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Aleksandra Petrovich, PhD, Director
Objectives
The English Language and Culture Bridge (ELCB) Program is designed to prepare non-native speakers of English for a productive academic career at Seattle University. The primary goal of the ELCB Program is to help students increase their English language skills and knowledge of American cultural norms in order to be successful in their studies. ELCB courses are highly advanced, with a specific focus on university-level reading, writing, listening and speaking skills.
The ELCB Program is open to all Seattle University students who are non-native speakers of English and wish to improve their academic English language skills. Students whose English proficiency is below the English language proficiency requirement are required to take classes in the ELCB Program upon entering Seattle University.
Description of Courses
ELCB Program consists of four courses in two levels: two reading and writing courses and two communication skills courses. Special emphasis in all courses is given to introducing students to elements of American culture. Grammar, vocabulary, and syntax are integrated into the four courses. Students’ initial placement into individual courses is based on their English proficiency test scores for reading, writing, listening, and speaking. Students with the ELCB requirement will be placed in individual classes by their advisers in consultation with English Language Learning Center (ELLC). The final placement might be adjusted by the Director of ELLC. Depending on their placement students take between one and four classes in the ELCB Program. At the same time, they are also taking courses in their major or pre-major. Students usually complete the ELCB requirement in 1 to 3 quarters.
Typically, students with lower English proficiency take a course in academic reading and writing (ELCB 0870 ) as well as communication essentials course (ELCB 0880 ), usually in their first quarter. In their second quarter, these students will take a course on writing from sources (ENGL 1010 ) and an advanced communication course (ELCB 0910 ). Students with higher English language proficiency might be only required to take a course in writing from sources ( ENGL 1010 ) and the advanced communication course ( ELCB 0910 ). Please contact English Language Learning Center for specific instructions.
Students who are non-native speakers of English but do not have the ELCB requirement are welcome to register for any ELCB course that would help them develop their academic English skills and increase their understanding of American culture.
The Program Schedule
The ELCB program is offered during fall, winter and spring quarters. However, not all courses are offered every quarter. Summer courses are not offered.
English Proficiency Admission Requirements (Policy 2008-01)
All non-native English speakers whose TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) scores (or an equivalent test score) are between 68 and 85(inclusive) are required to take classes in the English Language and Culture Bridge Program upon their arrival at Seattle University.
ELCB Diagnostic Test
On the first day of the ELCB courses students take a mandatory ELCB Diagnostic Test. The purpose of the ELCB Diagnostic Test is to allow students an opportunity to demonstrate the quality of their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills and to make sure that they are placed in the correct level. Students whose results indicate excellent English skills may be allowed to test out of the ELCB courses.
Academic Progression
ELCB students’ work is evaluated with the goal of preparing non-native speakers for success in their studies at Seattle University. In keeping with this objective, a student must earn a grade of C - (70%) or better in all ELCB courses required based upon the individual’s English proficiency test score and Diagnostic Test to satisfy the ELCB requirement. Grades below C- are considered to be insufficient for progression and the ELCB course must be repeated until a grade of C- or better is achieved.
Courses numbered under 1000 do not count for credit toward an undergraduate degree. However, ELCB courses count toward the full-time load for international students and grades are shown on students’ transcripts. Courses numbered above 1000, such as Writing from Sources (ENGL 1010) earn a student five general elective credits toward an undergraduate degree.
Tutoring Program
The English Language Learning Center (ELLC) offers free tutoring to all Seattle University students who are non-native speakers of English. ELLC tutors help students improve their English language skills and better understand American culture. The tutors can help with any type of assignment: written essays, online discussions, oral presentations, resumes, etc. Students can sign up for 30- 60-minute appointments. Tutoring is offered online and/or in the English Language Learning Center Office.
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