Graduate Student English Assessment
Exam Dates: Fall Semester 2008
The test takes approximately three hours. Please arrive a few minutes early. No electronic devices or translators of any kind may be used.
| Campus | Date | Time | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
Lake Shore Campus (LSC) |
August 18, 2008 | 1:00 p.m. | Sullivan Center, Room 206 |
Who Must Take the Test
Taking this test is a degree requirement for those admitted students of the Graduate School who are required to take it. Having earned a satisfactory TOEFL score as an applicant does not exempt any student from taking this test.
From the Graduate Student Handbook:
The Graduate School's English-language requirement is intended to further students' academic success and allow them to attain a level of proficiency expected of students completing a graduate program at a U.S. university. As stated in letters of admission, the requirement applies to degree-seeking students who have not received a bachelor's degree from an institution where English is the language of instruction. The requirement includes assessment of students' English skills and, depending on the results of the assessment, coursework. The English-language requirement is a degree requirement; students who have not fulfilled the requirement will not receive a degree. In addition, students must complete the requirement in their first term in order to be eligible for continued enrollment in the Graduate School and for renewal of merit awards.
The Graduate School may grant a student an exemption from the English-language requirement if the student has written and orally defended a thesis or dissertation as part of completing a graduate program at an institution where English is the language of instruction. All requests for exemption must be in writing and include appropriate supporting documentation. Requests must be sent first to the student's graduate program director, who is to then send it to the Graduate School with a written recommendation regarding the request. The Graduate School will not grant an exemption without receiving a positive recommendation from the graduate program director. Requests for exemption must be received by the Graduate School: at least one week before the placement test preceding the student’s first semester as a degree-seeking student. The Graduate School will determine whether the student qualifies for an exemption and will notify the student and the graduate program director of its decision. See http://www.luc.edu/gradschool/academics_policies.shtml#english_requirement
The Test
Preparation Materials
No preparation materials or other details about the test are available.
Test Results
The ESL Program will notify students of the results of the test. Students whose score on the placement test indicates they have attained acceptable English proficiency will have fulfilled the English-language requirement. Students whose scores indicate they are in need of additional English instruction will be required to complete coursework. Students who take the placement test will not subsequently be eligible for an exemption from the English-language requirement.
Placement
Students are placed into the special ESL courses according to overall English proficiency, not their performance in any single skill area. Placement cut-off demarcations are determined by ESL in conjunction with The Graduate School, and are based on the test developers' recommendations and common practice.
Courses
The content of ESL courses developed for The Graduate School is based on our knowledge of the needs of international students in higher education. Instruction will focus on assisting students to develop the English language skills needed for their respective fields. Students may have to demonstrate competency in writing, speaking, pronunciation, oral presentation and discussion skills. Detailed course content information is provided to students in writing at the first class meeting.
For More Information
For more information, please refer to The Graduate School's policy statement titled "English Language Requirement," which is sent with students' letters of admission to The Graduate School.
Only The Graduate School has the authority to grant exemptions or deferrals to the English language requirement; the policy statement noted above includes information on the procedures for making a request for an exemption or deferral.
Students with questions regarding The Graduate School's English language policies should contact their graduate program director or The Graduate School.