The Oakwood University ESL Support Services program offers both curricular and co-curricular resources to assist students whose first language is not English. The program aims to develop students’ proficiency in spoken and written English and to prepare them for success in academic and professional environments.
Program Components
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ESL-specific coursework in grammar, composition, reading comprehension, and listening/speaking
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Academic advising and support services
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Cultural and historical enrichment excursions throughout Alabama and the southern U.S.
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Access to the University’s Language Lab, currently located in Moran Hall
Student Learning Outcomes
Students completing the ESL program will be able to:
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Demonstrate proficiency in English grammar in oral and written communication
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Write coherent compositions with thesis statements and detailed support
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Apply critical thinking skills to interpret written English texts
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Exhibit academic speaking skills, including summarizing, debating, and synthesizing ideas
ESL Placement and Admission Requirements
Language Proficiency Testing
Students who did not attend a high school in English for four full years must take an English language placement test. International students from non-English-speaking countries must submit standardized language proficiency scores:
| Level | TOEFL (Paper) | TOEFL (iBT) | Duolingo | IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Beginning |
<459 |
<42 |
<80 |
<5.0 |
| Low Intermediate | 460–542 | 42–71 |
80–105 |
5.5-6.0 |
| High Intermediate | 543–626 | 72–94 |
105–120 |
6.5 |
| Low Advanced |
627–649 |
95–100 |
125–130 |
7.0 |
| Exempt | 650+ |
101+ |
131+ |
7.5+ |
Competitiveness:
To be competitive, international students should submit a minimum TOEFL score of 650 (paper- based) or 101 (Internet-based), or an equivalent score on another approved test (Duolingo, IELTS, etc.).
Course Progression and Completion
Students progress through four proficiency levels: Beginning, Low Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Low Advanced. Advancement occurs by:
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Completing all required courses at a given level with a grade of “C” or better (or “Pass” for pass/fail courses), or
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Achieving a qualifying score on TOEFL or university-administered placement tests
Completion Benchmarks:
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Completion of ESL 122 High Intermediate Composition and ESL 132 Advanced Composition satisfies the EN 111 Freshman Composition requirement.
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Students who complete courses at the Low Advanced level transition into mainstream university courses, with continued support from the ESL office.
CLEP Option:
Students completing ESL 111 and/or EL 113, and passing the CLEP exam in English, also satisfy the EN 111 Freshman Composition requirement.
Policies
Attendance Policy
Attendance and punctuality are mandatory. Absences double the number of credit hours may result in a grade of FA at the instructor’s discretion. Makeup work must be completed within seven days of any absence. Students must inform instructors at least 72 hours in advance of any planned absence due to university-approved activities.
Grading Policy
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Pass/Fail Courses: “Pass” is required for successful completion.
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Letter-Graded Courses: A minimum grade of “C” is required.
Grievance Policy
Students with concerns regarding grading, fairness, or academic conduct should first speak with the course instructor. If unresolved, they may escalate the issue to the ESL Program Director, and finally to the Provost or Provost’s designee if necessary.