Dec 09, 2024  
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog 
    
2018-2019 Undergraduate Academic Catalog [ARCHIVED CATALOG]

Center For English Language Education (CELE)


Program Director Autumn Witt
Programs Supported English as a Second Language (ESL), International Student Association
The Center for English Language Education (CELE) was established at Northwest University to facilitate the University’s commitment to global exchange through providing academic ESL training for international students and to facilitate cross-cultural understanding and friendship among Northwest University’s diverse student body.

University Service

Serving a university community of scholars and learners, the Center for English Language Education proposes to develop and maintain programs of instruction, research, and professional services which provide opportunities to:

  • facilitate language acquisition and cross-cultural communication;
  • advise the NU community on issues of cultural diversity and facilitate interpersonal adjustments needed for cross-cultural living and service ; and to
  • form network relationships with international agencies, schools, and students in order to expedite cross-cultural interactions.

International Partnerships

As a representative of Northwest University, CELE has entered into partner relationships with top universities in Korea: Ewha Womans University, Soongsil University, Gachon (Kyungwon) University, Hansei University, Handong Global University, and Seoul Christian University. CELE continues to seek beneficial international partnerships.

The partnerships include:

  • tuition exchange agreements for NU and Korean exchange students for 1-2 semesters of study
  • visiting professor exchange opportunities
  • research partnerships

English as a Second Language

The ESL program enables international students to develop the necessary skill in academic English for admission into University baccalaureate and graduate degree programs. It also provides opportunity for students who want a semester abroad experience at Northwest University to develop their English skills, and to experience American culture while studying ESL in a Christian academic environment.

Students will:

  • become more proficient in reading, writing, and speaking English.
  • gain a broader understanding of American culture and make friends with American Christian students and professors.
  • develop study skills necessary for success in an American university.
  • gain academic English skills by auditing undergraduate classes at Northwest University and participating in various programs of the University.
  • Enjoy numerous cultural fieldtrips and friendship dinners to enhance their academic experience.
  • CELE Graduates are conditionally admitted into Northwest University.

ESL students are enrolled in a full-time program of study that involves twelve credit hours of ESL study: Writing, Speaking, Reading, Listening, Grammar, and Pronunciation & Vocabulary. In addition, students may audit 1-2 undergraduate courses each semester for the standard auditing rate.

The total English preparation will involve 20-26 in-class hours per week.

For application forms and further information:

www.northwestu.edu/cele
Email: cele@northwestu.edu
Phone: 1-425-889-5335

Course Sequence

The following tracks of study are advised. Students test into level 1, 2, or 3 upon arrival using the Michigan Test. Advancing to the next level is also based on demonstrating competency through exit exams and earning an average grade of 85% in the current semester classes. Students will typically need to pass level 3 before being able to pass the exit exam, though some students may sufficiently excel in level 2, and they may opt out of level 3 if their Michigan test and essay writing score is high enough to qualify to matriculate.

Level I Level II Level III Level IV
LANG 0123 Grammar I LANG 0323 Grammar II LANG 0523 Grammar III LANG 0623 Grammar IV
LANG 0133 Writing I LANG 0333 Writing II: Literature Reflections LANG 0533 Writing III: Research Writing LANG 0633 Writing IV: Bridge
LANG 0143 Reading and Vocabulary I LANG 0343 Reading and Vocabulary II LANG 0543 Reading and Vocabulary III LANG 0643 Reading and Vocabulary IV
LANG 0163 Speaking I LANG 0363 Speaking II LANG 0563 Speaking III: Business English LANG 0663 Speaking IV: Bridge
LANG 0173 Integrated Listening I LANG 0373 Integrated Listening II Plus Selected NU Bridge Course Select THREE of the above
      Plus TWO Selected NU Bridge Courses

Testing

Advancing: When levels 1-3 studetns demonstrate competency through earn an average grade of 80% inthe current semester classes, they can advance to the next level of classes without retesting. Students may opt to take the iTEP if they wish to skip a level. If they take the iTEP and score in the advancing level range, they may skip a level. (For example, if a level 1 student wants to skip level 2, he or she must test into level 3 with an iTEP score of 60).

Repeating: If students earn an average grade of 70-79%, they must take the iTEP at the end of the semester to determine if they advance to the next level of classes by scoring in the advancing level range. If students have an average grade below 69% they must repeat the level.

Exiting: Level 4 Bridge students must take the iTEP at the end of the semester and meet the iTEP and GPA exit requirements to matriculate to either undergraduate or graduate programs. Undergraduate students must also demonstrate that they meet the Christian lifestyle standards of NU as demonstrated through a pastoral reference letter of equivalent reference.

Waivers: Exchange students who are studying abroad at NU from a sister university, who arrive with a TOEFL score of 80+, are not required to take the iTEP for placement.

Placement: International students, applying fro either undergraduate or graduate programs, who have graduated from a school that does not use English as a primary medium of instruction, may take the iTEP for placement in lieu of the TOEFL, IELTS, or EIKEN. Placement testing is conducted in person, by appointment, and at the beginning of each semester.

iTEP Level Placement

  • Level 1: Beginner — 0-49
  • Level 2: Elementary — 50-59
  • Level 3: Intermediate — 60-69
  • Bridge: Advanced —70-90

Exit Requirements: Undegraduate Matriculation

  • Pass Bridge Level
  • iTEP Score > 70
  • CELE Grades > 80%
  • NU GPA > 2.5

Exit Requirements: Graduate Matriculation

  • Pass Bridge Level
  • iTEP Score > 80
  • CELE Grades > 85%
  • NU GPA > 3.0