INFORMATION FOR ESL STUDENTS AT NCC
On behalf of the ESL Division at NCC, I would like to welcome you to the college and wish you the best in your studies. Our program emphasizes reading and writing because we believe ESL students need to read and write well to take other college courses for degrees and/or professional training. We also offer grammar and oral communications electives because some students need to improve their grammar in order to write better, or work on speaking more effectively for daily communication. You can also earn an Advanced Certificate in ESL. Our instructors are very well qualified, have many years of classroom experience, and are here to help you develop and improve your English proficiency. All of us want to see you succeed in your goals. Please feel free to talk to me, my assistant, Mary Ellen Milvid (857-6854), or any of our instructors if you have any questions. Good communication is the key to successful learning. Good luck and welcome again!
Craig Machado, Director
Room East 206
ESL LANGUAGE LAB
GET YOUR NETID & PASSWORD NOW!
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You must have your NetID and set your password within the first week of classes. Do it now!
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One hour/week of lab work is required for core courses: ESL 022, 132, & 142. Lab attendance and work are part of your class grade.
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Self-study hours are available for practice, review, research, and assignments.
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Software sharpens skills using interactive lessons and links to hundreds of online resources.
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Practice is also available online: http://www.ncc.commnet.edu/dept/esl/onlinepractice.asp
East 208
Phone: 857-7174
LIBRARY/ID CARD
Go to the library to get a library/ID card. You will need to bring your student ID number. The library is located on the East Campus.
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NON-CREDIT
10 20 30
ESL for Beginners 10 Reading/Writing 20
Speaking/Listening 24
Grammar 25
Conversation Circles
CREDIT
Reading/Writing 30
Speaking/Listening 34
Grammar 35
Conversation Circles
PASS TO CREDIT
40
Reading/Writing 40
Speaking/Listening 44
Grammar 45
Writing/Gram on Comp 61
Computers for ESL 62
Business for ESL 67
Speech Communication 68
Conversation Circles 76
50
Reading/Writing 50
Writing/Grammar 53
Speaking/Listening 44/54
Grammar 55
Writing/Gram on Comp 61
Computers for ESL 62
Business for ESL 67
Speech Communication 68
Conversation Circles 76
60
Reading/Writing 60
Writing/Gram on Comp 61
Computers of ESL 62
Writing/Grammar 63
Business for ESL 67
Speech Communication 68
Conversation Circles 76
OPTIONAL
022 132 142 152 192
ENG 101
English
Composition
Reading/Writing II
Grammar II
Oral Communication II
Reading/Writing III
Grammar III
Reading/Writing IV
Grammar IV
ESL Pronunciation Wks
Reading/Writing V
Grammar V
Oral Communication V
ESL Writing Workshop
 The core program consists of 5 writing-based courses: ESL 022, 132, 142, 152, and 192
 Non-ESL courses may be taken with ESL courses, depending on the student’s ESL level
 Elective ESL courses can be taken, depending on the writing and speaking levels
 Instructors may recommend elective courses for students who need to improve their grammar and pronunciation/speaking
 Students who finish ESL 192 (and in some cases ESL 152) with at least a “C” grade go into
ENG 101 or ENG 084 (if further basic English skills are necessary)
 A designated section of ESL 192 can be taken concurrently with Sociology, Psychology or other courses as a “paired” course
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1. What does credit mean?
All ESL courses taken in the regular academic program at NCC get credit and a letter grade of A, B, C, D and F
(+/- grades included). The grades count toward a student’s college GPA (grade point average). Usually students must get a C- in an ESL class to pass to the next higher level.
2. Can credit ESL classes be used for other college requirements?
Yes. Students may apply some ESL courses as humanities/foreign language electives toward graduation/a degree.
ESL 142, 152 and 192 may be counted toward the degree in General Studies (up to 10 credits total). All other degree programs allow no more than 6 ESL credits (see catalog).
3. Is there a degree or certificate in ESL at NCC?
NCC offers an advanced ESL certificate, not a degree. Check the brochure for details.
4. Can students take other classes besides ESL?
Students may take other college classes besides ESL (like math, computers, business office technology, etc), depending on their ESL level. The Counseling department gives out a list of other college courses ESL students can take each semester. The higher the ESL level, the more classes a student can take in his/her major.
