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Admission and Course Requirements
The
admission requirements for each course are followings.
▪ ESL: All students are accepted by a
placement test
·
Scholar’s Program
o
the age and/or degree do not apply
·
Master’s Program
o
by a placement test or after
he/she completes the Scholar’s program
·
Master’s Test Preparation Program
o
TOEFL/ LSAT: A student must at
least be a high school graduate or have a GED, but the GLI strongly
recommends a Bachelors degree for TESOL and LSAT
·
Test Preparation Class(SAT, GED,
and others)/ Business English Program/ International Kids Program
o
the age and/or degree do not apply
▪ TESOL
·
Certificate Program
o
By a placement test, an overall
TOEFL score of 550 or a completed ESL Master’s program
o
The student must at least be a
high school graduate or have a GED. The GLI strongly recommends a
Bachelor degree
·
Master Certificate Program
o
By an overall TOEFL score of 550
or a completed TESOL Certificate Program
o
A student must at least have a
bachelor degree and a teaching experience of at least 3 years
▪ Other International Language Programs:
All students are accepted by a placement test.
▪ For all Programs:
A student under the age of 18 must have approval by his/her
parent(s). A new student may enroll anytime, not just at the beginning of
a course, except for TESOL. Matriculation at mid-session, however,
depends on availability of space Midsession enrollees, if they wish to
continue, must reenroll for the subsequent session during registration
week (the seventh week). You will be applied by the prorated tuition
credits at the office Students who enroll, start mid-session, or who are
tested after the fifth week of a session and wish to start the following
session, may be asked to move from morning to evening or from evening to
morning classes. Or, at the school's option, students may be tutored if
there is no available course at the appropriate level or time The maximum
number of students in any given class is nine. The school will open a
class for as few as two students, or one student for Master’s Test
Preparation courses For F1 students: See International Students Policy
(see p.9-11)
Placements and Level Assignment
You
will be placed in one of seven levels according to the results of the
placement exam given on the first day. If, after you have begun your
classes, you feel you may not be in the appropriate level, you should do
the following:
·
Tell your teachers you think you
are on the wrong level and would like to move up or down a level.
·
Keep the receipts for all your
textbooks and not write in the books (in case you need to return them to
the bookstore).
·
Continue attending your classes
through the first week and wait for your teachers to meet at the level
placement meeting during the second week of the session.
If
ALL of your teachers agree that you have been placed on the wrong level,
you will have the option to move up or down one level. Since the
placement test is a very accurate measure of English ability, most
students do not change levels. Your teachers are very experienced in
determining the accuracy of student placement, and they will make the
recommendation for changing levels if they feel it is necessary. Students
do not choose their level of study.
Attendance and Grading
Attendance
Attendance
is very important. You must attend 70% of classes to receive a
certificate. If you miss more than 5 classes, your course grade will be
lowered one grade. Students who miss more than 8 periods of one class
will fail the course. If you are on an F-1 visa, failing to maintain
regular attendance in this program will jeopardize your non-immigrant
status.
If
you are ill and miss more than 3 days of class,
you should see a doctor to make
sure you are not seriously ill. After you are seen by a doctor, you
should bring a copy of the Health
Center document to
the office. The document should show you received treatment at the Health Center for a medical condition.
Being
tardy is not tolerated at GLI. If you are tardy more than 15 minutes for
4 times, this will count as 1 absence. If you are tardy more than 30
minutes, it will count as an absent.
Grading
Grades
at GLI are focused on providing feedback to students and ensuring quality
education through the GLI program. In the fifth week of the session, students
will receive a midterm evaluation. This evaluation will let students know
if they are passing or failing a course. If they are receiving a failing
grade at the midterm point, students need to discuss their academic work
with their instructors. Students who are not passing two or more courses
may need to speak to the academic coordinator or director.
At the end of each eight-week session,
the GLI will award a level completion certificate to each student who has
at least a “C” average in three of the four classes and who has attended
at least 70% of all classes at that level. Students who receive
certificates will be promoted to a higher level of study. At the end of
the session, students will receive a transcript with their final course
grades. Upon request of the student, the GLI will prepare and mail
official transcripts needed for university applications. Students who do
not receive a level completion certificate may re-take the placement test
on the first day of the next session of study. Based on the results of
the placement test, the student may be placed in the next higher level of
study.
The following grading system is used for
all courses; ▪ 90
and above: A (Excellent)
§
80 – 89: B (Good)
§
70 – 79: C (Pass)
§
69 and below: F/R (Failed/Repeat)
Factors that influence a student's grade
are course- and instructor- specific but normally include absences,
tardiness, class participation, as well as homework and test results.
