Student Handbook

The Tutorium Intensive English Program (IEP) is a non-degree English program for speakers of other languages.

• There are three equivalent sessions per year (Spring, Summer, Fall).
• There are five levels of instruction, from beginning to advanced. (All levels may not always be offered.)
• A student completes one level per semester.
• Courses may be repeated once if the student is unable to reach the learning outcomes the first semester in the course.
• Class size averages 12-15 students per class to ensure individual attention.

Full-time students in levels one through four take two integrated courses (a Reading/Writing course and a Listening/Speaking course) that develop conversation, pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, reading, composition, listening comprehension, academic preparation, and cultural awareness.

Students in level five take a series of eight modular courses focused on gaining the skills to complete academic and professional tasks. All courses are designed to enable highly motivated students to quickly and effectively acquire the language skills necessary to meet their professional, academic, social, and personal goals.

The program curriculum emphasizes learning strategies and language skills to meet the needs of adult students. All courses feature methods and materials that reflect current practice in second language teaching and are taught by experienced professional faculty with advanced degrees.

For detailed descriptions of the learning objectives in each level, see “Descriptions of Attained Proficiency at the Tutorium.”

• Intensive English Program

The English for International Professionals Series (EIPS) provides evening, weekend, and asynchronous online courses, custom courses for UIC departments and external partners, tutoring and editing services, as well as test preparation and testing services. https://tie.uic.edu/esl-programs/ provides the most up to date information on EIPS courses.

Courses include evening, weekend and online Speaking and Writing Courses as well as daytime Listening/Speaking and Reading/Writing Courses. EIPS Test Preparation courses address the iBT and IELTS. EIPS courses change and develop to meet the specific needs of groups and individuals.

Students in these courses are typically citizen/residents, UIC undergraduate, graduate, or postgraduate individuals.  Those students connected to UIC will take the English courses as a supplement to their main courses or work at UIC.  These students are not receiving an I-20 based on English study with TIE.

TESOL Professional Development Series

EIPS also offers a series of online TESOL Professional Development courses.  This is a set of three online courses designed to prepare instructors to teach English to speakers of other languages.

• These courses include ELSI 061 Introduction to Applied Linguistics, ELSI 062 Language Teaching Methodologies, and ELSI 069 Practicum in Language Teaching.
• Admission requirements are a high school diploma, the ability to take class in English, and reliable internet access.

This program is for people with or without prior experience who hope to teach abroad, locally, or online. Upon completion of the program, trainees will be prepared to teach and tutor English as a Second or Foreign Language.

The full program takes approximately 135 hours to complete and requires a participant to find and complete a 10-hour teaching practicum. All courses are offered online every term. Students may select to take courses one at a time or simultaneously. If taken one at a time, it is best to take 061, then 062, with the practicum course last.

• English for International Professionals Series

The Undergraduate Accelerator program combines English language instruction, academic preparation, and degree coursework for students accepted to UIC through the pathway program.

Placement Examination

All new students take the Placement Examination. This four-part examination helps determine which of the five levels is the best place for you to start. This examination measures multiple language skills: listening comprehension, vocabulary, grammar, reading comprehension, speaking, and composition.

Student Level Preference

After the Placement Examination, we ask which level you feel is best for you. This helps the Tutorium make the best placement decision.

Re-Evaluation of Placement

All students are re-evaluated by the teachers during the first week of class to make sure that every student is in the right level. If you have any questions or comments about your classes, talk to your teachers. All level changes are made during the first two weeks of the session.

Assessment

• In each class, you will take a minimum of four exams (including the midterm and final).
• All exams are given only once.
• All students must take the exams on the scheduled day.
• Missing any of these tests may result in a grade of Unsatisfactory.
• Tests and other assessments given in each course (which may include writing projects, speaking activities, and presentations) are explained on each course outline.

Grades

Satisfactory

If you receive a grade of Satisfactory, you pass that level and are ready to study in the next level for that class. A student who has made extraordinary progress may be invited by the Program Director to skip one level.

Unsatisfactory

If you receive a grade of Unsatisfactory in a class, you must repeat that class if continuing at the Tutorium. If you do not successfully complete a class on the second attempt, you may not enroll again at the Tutorium without special permission. The Tutorium staff will help you find other ways to address your situation.  Please contact tutorium@uic.edu for counseling.

