this position is not eligible for promotion or tenure. Twelve-month faculty
members generally receive bi-weekly (every two weeks) paychecks during the contract period.
For complete information on full time faculty benefits, see the UT Benefits Office Home Page or
visit that office.
Part-­‐Time Faculty In addition to the duties required under "All A.L.I. Faculty," A.L.I. faculty hired on a per course
basis are required to perform the following:
Ø Attend any field activities, receptions, etc. that occur during normal teaching hours.
Ø Attend at least as many hours of Friday Faculty Days as you teach plus one office hour
Ø Attend faculty meetings besides the required ones
Ø Join committees
Unlike full time faculty who are paid based on the initial negotiated salary, part time faculty are
compensated on a three tier scale based on years of teaching with the institute.
10 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Additionally, part time faculty are paid for participation on committees. Time spent on extra
projects is to be recorded and then submitted to the Committees Coordinator. Payment can be
expected in the term following the assignment. In case of a part time faculty member ending
their employment with the institute, the payment for previous work is to be made in the form of a
lump sum payment at the end of the term during which the work was completed.
Subbing Procedures Faculty arrange subbing among themselves. If you are in need of a sub, follow this procedure:
1. Notify the director of your planned absence.
2. Arrange for a sub for your class(es). The expectation is that faculty are willing to sub for
you if they are present on site and available during that time.
3. Provide your sub with lesson plans, materials, and copies through the office mailbox, via
email, or in person.
Protracted Illness of Non-­‐Contract Instructor After a teacher misses one week of classes, the Director will review the situation. If it seems that
the absence will be over shortly and the instructor will return, the A.L.I. will continue to pay that
person. On the other hand, if the Director determines that the medical and pedagogical
situation warrant it, another teacher will be hired to finish teaching the course.
Faculty Days The A.L.I. has revised its Listening and Speaking and Grammar class schedules to permit regular
meetings of faculty on Fridays. These are days for working on projects, hosting visiting speakers,
and discussing important issues. Friday afternoons are also available for experiential learning
activities. Instructor Workload Distribution of classes??? Full-­‐time instructors are required to teach 20 hours of classes per week (twenty 50-­‐minute sessions, which is equivalent to 12 credits). Staff Evaluations Ø Every instructor will be evaluated twice during the 2015-2016 academic year: once
during fall term 1 and once during spring term 2.
Ø During an instructor's first and second year of teaching at the A.L.I., he or she will be
evaluated twice a year: once during fall term 1 and once during spring term 1.
Ø Instructors with three or more years of teaching at the A.L.I. will be evaluated once a
year.
11 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Ø Informal evaluations will be conducted by senior faculty during the 3rd or 4th week of
classes.
Ø Formal evaluations will be conducted by the Assistant Director.
Ø Additional evaluations will be done if needed.
Ø Instructors must submit lesson plans and materials for the class to be evaluated no later
than one day before the scheduled evaluation.
Course Evaluations by Students At the end of each term, instructors provide a link to a Google document that students can fill out either in class or on their own time. The information from this document is recorded on a spreadsheet. The Assistant Director will share evaluations with each instructor. Instructional Methodology Course Handouts/Syllabi Give students a course handout/syllabus with the following information:
template
Submit a course handout/syllabus to the Assistant Director by the first day of class.
Include the course handout/syllabus in your iTunes University course.
Experiential Learning Requirements
Curriculum The American Language Institute (ALI) is an innovator in the culture for international students
and scholars. Its curriculum is expertly tailored to meet students where they are, both
academically and linguistically, and is prepared to take them where they need to be. This
curriculum offers a meaningful connection between content-based and experiential learning,
which are delivered by highly qualified and experienced faculty implementing the most relevant
pedagogical and technological resources.
The curriculum objectives for each course can be found/....
Late Arrivals Because there are no excused absences at the A.L.I., late arrivals are marked absent for the days
they missed. Some students arrive late at the beginning of the term, especially in term 1.
Officially, returning students may register within the first three days of the term. Teachers
should use their best judgement as to how much to help students who have come back late. It is
the students’ responsibility to get here on time. In any case, you should direct them to the iTunes
class information and tell them about any work you expect them to make up.
12 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Checking Rosters Shortly after the deadline for new students to register, you can print rosters from Banner. Check
the rosters carefully. If they do not agree with the reality in your class, let the Assistant Director
know. This is also a good time to make final corrections in students' names. (Note:
The names in the A.L.I. computer database should be exactly the same as the names on the
students' passport. Students who say that their names are incorrect on the rosters should be asked
to carefully check against their passports.)