A student must receive at least a 70
(grade C) in the course to proceed to the next level.
Graduation
The students who had been making successful
completion of the course and course- end examination will be applied for
graduation. ESL (F1) and TESOL (F1) must pass course examination and pass
all program requirements. For the graduation, the students must register
at least 3 sessions.
Refund
Refund
requests must be submitted for approval before the Friday of the 2nd week
of the session and must include the following:
1)
a completed refund request form, 2) a completed
early withdrawal form(to include the student’s name, the last date of
attendance, the reason for the early withdrawal, and the address where
the refund can be mailed), 3) the original receipt of payment, 4) the GA
Language Institute ID Card.
These forms are available at the front desk.
▪
Prior to Start of Session - 90% of tuition, none of fees
§
After Week 1 - 70% of tuition;
none of fees
§
After Week 2 – No refunds
All
application fees are non-refundable. Allow 15 business days to process
refunds, using the school Academic Calendar. All refunds are in U.S.
dollars and made by check.
For additional refund policies (including
exceptions to the above) specifically regarding international students
and tutoring students, see International students information.
Other Financial
Matters (all students)
Full payment is required before a student
is considered officially enrolled.
If for any reason a student enters class
or takes a placement test prior to full payment, that student is
financially responsible for one full session.
Tuition and other payments are due (for
continuing students) Registration Week (the seventh week of each session)
by Friday at 8 PM. A $50 fee applies for late payments.
Students who enroll after the first week
of a session (midsession enrollment) will receive a prorated tuition
credit (This does not apply to continuing F1 students).
Credits are based on rounding up to full
weeks and will be applied only to the following session.
No credit is issued for days absent
except in the case of a serious and extended illness (more than half the
course), in which case students are given the option of repeating the
course (one session) within one year at no charge. A doctor's note is
required.
A charge of $25 is due for all returned
checks or other refused transactions. Returned checks must be replaced by
cash or money order within one week. Otherwise, students may not enter
class.
Students are liable for all reasonable costs
associated with collection, including collection agency and attorney
fees.
New students who have enrolled and have
not begun class may postpone their matriculation. Written notification
must be received at least 15 business days prior to the start of a
session. A postponement charge of $75 will be applied to the student's
account (Does not apply to students waiting for a change of status).
Academic Probation and Dismissal
Students
must pass levels and receive certificates in order to remain in good
status at the Georgia Language Institute. If a student does not receive a
certificate for a session, he or she will receive a letter advising of
academic probation and the need to pass the current level. If a student
cannot pass the level or receive a certificate for the probationary
session, the student may not be permitted to enroll for additional
sessions.
GRIEVANCE (complaint) POLICY
Students
are encouraged to discuss academic problems with their teachers. Other
problems and questions can be discussed with the student advisor or the
director. If the student chooses, the grievance (complaint) may be
written in a letter and given to the director. The director will reply in
writing to the student within one week of receiving the written
grievance. If the director is not available, the acting director will
respond in writing.
CORE CURRICULUM
The
Language Institute offers five 8-week intensive English sessions per
year. Core classes meet four hours a day, five days per week. In
addition, four elective TOEFL preparation classes and other elective
courses are offered every session, and the multi-media labs are available
to students before and after class hours. As in any quality program of
instruction, every effort is made to keep classes small. The average
class size is 15. Since students speaking many different foreign
languages attend the program, all instruction is in English.
There are seven levels: 2 elementary, 2 intermediate, 2 advanced
and 1 masters. The different levels offer instruction to students
according to their abilities. Students attending the program can expect
to study the following basic skills:
GRAMMAR
classes introduce and review the
fundamentals of English grammar and usage through structured exercises
and communicative activities. Lessons are reinforced by daily class work
and written homework. Grammar for both written and oral communication is
introduced.
COMPOSITION
classes develop students’ written communication skills. The
writing curriculum progresses from highly controlled exercises to
paragraphs, themes, letters, and at the advanced levels, research papers.
READING
AND DISCUSSION classes
develop basic reading comprehension skills, including reading for detail,
main idea, and inference; speed reading, skimming, and reading for the
TOEFL; vocabulary building; and practicing oral communication of ideas
and information.
SPEAKING
AND LISTENING classes
help students develop their speaking ability in a variety of situations.