Midterm Discussions

Halfway through the session you will review your grades and create a Midterm Action Plan for each course. You will use this when you have a one-on-one conference with your teacher. The goal is to ensure that you are aware of your individual progress and learn how to create a plan for success in your academic careers.

Final Grade Reports

At the end of the session you will receive a grade of Satisfactory (pass) or Unsatisfactory (fail) for each course.

In levels one through four:

A student must have a Satisfactory grade in both of the skills in the course in order to pass. For example, if a student receives a Satisfactory in Reading but an Unsatisfactory in Writing, the student will fail the course. If you receive a grade of Unsatisfactory, you cannot advance to the next level in that particular course.

In level five:

Each of the eight courses has a single grade which indicates the final result. Passing IEP Level 5 Guidelines

Criteria

Final grades depend on language proficiency. There are various aspects of proficiency for each course, and they are explained on the course syllabus. You will also receive an evaluation of your class performance, including homework and class participation. Level 5 students are evaluated on various academic and professional skills as well as language proficiency as outlined in the course syllabus.

• The Tutorium Grade Appeal Process

Academic Progress

Repeat Policy

Courses with a Satisfactory grade may not be repeated. Courses with an Unsatisfactory grade may be repeated once without written permission. To repeat a course more than once requires written permission from the Associate Director or Director of the Tutorium.

Incomplete

The Tutorium generally does not offer a grade of Incomplete. To discuss very special circumstances, contact the TIE office, tutorium@uic.edu.

Split Levels

For full-time students, a difference of one level for each course is allowed, such as Level 1 for Reading/Writing and Level 2 for Listening/Speaking. If a split-level student receives an unsatisfactory grade in their lower level, the result is a difference of more than one level for the next term. If you are in this situation, you must meet with the Tutorium Director or Associate Director to determine an appropriate study plan.

Assessment

Assessment of student learning varies per course and is based on successful completion of tasks including tests and quizzes, discussion board posts, oral and written assignments, and projects. Tasks for each course are explained in detail on the course outline, syllabus, and Blackboard site.

Grades

Final Grade Reports

At the end of the course, you will receive a grade of Satisfactory (pass) or Unsatisfactory (fail).

Criteria

Final grades depend on the evaluation criteria listed for the course and explained in the course syllabus. You will also receive an evaluation of your class performance and the progress you have made towards achieving the learning outcomes of the course.

Academic Progress

There are no levels in EIPS courses, but an appropriate next course may be recommended to you based on your skills and level, as well as language and professional or academic needs.

Repeat Policy

Courses may be repeated, but we advise that you first contact the EIPS Program Chair or Tutorium staff to determine if repeating a course or taking a different course would be recommended.

Incomplete

The Tutorium generally does not offer a grade of Incomplete. To discuss very special circumstances, contact the EIPS Program Chair through the Tutorium office, tutorium@uic.edu.

Assessment

Assessment of student learning is based on successful completion of tasks including discussion board posts, quizzes, assignments, and projects. Tasks for each course are explained in detail on the course outline, syllabus, and Blackboard site.

Grades

Final Grade Reports

At the end of the term you will receive a grade of Satisfactory (pass) or Unsatisfactory (fail) for each course.

Criteria

Final grades depend on meeting course objectives, as shown by an average score of 70% or higher. In order to earn a certificate of completion for the 135-hour program, students must have a Satisfactory grade in ELSI 061, 062, and 069.

Academic Progress

Repeat Policy

Courses with a Satisfactory grade may not be repeated, with the exception of ELSI 069. Courses with an Unsatisfactory grade may be repeated once without written permission. To repeat a course more than once requires written permission from the Associate Director or Director of the Tutorium.

Incomplete

The Tutorium generally does not offer a grade of Incomplete. To discuss very special circumstances, contact the TIE office, tutorium@uic.edu.

Near the end of every semester, students are asked to complete evaluation forms for their courses and for the program services.

• All evaluations are anonymous.
• Administrators and instructors are not allowed to view evaluation results until AFTER all final grades are submitted.

The Tutorium is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), which requires regular reports and site evaluations. Tutorium membership in organizations such as the Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and EnglishUSA also requires continuing outside evaluation of the Tutorium.