Teachers should also report all students who are "no shows" to the Assistant Director. Technology Computing ITS Support and Services Computers and iPads are available for all A.L.I. staff. In addition, instructors may use computers
in any of the labs on campus. The institute supports its own technology. Faculty are required to
bring service requests to the Educational Technology Coordinator (Alexander Wrege). For
classroom technology issues, call Classroom Support Services (419-530-2656). Banner Banner is the UT database that includes registration and grade reporting. All A.L.I. students can
register online through their MyUT web account. For more information, visit
https://www.utoledo.edu/it/FAQ_Banner_8.html
iTunes University iTunes University is the official A.L.I. online course management system. All instructors are required to create an iTunes course for each class they are teaching. On this course, they will post course information, as well as A.L.I. policies and announcements. GradeBook Pro Teachers must provide progress reports to students in weeks 2, 3, 4, and 5, generated in GradeBook Pro or a system with equivalent capability. Blackboard Blackboard is the course management system available through University of Toledo. All A.L.I. courses are automatically given access to Blackboard. Teachers can set up online tests, quizzes, wikis, and grading. It can be used as an alternative to GradeBook Pro. 13 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Turnitin Teachers can use Turnitin to have students submit writing assignments, which can be checked for plagiarism, as well as be used to give students online feedback. Dropbox Dropbox is an online file sharing service that teachers use to share files with students (and vice versa). Basecamp Instructors at the A.L.I. share information about several groups on Basecamp. A.L.I. Computer Lab The computer lab (Snyder 1370 and 1380) is available to instructors to use during classes. If you
want the lab coordinator to have some specific software set up, let them know at least two days
in advance. reservation sheet???
Commonly Called Phone Numbers Student Affairs Stuff students tell you that you must report. Library Support Carlson Library The A.L.I. faculty have full access to the UT library. Rooms in the library may be reserved by
calling a few days in advance. There are several PC and Mac labs. Also, librarians are often able
to do presentations on basic research skills and use of library catalog and online databases.
The library has a large collection of videos and other materials which may be of use in A.L.I.
classes. The online catalog can be accessed through MyUT or at
http://www.utoledo.edu/library/. Materials may be ordered through MyUT.
The Toledo Lucas County Public Libraries Students can get library cards at the public libraries. They need to present proof that they live in
Toledo. A gas bill with their name and address on it is or their UT ID card is often acceptable.
Once students have a public library card, they can also take full advantage of the public library
website, which is a good jumping off point for research.
14 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 The A.L.I. Library When you want to check out a library book, video, or audio cassette from the teachers’ library
you will use the iMac set up with Delicious Library.
Delicious Library contains all of our library titles and makes using the library a breeze. Campus Bookstore from student handbook Counseling and Disability Services get from student handbook Extracurricular Activities examples of activities we might be involved in Professional Development Brandon Faculty and Staff Support The A.L.I. secretary is available to A.L.I. faculty to help with special events, purchases, or room
reservations. Student workers at the institute complete copy jobs, assist with special projects, or
running institute-related errands.
Personnel Records A.L.I. personnel records (including financial, contractual, and personal information) are kept in the director's office. Annual performance reviews, professional development information, and evaluations are kept in the Assistant Director's office. Typical Student Schedule from student handbook 15 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Instructor Expectations Final Exams Check your calendar for the dates of final exams. Final exams may be comprehensive or not, as
you see fit. They should be designed so that you have one last measure to see who is ready to go
on to the next level and who is not. Do not allow students to take early exams. However, in
extreme cases, see the Director.
List of Students Who Don’t Pass At the end of the first term in the fall and spring semesters, the Assistant Director needs to know
the names of all students who do not pass every class. He gives a form to each instructor to fill
out. The reason for this form is that students who do not pass their classes often need to have
their schedules changed before the beginning of Term 2.
List of Students Who Got All A’s and Most Improved Students At the end of the second term in fall and spring semesters and at the end of summer term, the
Assistant Director gives each teacher a form to fill out with the names of all students who got
A’s in their classes. The form also asks for a recommendation for the most improved student in
each level. This form is necessary because the most improved student in each level and the
students who get all A’s are recognized at the Awards Ceremony at the end of summer term and
at the end of fall and spring semester.
Academic Review Meeting All A.L.I. teachers are required to attend the Academic Review Meeting. Bring your grade book
and any information you have about your students. At this meeting, the faculty discuss any
students who present special cases or who may have special problems. Occasionally, there is a
student who should skip a level. Should one of these very rare students be in one of your
classes, the Academic Review Meeting is the place to bring his or her name up.
Narratives Narratives are short written reports on selected students. Copies go in the students' file, to the
students themselves, and sponsors (if students are sponsored). Narratives are written by
instructors on the following groups of students:
Ø Instructors of two-hour classes write a narrative on each student.