Students are given instruction and practice in conversational English,
group discussions, debates, presentations, and public speaking. Students
develop better accuracy in pronunciation and language use through
practice in these various activities.
Students
develop their listening skills through practice in understanding spoken
English in social, academic, and testing situations.
TOEFL
AND GRE/GMAT PREPARATION
The
TOEFL preparation classes are optional and are offered for a small charge
to enrolled students. Students may sign up for one or more of the four
TOEFL classes offered each session: speaking, listening, reading, and
writing.
Tutoring
Enrollment and financial commitment are
for a minimum of sixteen hours for tutoring; i.e., two hours per week for
eight weeks. For new students, tuition is due in full before beginning.
For continuing students, tuition is due the week before each subsequent
period of tutoring.
Student tardiness or absence will not be
made up. No credit is issued for days absent except in the case of a
serious and extended illness (more than half the schedule), in which case
students may make up absences within 90 days at no charge. A doctor's
note is required.
One-hour sessions are 55 minutes to allow
a break for the instructor. Two-hour sessions include a ten-minute break.
Vacation breaks, holidays, and teacher workdays are observed with respect
to all tutoring schedules. (See school Academic Calendar). Once a
tutoring schedule has been arranged, it may not be changed. The school
does not issue refunds for tutoring once a schedule has been arranged.
For further information concerning refunds, contact the office.
GLI Conduct Polices
There
are Five GLI policies that are very important for Language Institute
students. More information about these policies is available at the GLI
website or in the catalog.
You
can also discuss questions about these policies and how they affect you
with the Language Institute administrative staff.
DISCIPLINE/STUDENT CODE OF CONDUCT
This
provides a very brief overview of the Georgia Language Institute Student
Code of Conduct. A student enrolling in the Georgia Language Institute
assumes an obligation to conduct himself or herself in a manner
compatible with the Institute's function as an educational institution.
Actions considered inimical to the Institute and subject to discipline
fall into the categories of academic and nonacademic misconduct. The
Student Code of Conduct clearly defines these expectations and outlines
the adjudication process. The purpose of the Student Code of Conduct is
to educate all members of the GLI Community and to maintain an
environment conducive to academic excellence.
The
purpose of publishing disciplinary regulations is to give Students
general notice of prohibited behavior and the judicial process. This Code
is not written with the specificity of a criminal statute and should not
be confused with criminal proceedings. Judicial proceedings are not
restricted by the rules of evidence governing criminal and civil
proceedings. Questions of interpretation regarding The Student Code of
Conduct shall be referred to the director of GLI.
-
Others
No cell phones or other noise-creating
communication devices are allowed in the classroom.
Important
deadlines. All of the following are due three (3)
weeks in advance of a new session, more specifically, by Friday of the
fifth week of a current session:
That the teacher/student shall not enter into
a private agreement with GLI students for further educational
opportunities and will not entice students to depart GLI for private
instruction. Also, teachers
will not use GLI curriculum for private tutoring sessions or classes not
affiliated with GLI.
Upon departure from the GLI an instructor
will not teach, in another school or private venue, the same student
within 365 days of their departure.
Likewise if a GLI student departs the GLI they shall not be accepted
into another program instructed by the GLI instructor from which they
left.
Requests for courses, course or program
changes, or changes from morning to evening classes (or vice versa) must
be received in writing using the Course Change/Request form. Unless a
Course Change/Request form is submitted on time, students who re-enroll
are assumed to automatically continue the course or sequence of courses
in which they are currently enrolled. It is the student's responsibility
to request (on time) a course or course change.
Requests for vacation must be received in
writing using the Vacation Request form. (Vacation requests are required
for international students and requested for all students).
In the event a student or students are
late, a teacher is not required to wait more than thirty minutes.
It
is the student's responsibility to notify the school about changes in any
of the following: address, telephone number(s), fax number, e-mail
address (es).
Students must agree to abide by all
school policies, including but not limited to those enumerated here and
in the Student Handbook, incorporated herein by reference.
Prices and policies are subject to
change; changes apply upon re-enrollment. Please allow 3 business days to
process all administrative or document requests (Allow 5 business days
for the I-20 and all supporting documents once the application is
complete).
In
case of possible severe weather or other emergency situation,
please call the school. The
telephone will have a message indicating whether classes have been
canceled. If classes are to be canceled, a message will be available no
later than 6:30 AM (morning classes) or 3:00 PM (afternoon/evening
classes).
Office
hours: 9 AM to 5 PM, Monday through Friday.
(Except for holidays and one-week seasonal breaks. See the school Academic
Calendar.)