Registering for Your Courses

Students must use the UIC system to register for their Tutorium courses. Near the end of every semester, you will be able to register for the next semester. The Tutorium will send you a reminder when it is time to register for the next semester, along with instructions on how to register.

Intensive English students

• Continuing students register for the next semester after grades are posted from the current semester.
• The Tutorium staff assists new students with registration during orientation week.

All Intensive English Program students register according to UIC’s registration ticket calendar. The IEP student classification is “Special Groups”.

EIPS students are provided with registration information via email.

Note to Students on F-1 Visas: If you plan to travel outside the United States between sessions, you must be registered as a full-time student for the next semester at the Tutorium to use the UIC OIS I-20 to re-enter the United States.

• OIS Travel Guidance for International Students

The Tutorium office provides a variety of letters depending on your needs. You can request, at no extra cost, letters for :

• certificate of enrollment
• address verification
• fees paid
• transfer letter
• or a special letter written for your specific situation

To request a special letter, contact the Tutorium office at tutorium@uic.edu.

What is FERPA?

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) is a federal law that gives eligible students certain rights with respect to their educational records. They are:

• the right to inspect and review the student’s own education records,
• the right to protect against disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s education records (students must authorize or give consent first) except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent (this is the case with students on student visas),
• the right to request changes to education records to ensure that they are not inaccurate, misleading, or otherwise in violation of the student’s privacy or other rights, and
• the right to file with the U.S. Department of Education a complaint concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA.

The student should first file a complaint with the head of the university unit that maintains the records in question. If, after exhausting all internal remedies available within the university, the student still thinks his/her rights have been violated, the appropriate address for sending a written complaint is listed below:

Family Policy Compliance Office

US Department of Education

400 Independence Avenue SW

Room 1366

Washington, D.C. 20202-4605

For more information, go to the FERPA Website at: https://studentprivacy.ed.gov/

• UIC FERPA Policy and Instructions

Who to Contact

If you have suggestions or problems at any time, you can:

• Discuss them with your teachers or contact the Tutorium office at tutorium@uic.edu. You can discuss your classes, immigration, or personal issues.
• Schedule an appointment with the program Director, or the Associate Director by emailing tutorium@uic.edu.
• Include your suggestions or concerns in the anonymous evaluations that all students complete at the end of every semester.

If you have problems with other people, we suggest you talk to, in this order:

1. that person
2. your teacher
3. the Tutorium office

It is important that your problem or complaint is heard.  Please don’t be afraid to talk about it.  Most problems have a solution and talking about it is the best way to fix the problem.

The UIC Grievance Process

Very serious matters (formal complaints) may also go through the UIC Grievance process.

• Students should contact their instructor or the Tutorium for help.
• We will help you understand UIC policies and what other UIC offices can do to help you.
• The Tutorium grade appeal process is the same as the UIC academic grievance process.

For additional help, you can also go to the Office of the Dean of Students/Student Affairs: (312) 996-4857, 1200 W. Harrison St.|3030 Student Services Building.

Please contact the Tutorium office (tutorium@uic.edu) before making changes to your class schedule, dropping from a class, or withdrawing. It is important to speak with a staff member to discuss your situation because you must follow UIC policies: Registration Policies and Procedures | UIC Office of the Registrar.

If you do not notify the Tutorium office before making changes or you just stop attending:

• Payment will still be required. (Refunds are provided depending on the date of withdrawal.)
• You will receive a failing grade.
• You may not be allowed to return to the Tutorium in the future.
• You may lose your immigration status if you have an F-1 student visa.

Note to Students on F-1 Visas: Dropping classes is not possible unless you are leaving the program because you must be Full-time. See Maintaining Full-time Status for more information.

Note to Sponsored Students: Students with sponsorship are encouraged to consult with their sponsoring organizations directly if considering changing schedule, withdrawing, or dropping.

If something happens and you must leave the program, you must follow UIC’s procedures: Registration Policies and Procedures | UIC Office of the Registrar. Students who wish to withdraw from classes or the program must understand the rules are different depending on the time in the semester at which you need to leave.

Notify the Tutorium office so we can properly advise you and assist you.

