| ESL Handbook
UMC English as Second Language
In fall 2006,
the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) established an English as Second Language program (ESL). This is a pre-collegiate English program which provides English language instruction and related support services to foreign students who are both qualified for and have a desire to study undergraduate classes at UMC.
The ESL program prepares foreign students to successfully compete with their American peers in college classrooms. The program provides language instruction in a multi-level, multi-skill language program and cooperates closely with the UMC academic and student support offices. The ESL program increases campus diversity and cultural experiences for all students.
The ESL program offers a multi-level, non-credit program in English as a Second Language. The program offers semester sessions with minimum of 20 or more hours of instruction each week. There are three levels of instruction: beginning, intermediate, and advanced. Each level usually takes a semester (16 weeks) to complete. Summer session includes 8 week courses.
The University of Minnesota, Crookston offers non degree seeking admission to academically qualified candidates for the ESL program. UMC’s English requirement for admission as a degree seeking student must be fulfilled by the TOEFEL exam (65 Internet, 190 Computer, or 520 Paper) or successful completion of UMC advanced ESL courses.
Application for Admission
Application to the ESL Center is open to all who are at least 17 years of age, have completed high school, have adequate funds to pay fees, and are motivated to attend all classes, do all homework, and follow the United States, University of Minnesota, and program policies and rules. The application form is available by clicking here. The form must be signed and include two letters of reference, bank letter (financial statement –minimum amount $11,000 US per semester), and $30 application fee payable to the University of Minnesota, Crookston. Completed form is to be sent to ESL, 240 Student Center, University of Minnesota, Crookston, 2900 University Ave., Crookston, MN 56716. phone 218-281-8339
New students are encouraged to arrive four days before the beginning of classes. This allows for orientation to the campus, course placement testing, shopping, and adjustment to their new learning and living environment.
All new students take a course placement test. After review of the test results, the faculty will conduct individual student interviews to assess student goals and abilities to aid in course placement. Faculty will review student progress at the end of the second week to determine if students are enrolled in the course level appropriate for student success.
Classes meet two hours daily, 10 hours each week. Most classes are small with minimum of 5 students and maximum of 15. Students develop English language skills in reading, writing, grammar, speaking and listening. Students normally have 10 to 20 hours of homework each week. Tutors are available in the afternoon and evening. Class attendance is mandatory.
ESL students who are planning to enroll in a degree program at UMC or at another American College will only be promoted from elementary to intermediate to advanced level when they attain a minimum course grade.
Level 1 Beginning Courses - Proficiency Score
ESL 0100 English Reading and Vocabulary I: 10 hours per week, 5 credits; Does not count toward graduation; Identify topic, thesis, main idea, and supporting details in paragraphs; and vocabulary building activities. Learn “signals” such as transitional words and phrases, and referents, to effectively follow the logic and structure of paragraphs. Summarize and paraphrase sentences and paragraphs. Improve reading speed and fluency through timed readings. Comprehension stressed.
ESL 0120 English Writing: 10 hours per week, 5 credits; Does not count toward graduation; Basic elements of academic writing and the writing process emphasizing unified and coherent writing, paragraph structure, short essays, journal writing, proofreading, and editing skills.
ESL 0130 English Grammar and Vocabulary: 10 hours per week; 5 credits; Does not count toward graduation; Review English grammar through written and oral practice. Vocabulary building is a major component of the course requiring the usage of correct grammar and pronunciation.
Individual and group tutoring is available Monday through Thursday late afternoon and early evening. It is expected that students participate in tutoring sessions.
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Level 2 Intermediate Courses – Proficiency Score
ESL 0210 English Reading and Vocabulary II: 10 hours per week; 5 credits; Does not count toward graduation; Improve/ refine reading comprehension skills through active and systemic vocabulary building. Critical readings from multiple sources and in different genres. Summarize and paraphrase paragraphs and essays orally and in writing. Improvement in reading speed and fluency through regular timed readings. Comprehension stressed.
ESL 0220 English Writing and Research: 10 hours per week, 5 credits, Does not count towards graduation; Basic introduction to research writing skills emphasizing summarizing and paraphrasing, short essays, and a final research project.
ESL 0230 English Grammar and Speaking: 10 hours per week, 5 credits; Does not count toward graduation; English grammar through written and oral practice. Use of correct grammar in conversation will be a major component of the course.
GnEd 1000 Seminar for New Students: 2 hours per week; 1 credit; Course counts toward graduation as an elective; Skills for adjusting to College level academics.
Individual and group tutoring is available Monday through Thursday late afternoon and early evening. It is expected that students participate in tutoring sessions. back to top
Level 3 Advanced Courses – Proficiency Score
ESL 0310 Oral Communication: 10 hours per week, 5 credits, Does not count towards graduation; Conversation, listening comprehension, pronunciation, and presentation skills.
ESL 0320 Research Writing and Presentation: 10 hours per week, 5 credits, Does not count towards graduation; Introduction to college-level research writing and presentation skills. Investigate research topics in a variety of disciplines while enhancing argumentative and critical thinking abilities. Oral communication and presentation skills will be a component of the course. A final research paper along with an oral presentation required.
Students enrolled in level 3 ESL courses typically enroll in two regular credit UMC courses.
Individual and group tutoring is available for both the ESL and UMC courses. back to top
All UMC students including ESL students are provided college computers as part of their tuition and fees. Nearly every classroom has Internet and electric power at each student seat. Wireless Internet is available throughout the campus. There is a computer Help Desk and printers are widely available. All students are expected to write letters and papers using computers and to access the Internet for information searches as part of the learning environment. Students are required to use UMC email as the official means of communication during their enrollment at UMC. All dormitory rooms are wired for computers.
Students who successfully complete the ESL Program will receive a certificate of participation.
Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees is projected to be $2000 per five credit course. Other expenses include books, student services and technology fees, and health insurance estimated at about $1500 per semester. On-campus room and board is estimated at $2500. Therefore with some funds for personal expenses the estimated cost of enrollment as a full-time ESL student is $11,000 per semester.
Health Insurance
Health Insurance must be purchased from the College – no exceptions.
Immigration Policies
Students studying in the US with an F-1 visa must maintain full-time student status or minimum of 12 credits. This policy requires students at the beginning and intermediate level to take 3 ESL program classes.
International students who travel outside the U.S. on holiday or for other reasons must have their I-20 signed by the ESL Compliance Officer before leaving on their trip. Therefore, students must plan well ahead of expected travel time for travel outside the U.S.
International students are allowed to work on campus part-time. Campus jobs cannot begin until a student receives his/her social security card. It takes about two weeks after arrival and completion of request to receive the social security document. There are few campus jobs so it is best not to expect campus employment. Immigration law does not allow foreign students to work off campus.
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