5. What are blended classes?
The following credit ESL classes can be taken as non-credit for reduced tuition. Students must be eligible to take the credit level classes and get a "P" (equal to a "C" letter grade in credit) to pass to the next higher credit ESL level.
ESL 022 Reading/Writing II, ESL 025 Grammar II (low-intermediate), ESL 027 Oral Communication
ESL 132 Reading/Writing III, ESL 135 Grammar III (intermediate)
ESL 142 Reading/Writing IV, ESL 145 Grammar IV (high-intermediate), ESL 149 Pronunciation Workshop
ESL 152 Reading/Writing V, ESL 155 Grammar V (advanced), ESL 157 Oral Communication V
Students planning to get a degree, the ESL certificate or take most college courses need to take ESL writing 142,
152, and/or 192 for credit to pass into English Composition.
6. What happens in credit ESL classes?
The main classes are based on reading and writing and are 6 credit hours-except ESL 192 and elective classes like grammar. Students must come to class regularly, do their assignments, keep a portfolio of their writing, and get at least a C- to pass to the next ESL level. Students should expect to do a good amount of work outside of class as well.
7. What is a portfolio?
A portfolio is a collection of a student’s writing assignments kept by the student during the semester. All ESL writing classes use portfolios. At the end of the semester, the teacher will evaluate all the work in the portfolio to decide if the student can pass to the next level. At least 50% of the final grade is based on the portfolio. The teacher will explain the portfolio system very carefully at the beginning of the class.
8. What about a language lab and online courses?
ESL 022, 132, and 142 have a one-hour lab each week in addition to the 6 hours of class. Students work on listening comprehension, grammar, vocabulary, and speaking. Student must attend the labs and complete the work.
Students are also encouraged to spend time practicing listening, grammar, and pronunciation in the lab when they have time. Further practice is also available online: http://www.ncc.commnet.edu/dept/esl/onlinepractice.asp
Your classes will also use Blackboard, an online class management system. See page 6.
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9. Is homework important?
Absolutely! Students who don’t do work outside of class or fall behind with assignments will most likely not pass and have to repeat a course. Since credit ESL classes are college level, students should expect to do several hours of work a week outside of class.
10. What happens if a student doesn’t pass an ESL class?
Sometimes a student is not ready to do higher level work and has to take the class again. Some students need more time than one semester to acquire academic English skills at a certain level. A course may be repeated twice.
11. Can a student skip an ESL level?
If the teacher feels the writing is very strong he/she may recommend a student skip a level. The teacher at the higher level and/or the ESL Director will look at the work carefully to see if the student can really do work at the higher level.
12. What if a student needs help outside class?
The Credit ESL program has a free tutoring program for students who need extra help with their writing or grammar. Students can sign up for a tutor after the third week of class for up to 1 hour per week.
13. Is grammar studied in the writing classes?
Yes, especially in terms of using grammar effectively in writing. If students feel they are weak in grammar they can take a 3-credit grammar class to get more practice and review structures they have studied but have not learned well enough yet.
14. What happens when a student finishes the ESL program?
After completing ESL 192 (or sometimes ESL 152) a student is usually ready to take ENG 101- the basic writing class required of all NCC students. Most college courses require eligibility for ENG 101; some require a student to have completed ENG 101. Check the catalog carefully and/or see a counselor for more information about “core” and “major” courses at NCC.
15. What is College Forum?
This is a one-credit course required of all new first-time, full-time NCC students. It is a good introduction to college life and helps you to meet new students. Even if you are not full-time and you have never been to college, this class can be very useful in orienting you to American education styles.
16. How do I transfer my credits from a college outside of the US?
WES is an organization that translates foreign courses for US colleges. Brochures for WES can be found at the
Counseling Center. After you apply with WES, see Carolyn Thomas in the Counseling Center on the 1 st
floor of the East Campus.
17. How do I print my transcript?
Go to www.my.commnet.edu
. Log in with your NetID and password. Click the Banner Self-Service . Click
Student Records . Click Unofficial Transcript . Click Submit .