The
Institute reserves the right to take necessary and appropriate action to
protect the safety
and
well being of the campus community. Students may be accountable both to
civil authorities and the Institute for acts that constitute violations
of law and of this Code. Disciplinary action at the Institute will
normally proceed during pending criminal proceedings, and will not be
subject to challenge on the ground that criminal charges involving the
same incident have been dismissed or reduced. Students charged with
felonies may be Interim Suspended and given the opportunity to request a
review of the decision.
Expulsion
A student will be expelled after a
minimum of one written warning if he/she is openly rebellious,
disrespectful, disruptive, poses a danger to
anyone associated with the school, exhibits a willful lack of progress,
or otherwise disregards school policy. In the classroom, the instructor
will issue a verbal or written warning followed by an administrative
written warning if academic or other behavior is unacceptable. This
policy will be adhered to unless the severity of the situation warrants
immediate expulsion. Students who have excessive absences, have failed at
least one class, have cheated and/or plagiarized will be considered for
expulsion. Expulsion does not absolve a student of his financial
obligations to the school. F1 students must follow the regulations
required by SEVIS, otherwise the students will
be asked expulsion.
Sexual Harassment
Sexual
harassment of students or employees in GLI is prohibited and shall
subject the offender to dismissal or other sanctions after compliance
with procedural due process requirements. Unwelcome sexual advances,
requests for sexual favors, and other conduct can constitute sexual
harassment. For more information, contact the director.
Human Relations
The
Georgia Language Institute is a diverse community, composed of
individuals and groups with a variety of religious, racial, national,
cultural, sexual, and educational identities. To belong to a global
society, GLI must be a pluralistic institution. Only by embracing
diversity, Multifamily, and variety can we gain stature, strength, and
influence in that global society.
Student Records Privacy
The
Language Institute will not release information about your grades at the
Language Institute without your written permission. This policy and
others are part of the Family Educational Rights Privacy Act (FERPA).
Health Records Privacy
The
Georgia Language Institute is dedicated to maintaining the privacy of
your individually identifiable health information as required by the
Health Insurance Portability Act
and
Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA).
For F1 students
International
Students Policies(Students holding or applying for an F1 Visa)
1. F1 students are required to make
normal progress in their studies. Normal progress is defined as follows:
International students must attend at least 70% of their classes (see
below) and achieve a grade (in all classes) of not less than 70%.
2. Specific minimum attendance
requirements (for each eight week session) are as follows:
·
Scholar's Course: 28 days (10 days
absence)
·
Master’s English or Master’s Test
Preparation (22 hour/week courses): 116 hours (including class time)
3. Students enrolled in either Master’s
English or Master’s Test Preparation courses must choose to be available
for classes either in the mornings (8:00 AM - 12:30 PM) or in the
evenings (6:00pm - 9:30 PM on Tue-Fri., 6:00pm-10:00pm only Mon.).
Classes are scheduled within these time frames for either one or two days
per week for a total of three hours per week. The school cannot guarantee
or necessarily honor student preferences for more specific class times.
4. The USCIS requires that it be notified
within 10 days of a change in address. Such notification can be made to
the school and the school in turn will notify the USCIS.
5. Prospective F-1 student not approved
for a student visa at a US Embassy or for a change to F-1 status by the
USCIS are eligible for a 75% tuition refund
except application fee. A written request and proof of denial are
required within 60 days of the government's denial.
6. No refunds are available for
(prospective) F-1 students who do not complete either the embassy initial
entry or USCIS change of status or reinstatement process. However, the
school will issue a 100% tuition credit to be applied against any
regularly scheduled course for one year, provided space is available.
(This credit is for applicant use only).
7. If a student is denied a visa or
change of status and elects to reapply, then for purpose of a refund, the
application is considered new.
8. F-1 transfer students are financially
responsible for one full session once SEVIS records have been
transferred. Refunds, therefore, are not available.
9. F-1 students are eligible for a
vacation after "one academic year" or eight months of
continuous study. Requests for vacation for a subsequent session must be
received in writing using the Vacation Request form by Friday of the
fifth week of a session.
10. Students who intend to transfer or
stop studying at GLI after the vacation may not apply. They must intend
to return and are financially responsible for the session subsequent to
their vacation.