If you drop your class before the second week of classes (the Add/Drop deadline), use my.uic.edu.

If you miss the Add/Drop deadline and drop or withdrawing from from your class anytime from the third week to the end of classes, you must contact the Tutorium at tutorium@uic.edu to sign the withdrawal form so you can submit it to the UIC Registrar.

Refund Policy

If you notify the Tutorium that you are leaving the program, fees are refunded according to the UIC refund policy.

For additional information, see IEP Tuition & Fees,  https://tie.uic.edu/apply, and https://tie.uic.edu/esl-programs/tesol.

According to the Tutorium code of behavior, students are responsible for the following:

• attending class every day,
• being on time to class (arrive early so that you can start on time), and
• participating in class (part of participating is being prepared).

In addition, successful English language students are expected to:

• use English for many hours every day.
•  do their homework carefully
•  arrive on time to class with their books and homework, prepared to learn.
• understand that they are responsible for learning
• understand that learning takes a lot of time and effort every day

Your attendance is taken by instructors in all programs.  Attendance is an important part of being a successful student; however, if you must be absent, you should…

• email your instructor in advance (before you are absent).
  • If you know that you will be absent due to the observance of a religious holiday, you must tell your teacher in advance. Please refer to https://oae.uic.edu/religious-calendar/ to check the university’s official holidays.
  • Do not plan appointments (doctor, advisor, etc.) during class time. When making appointments, tell the secretary the times that you are not free to come in.  This is normal, and the secretary will expect you to do this.
• study any lessons you missed and practice any activities or assignments that you have missed.
  • You should check Blackboard to find out what you missed.
  • You can also ask any friends in class as well as your instructor.
  • Please note that if you miss an exam, activity, or assignment, the instructor may decide that you are NOT able to take it at a later time, and you will receive no credit on that item.

After a significant number of absences as determined by your instructor, you will be asked to:

• discuss your absences with your instructor or the department; and/or
• read and sign a statement regarding absences and the consequences of being absent too often.

Attendance below 80% is considered unacceptable. Students whose attendance is less than 80% for two consecutive semesters will not be allowed to register for a third semester.

Note to Students on F-1 Visas: Immigration rules require students to attend class and show satisfactory academic progress.  Student visas are granted on the expectation that students will, in fact, be in class studying.

According to immigration, students on F-1 visas need to make progress in order to receive an I-20 extension. The Tutorium works with OIS when a student needs an I-20 extension. The Tutorium generally recommends an extension when students are showing progress through the program.

When an I-20 extension is requested. The following factors will be taken into consideration:

• Course Grades: Generally, unsuccessful completion of the same course more than twice will not support extension of I-20.
• Attendance record: An attendance record of less than 80% will not support extension of I-20.
• Lack of adherence to UIC and class policies as stated in syllabi, student handbook, and on UIC website will not support extension of I-20.

Please see the Maintaining Full-time Status section for more information.

Note to Sponsored Students: Students with sponsorship are encouraged to consult with their sponsoring organizations as some sponsoring organizations have different attendance reporting rules.

In the U.S., students are expected to arrive early in order to start class on time.

If you are late, you disrupt the class, its teacher, and other students. You also may miss activities that will cause learning and participation issues.

Although you should not be late, if you are late to class, you should still come! You want to learn as much as you can.

Participation is essential for language development. Just as musicians, athletes, and video gamers spend a lot of time practicing, language learners must also practice all the time. Tutorium classes are designed to give students time to practice in a supportive environment. Participation helps your teacher know how to help you learn and gives you a chance to show what you have learned. Actively participating gives you an opportunity outside of exams to show you have achieved the necessary skills.

Participation includes:

• being prepared
• completing homework
• completing important assignments like papers or presentations
• actively contributing in classroom activities

Because language learning requires interaction and concentration, phones can distract from your learning and the learning of your classmates.

Unless your instructor asks you to use your phone or gives you permission, you must turn off your cell phone before each class begins.

• If your cell phone disrupts class in any way, you may be asked to leave it with the instructor.
• For security purposes, phones are also collected on days in which exams are given or reviewed.

• A student may not bring a guest to a class without the prior permission of the department. This includes any special events during class hours.
• Sometimes observers from the Tutorium or other programs may visit classes. These observers are scheduled to help us improve the quality of the program and to provide service to the profession and community as part of our mission.