ESL Credit “Core” Courses Electives
022 (Reading/Writing II) 025 (Grammar II)
132 (Reading/Writing III) 027 (Oral Communication II)
142 (Reading/Writing IV) 135 (Grammar III)
152 (Reading/Writing V) 145 (Grammar IV)
192 (ESL Writing Workshop) 149 (ESL Pronunciation Workshop)
155 (Grammar V)
157 (Oral Communication V)
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VERY IMPORTANT: You must have a NetID and password to use computers on campus!
Do you have a Social Security number?
If not, stop! Go to East 319. Bring your ID (passport, driver’s license, etc).
If yes, continue…
ON CAMPUS:
Ctrl + Alt + Delete student # + @student.commnet.edu
O
FROM HOME: http://my.commnet.edu
R
Your password is:
3 letters of your birth month + & + last 4 digits of Social Security #
Example:
Note: First letter is uppercase
OK
It must be 8 characters with three of these:
• Uppercase (A, B, C…)
• Lowercase (a, b, c…)
• Numbers (1, 2, 3…)
• Symbols (!, $, @, #, %)
Examples: Egg154Salad
@747Street
Red&sox09
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Initial password again
Old password:
New password:
Confirm new password:
New password twice

1. Open an internet browser
2. Go to: www.my.commnet.edu
3. Log in with your NetID and password
Blackboard Learn for class assignments online
4. Click Blackboard on the right side of the page
5. Click your class under My Courses
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Library: 1 st
floor of East Campus
Bookstore: 1 st floor of East Campus
Tutoring Center: West 110 ESL Tutoring: West 110A
Wellness Center (Gym): West Campus Health, Wellness, & Science Center
Student Activities : West 111
Counseling Center : East 104
UBS Student Success Center : East 107. Career planning, employment skills, academic skills
GE Open Computer Lab: West Campus
Disability Services: East 107
Wi-Fi Access on campus: www.ncc.commnet.edu/dept/it/studentwireless.asp
First Floor
104 Counseling
107 Student Success Center
117 Child Development
Bookstore
Library

Health, Wellness, &
Science Center (H)

West (W)
First Floor
110 Tutoring Center
110A ESL Tutoring
111 Student Activities
118 Career Center
GE Open Computer Lab
Cafeteria
Lower Level
H003 Wellness Center
(Gym)
Richards Ave
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Accounting Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Tony Romeo, 857-7271
African Culture Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Al Thomas, 857-7150
Archaeology Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Ernie Wiegand, 857-7377
Art, Anime & Photography Club
The Art Club was created to help inspire and enlighten students through exposure to the fine arts.
Faculty Advisor(s): Joe Fucigna, 857-3323
French Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Robert Lamothe, 857-7371
Gaming Club
The NCC Gaming Club was created to give students, faculty and staff members an informal setting to get together to play games.
Faculty Advisor(s): Steve Cohen, 857-7367
Gay-Straight Alliance
Faculty Advisor(s): Cindy Casper, 857-3328
HASTA Club
Asian Club
NCC Asian Club contributes to student awareness and preservation of Asian culture and heritage and provides a forum for NCC students to get to know each other in an informal setting.
Faculty Advisor(s): Ann Sommers, 857-7207
Arlette Werner, 857-7118
HASTA is a club that promotes Haitian culture and interests.
Faculty Advisor(s): Marie-Ange Nicolas, 857-7108
Hay Motivo Club
Hay Motivo is an organization that promotes Spanish-American and Hispanic culture.
Faculty Advisor(s): Orlando Soto, 857-7030, Marina Rivera,
857-7019
Biology Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Stephanie Brown, 857-3357
Chemistry Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Robert Hall, 857-7103
Club Trio
Hillel Club
Hillel's goal is to bring both Jewish and Non-Jewish students together.
Faculty Advisor(s): Susan Steitz, 857-7331, Linda Lerman, 857-
7221
Hosteurs Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Jacqueline Castro, 857-7043
Criminal Justice
Faculty Advisor(s): Althea Seaborn, 857-7096
Dance Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Linda Lerman, 857-7221
The Hosteurs Club at NCC promotes a stronger interest in hospitality management and in the culinary arts.