Ø Instructors of the other classes write a narrative on any student who is not taking a twohour class
Ø All transition and probation students
Ø All Basic and Intermediate level students
Don't worry about this. The blank narrative forms for students you must write about will appear
16 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 in your mailbox at the end of each term. (The A.L.I. database program generates the blank forms
automatically.)
Submitting Attendance Submit attendance for each class on class rosters. These are generated by the secretary at the end
of each term. At the top of the sheet, write in the number of class hours that were held. Report
class hours, not class meetings. In the space next to each student's name, write the number of
hours that the student attended. Attendance should be reported as hours attended. For example, if
your class met for a total of 33 hours and a student missed 3 class hours, record 30 in the
attendance column. Remember that there are no excused absences at the A.L.I. All absences,
regardless of the reason, must be counted.
Hand in your roster to the A.L.I. secretary. She will enter the data into the A.L.I. database and
return your roster to you so that you can use it to report your grades.
Submitting Grades After final exams, faculty evaluate and grade their students. Faculty have several options to
submit grades (due by noon on Monday before academic review or as announced):
1. Drop off the grading sheet with letter grades and attendance recorded to the secretary.
2. Send an email with a spreadsheet (student name column, student grade column, student
attendance column) to the secretary.
3. Send an email with a scan of the grading sheet with letter grades and attendance
recorded) to the secretary.
Grades should be recorded as letter grades (not percentages).
Enter grades in Banner.
Experiential Learning All instructors are expected to design and execute at least one assignment that takes students
beyond the classroom, exposing them to and engaging them in the greater collegiate and/or
metropolitan community. The activities should be relevant to the class topic. These activities
can include events that occur at UT, in Toledo, or in a location within a reasonable driving
distance.
Attendance Policy See Student Handbook.
Early Departure Students sometimes request an early exam because they have made plans to return to their
countries before the official exam date. Teachers have no obligation to give early exams. On
17 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 some rare occasions, when students have extraordinarily excellent reasons for leaving Toledo
before exams, and when they have notified the director well in advance, teachers will be advised
to give the students a final grade based on their work up to the time of their departure.
Homework Cell Phone Courtesy Food Success Tips Photocopying Guidelines Copyright Laws Fair Use Mentoring 18 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Grades See student handbook Change of Grades Book Policies See student handbook iPad Policy See student handbook Student Resources Level Placement and Progression See student handbook
Level Progression During the first few days of classes, teachers evaluate all new A.L.I. students’ work and English
level to make sure that the placement was correct. (Note: Returning students’ placement is
determined at the end of each term, so it does not need to be reevaluated at the beginning of the
term.) Sometimes new students are placed into the wrong level, and they need to be moved.
Sometimes new A.L.I. students believe that they have been placed into the wrong level, but they
have not. Teachers should feel free to ask the new A.L.I. students what they think about their
placement, as long as the students understand that their opinion is only one of the many factors to
be considered in a schedule change.
Teachers should feel free to ask the Assistant Director to show them any student's placement
tests.
After about five days of classes, the teachers have the Class Change Meeting. Attendance at this
19 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 meeting is required of all instructors teaching at the A.L.I. (Note: In Term 2 of Spring and Fall
semester, there are usually few students to discuss, so the Class Change procedure is included as
part of a normal Faculty Meeting on Friday.)
Teachers discuss those students whose placement is questionable. Names of students who have
told teachers that they think they have been misplaced are also brought up.
Sometimes no students are moved, but more commonly, a small number of students’ schedules
are changed.
Here are some of the factors used to decide if a student should move up to another level:
• The student is new to the A.L.I.. (On very rare occasions, returning students skip a level. This
decision is made at the end of the previous term.)
• The student is far stronger than any other student in the class. (Note: It is helpful to remember
that every class has a strongest student, but that that student is probably well placed.)
• The student can handle work of the next level.
• The student would benefit more from work at the next level.
• The student seems to have very good study habits.
• The student will probably be happy to move up.
Here are some of the factors used to decide if a new student should move down to another level.
(Note: This move is less common than moves up because new students are placed down in case
of doubt.)
• The student seems unable to handle the material in the class.
• The student has asked to move down.
• The student is far weaker than any other member of the class.
• The student would benefit more from a class at a lower level.
• The student is holding up the progress of the rest of the class.
Transition Policy See student handbook Progression into Full Academics See student handbook Placement and Progression Testing See student handbook Grievance Procedure See student handbook 20 The University of Toledo American Language Institute Faculty Handbook 2015 Understanding Privacy Rights: Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) Please refer to The University of Toledo webpage regarding FERPA: https://www.utoledo.edu/offices/registrar/ferpa_faculty_staff.html Student Probation and Suspension See student handbook The University of Toledo Policies 21