As a Tutorium student, you are expected to check and use your UIC email account. It is the official form of communication at UIC, and your teachers, the Tutorium office, and your classmates will use it to contact you.

Always use your UIC email when you:

• Email your teacher if you will be absent or late to class
• Email your classmates to ask about homework if you are absent
• Check and respond to important emails from your teacher or the office

Ask your teacher if you are having problems accessing your email.

The Tutorium expects all students to be honest in their academic work. This means that you are expected to do your own work. If you cheat, you will receive a failing grade.

• UIC Guidelines for Academic Integrity
• Tutorium Guidelines for AI Use in the Classroom

Please take note of the following:

• Do not copy someone else’s homework
• Do not use information copied from the internet unless for a research paper and giving proper credit
• Do not get or give help to anyone in any form as related to an examination. Sharing exam information through screenshots, photos, or other forms is strictly prohibited.
• Do not look at dictionaries, notes, the internet or other sources during an exam when it is not permitted.
• Do not submit work that you have done in the past.
• On testing days and test review days, teachers may require that students leave their phones or other devices on the teacher’s desk.

If your teacher is more than 10 minutes late for class, please contact the Tutorium office at (312) 996-8098 or tutorium@uic.edu for instructions.

UIC and the Tutorium are committed to providing and preserving an educational and work environment free from all forms of sex discrimination, sexual harassment and other sexual misconduct (collectively referred to as “sexual misconduct”).

Interactions between people of different genders are viewed in different ways in different cultures. However, regardless of cultural differences, we must all treat each other with respect at all times.

Sexual relationships which are not clearly agreed to by all the people involved are not good ones. If you feel nervous or uncomfortable in a relationship, get help. You can call 911 or UIC police for immediate help. You can go to the RA in your Dormitory. Tutorium staff can also help you.

Be sure that any relationships that you form are ones that both you and the other persons agree to. If someone is forcing you, please get help. UIC has many ways to help. If you don’t know where to go or what to do, the Tutorium staff can help you. Do not be afraid or ashamed.

UIC Policies

UIC prohibits and will not tolerate sexual misconduct of or by students, employees, patients, applicants for enrollment or employment, or others in its education programs or activities. The UIC Sexual Misconduct Policy applies to sexual misconduct that is alleged to have been committed by a UIC student, student organization, faculty or staff member:

• On-campus, which includes the University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System
• Off-campus, in connection with a University recognized program or activity
• Off-campus, in a manner that may pose an obvious and serious threat of harm or may have the effect of creating a hostile educational environment for any member of the University community

Reporting Sexual Misconduct

Immediately after a sexual assault, physical assault, stalking or attempted assault, get to a safe place as soon as you can, and consider using the “RAIN” Hotline to get help: 1-800-656-HOPE (24 Hours)

For more information, visit the UIC Student Sexual Misconduct Policy, and the UIC Sexual Harassment Policy.

The Tutorium follows all UIC policies on smoking, alcohol, and cannabis as well as other drugs.

Learn more about UIC policies at  Policies | Office of the Dean of Students | University of Illinois at Chicago

Specifics about alcohol and other drugs are at Alcohol and Other Drug | Wellness Center | University of Illinois at Chicago.

There is a strict NO SMOKING policy at UIC. UIC is a tobacco-free campus, prohibiting all forms of tobacco.

Smoking is prohibited on all campus grounds, in all campus properties, and in all university-owned vehicles (e.g. shuttle buses), and in private vehicles while on campus.

You could receive a citation and pay a fine (money) from UIC police if you smoke on campus.

The legal drinking age in the United States is 21. Under-age drinkers may be arrested and required to pay a fine and/or appear in court.

If you are found to be under the influence of alcohol or any other controlled substance while on campus, you may face serious disciplinary measures from the Tutorium and UIC.

Although cannabis use is legal in Illinois and some other states, it is still considered illegal by the federal government. This is especially important to international students who are living in the USA under permission through federal laws.

In addition, the University prohibits the unlawful or unauthorized possession, use, distribution, sale, or manufacture of marijuana (cannabis) on University property or as part of any University activity. UIC’s marijuana prohibition applies to both recreational and medical use.