Faculty Advisor(s): Dan Cunningham, 857-7158
Improv Comedy Club
The purpose of the Improv Comedy Club is first and foremost to create and enjoyable environment in which students with a shared interest can have fun and learn about the art of improvisational comedy.
Faculty Advisor(s): Gary Carlson, 857-7349, Robert Masterson Drama Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Linda Ballard, 857-7364
Early Childhood Club
This club is designed to promote interest in the field of early childhood education.
Faculty Advisor(s): Margaret Dana-Conway, 857-7116
Legal Assistant Society
Faculty Advisor(s): Tom Jackson, 857-7152
Literature/Creative Writers Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Gary Carlson, 857-7349
Engineering Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Joseph Karnowski, 857-3378
Euro Club
The Euro Club provides a venue for European students at NCC to get together to share their experiences while living in the
United States.
Faculty Advisor(s): Estelle Dattolo, 857-7356
Exercise Science Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Nicole Hafner, 857-7330
Film & Television Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Stoney Duren, 857-6888
Medical Assistant Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Lauren Perlstein, 857-6852
Military Veteran's Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Charlie Kruzshak, 857-7015
Multicultural Club
This club has been created to celebrate the diversity of cultural experiences and backgrounds that exists at NCC and within our larger community as a whole.
Faculty Advisor(s): Debra Simons, 857-7128
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Music Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Gunnar Sahlin, 857-7209; Co-Advisor(s):
Patrick Boland, 857-7032, Todd Hampton
Musings
The mission of Musings is to promote the literary and creative arts; and to collect and publish the best examples of literary and artistic achievement from the Student Body at Norwalk
Community College.
Faculty Advisor(s): Chris Japely, 857 – 7283, musings@ncc.commnet.edu
Nursing Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Judith Mocciola, 857-7393
Philosophy Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Ed Grippe, 857-7170
Phi Theta Kappa
Phi Theta Kappa is the largest International Honor Society for
Two-Year Colleges.
Faculty Advisor(s): Steve Glazer, 857-3326
Physical Therapist Assistance Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Jennifer Bresnick, 857-7198
Psychology Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Dr. William Grodman, 857-7295
Respiratory Care Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Maria Grayson, 857-6917
Service Learning Club
The purpose of the Service Learning Club is to offer students an opportunity to engage in service learning projects.
Faculty Advisor(s): Courtney Anstett, 857-3369
SADD Club
SADD is dedicated to addressing the issues of underage drinking, impaired driving, drug use, and other destructive decisions.
Faculty Advisor(s): Aaron Saunders, 857-3390
Soccer Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Roger Silva, 857-7199
Speech Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Susan Seidell, 857-7102
Student Government
The Student Government has been designed to represent students in College matters that interest or affect them. It governs and administers the Student Activities Fund, and it accepts and evaluates requests for funds.
Faculty Advisor(s): sgovernment@ncc.commnet.edu
Student World Assembly
The Student World Assembly is a non-governmental, nonpartisan organization created to represent students globally.
Faculty Advisor(s): Robert Emigh, 857-3358, Mary Frances
Carmell, 857-7343
Upside Down Club
The Upside Down Club is a Christian club on campus whose purpose is to provide a forum to NCC students who wish to engage in an in-depth examination of the Bible.
Faculty Advisor(s): Angeles Dam, 857-7362
The Voice
The NCC Voice is a laboratory of Norwalk Community
Colleges Communication Arts curricula.
Faculty Advisor(s): Lori Soderlind, 857-7279
Theatre Arts Club
Faculty Advisor(s): Sara Bell
Wellness Club
The Wellness Club exists to improve the general wellbeing and health of the Norwalk Community College campus community.
Faculty Advisor(s): Tyler Griese, 857-7195
YANA - Your Are Not Alone
The purpose of the YANA Club is to educate and increase students, faculty, and administrators' awareness of mental health issues.
Faculty Advisor (s): Gary Capobianco, 857-3351
For the list with descriptions, check online: http://www.norwalk.edu/dept/studentactivities/clubs.asp
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1. Log into mycommnet
2. Click Launch Outlook Web Access
3. You should now be logged in to Office 365.
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