9. International students must request a
transfer out (using our Transfer-out Request form) on or before the Friday of the
fifth week of a session, and present proof of acceptance no later than
the last day of the same session. Students who do not meet these
requirements and do not re-register for a subsequent session are
financially obligated for one full session tuition. Please see the
school's Transfer-out Request form (incorporated here by reference) for
additional information. Change of status including transferred to Scholar’s
Program or reinstatement applicants must complete at least (Four) 4
sessions or graduate from the ESL before they are eligible to transfer.
10. Students approved for change of
status must begin at the next available session or within two weeks,
whichever is sooner.
11. Enrollment in either the Master’s
English (ME)
or Master’s Test Preparation(MTP) Program is contingent on meeting
program prerequisites. Students who enroll for either the ME or MTP
program but are required to complete the Scholar’s English Program or to
pass the placement test of GLI are financially responsible for the
difference in tuition.
Students applying for reinstatement to F1
status are required to begin study no later than the start date indicated
on their I-20. All school policies that apply to F1 students also apply
to them. (For example, they may not break for vacation until after four
sessions.)
12. Students must agree to abide by all
school policies, including but not limited to those enumerated here and
in the Student Handbook, incorporated herein by reference.
13. Prices and policies are subject to
change; changes apply upon re-enrollment.
14. For all disputes involving refunds or
charges: Before legal action
is initiated, all parties agree to seek mediation by the Justice Center
of Atlanta. Costs (estimated to be between $250-300) will be borne
equally.
15. Full payment is required before a
student is considered officially enrolled.
16. If for any reason a student enters
class or takes a placement test prior to full payment, that student is
financially responsible for one full session.
17. Tuition and other payments are due
(for continuing students) Registration Week (the seventh week of each
session) by Friday at 8 PM. A $50 fee applies for late payments.
18. Students who enroll after the first
week of a session (midsession enrollment) will receive a prorated tuition
credit. (This does not apply to
continuing F1 students.) Credits are based on rounding up to full
weeks and will be applied only to the following session.
19. No credit is issued for days absent
except in the case of a serious and extended illness (more than half the
course), in which case students are given the option of repeating the
course (one session) within one year at no charge. A doctor's note is
required.
20. A charge of $25 is due for all
returned checks or other refused transactions. Returned checks must be
replaced by cash or money order within one week. Otherwise, students may
not enter class.
21. Students are liable for all
reasonable costs associated with collection, including collection agency
and attorney fees.
22. New students who have enrolled and
have not begun class may postpone their matriculation. Written
notification must be received at least 15 business days prior to the
start of a session. A postponement charge of $75 will be applied to the
student's account. (Does not apply to students waiting for a change of
status.)
F-1
STUDENT INFORMATION
IF
YOU USE AN I-20 ISSUED BY THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE:
•
you can enter the U.S.
no more than 30 days prior to the program start date on the I-20
•
you must complete your registration at the Georgia Language Institute for
a full-time Program of
study
•
you must attend classes on a regular basis
•
you must complete your program of study
WHILE
ENROLLED AT THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE:
•
your passport must be valid at all times
•
you are not authorized to work off campus
•
you are authorized to work on campus, but on campus applications will be
accepted on a first come, first serve basis
AFTER
YOU COMPLETE YOUR LANGUAGE INSTITUTE STUDIES:
•
you have 60 days to depart the U.S.,
or
•
30 days to transfer to a new school.
TEMPORARY
DEPARTURE FROM THE U.S.
If
you leave the U.S. for
a short vacation or an emergency and you plan to return to the
Language
Institute to continue your studies, you will need to bring your I-20 and
passport to the front office before you travel.
ADDRESS
INFORMATION
It
is an immigration requirement that you provide current address
information to the
Georgia
Language Institute. If you move during the session or during the break
between sessions, you must notify our office of your address change.
LEAVING
YOUR FORWARDING ADDRESS
When
you leave GLI, please leave a valid address at the front desk.
If
you receive mail at your home address (not at the Language Institute),
you should complete a forwarding address card at your local post office.
If the post office does not have a forwarding address for you, your mail
will be returned to the sender. If you receive mail at the Language
Institute, it is your responsibility to give individuals and business
your new address information.
The
Language Institute does not forward student mail.
TRANSFER
TO THE LANGUAGE INSTITUTE
If
you are transferring to the Language Institute, you will receive
your new I-20 after you complete registration and begin classes.
OFF-CAMPUS
EMPLOYMENT
Language
Institute students in F-1 status are not eligible for off-campus work
authorization.
Change of Status
Procedures of Status within the U.S.
In order to change from one nonimmigrant status to F-1 student, the applicant must received full academic admission at Georgia
Language Institute and submit the required financial documents to
International Service.
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