Intensive English Program
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Office Address:
205 Milledge Hall
103 Hooper St.
UGA Campus
Athens, GA 30602
Office Hours
Monday to Friday
8:30-5:00PM
Contact Information
Phone Number: (706) 542-3657
Fax: 706 542-3590
Email:
Internet: iep.uga.edu
Facebook: The University of Georgia Intensive English Program
Conversation Partners Program:
You can cut and paste parts of this handbook into Google Translate:https://translate.google.com/
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IEP Administration and Instructors
IEP Administration
Dr. Karen Braxley, Director:
Ms. Victoria Martinez, Administrative Associate:
IEP Instructors
Ms. Laura Clark, Instructor:
Mr. Brad Dinardo, Instructor:
Ms. Marina Doneda, Instructor and Conversation Partner Program
Coordinator:
Ms. Susie Gill, Instructor:
Ms. Susan Kinnaird, Instructor:
Ms. Sun Kwon, Instructor:
Mr. John Shipley, Instructor:
Dr. Sayamon Singto, Lecturer:
Mr. Lavon Smith, Instructor:
Index
Click on the links below to go to the information you want to find!
What is the Intensive English Program?
Mission statement of the IEP
Arriving and paying your tuition
Important information about your visa
IEP Classes:
How to move from one level to the next level
Class Grades and GPA
IEP Level Exit Exam
TOEFL ITP Exam
Student Score Summary
Repeating a level
Level change request
Attendance Policy
Dismissal for low attendance
Healthcare
Advising
IEP Complaint Procedure
IEP Code of Conduct
General Safety Tips
Fun things to do at UGA
Athens Transportation
Appendix
Class change request
Permission to release information
Student Complaint Form
Conversation Partners Program
Conversation Partners Application
Waiver of Liability (for IEP activities)
What is the Intensive English Program?
The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a non-credit English language program for students who wish to learn academic English in a university setting.
New students take a placement test when they arrive and are placed into one of the IEP’s six levels:
Level 1 / High beginningLevel 2 / Low-intermediate
Level 3 / Intermediate
Level 4 / High intermediate
Level 5 / Advanced
Level 6 / Mastery part 1
Level 7* / Mastery part 2
*Level 7 is only offered if we have 5 or more full-time students who have completed level 6 and wish to take another level.
The IEP offers 4 eight-week sessions and 2 four-week sessions a year:
· Spring 1: January to March
· Spring 2: March to May
· Summer 1: June
· Summer 2: July
· Fall 1: August to October
· Fall 2: October to December
* Students who enter in the summer will take the first part of their level in June and the second part in July, so, for example, a student who enters in July and places in level 3 will take level 3, part 2
Full-time students take five classes and study 20 hours a week, Monday to Friday.
Mission Statement of the Intensive English Program
The mission of the UGA Intensive English Program is to offer a rigorous, supportive, and student-centered English language program that will help our students to develop the English language proficiency and the cultural competence they need to enter and succeed in American Universities.
We also provide opportunities for international professionals on campus and in the community to further develop their English skills. Our program is housed within the Division of Academic Enhancement, an academic department whose mission is to help all students at the University achieve academic success. We believe that our students deserve the best-qualified and most experienced faculty who can teach classes that are both challenging and enjoyable. Moreover, as our program (which started in January 2014) continues to grow, we regularly offer new courses and electives that are designed to meet our students’ evolving needs. We also strive to make the IEP an integral part of the University of Georgia. Thus, our students attend classes throughout the campus, take part in various campus social activities, and have opportunities to meet with other UGA students through the Conversation Partners program. Finally, we understand that studying in a new culture, far away from home and family, can be stressful, so we try to offer a supportive and welcoming environment. We want our students to know that we value not only their hard work and academic achievements but also their individuality, their cultural diversity, and their contributions to the global community at UGA. http://iep.uga.edu/mission-statement/
What Department is the IEP in?
Our program is housed within the Division of Academic Enhancement, an academic department whose mission is to helpallstudents at the University achieve academic success.
Applying to the IEP
To study in the IEP you must be 18 years old and your English level must be “high beginner” or higher. We do not accept complete beginners in our program.
All students should apply through our website, iep.uga.edu
By clicking on the “Apply” tab, students can find a list of documents they need to submit with their application. These documents include:
· A photocopy of your passport (photograph and facing page)
· A signed and completed certificate of finances
· Supporting documents to accompany the certificate of finances (bank statements or certificates of deposit showing you have the required funds). The exact amount required is listed on the certificate of finances
· If someone else is paying for your tuition, that person must sign the certificate of finances, and write a sponsorship letter. There is an example on the website.
· A completed application form
All these forms are available on our website, iep.uga.edu, under the “Apply” tab.
Students must pay the $150 application and mailing fee before we process their documents.
After we have received the application fee and all the required documents, your I-20 will be issued within 10 days and sent to you via express mail.
Arriving at the IEP and Starting to Pay Your Tuition
When to arrive
The program start dates are listed on our website, iep.uga.edu. Click on “Programs” and then “Important Dates.”
All new students must arrive in time to take the placement test, which is always held on the Friday before the start of each new session.
Late Arrival
If your arrival is delayed, you can still attend the IEP as long as you arrive before the second week of classes begins. If your arrival is delayed, you must inform us by email before classes begin (email us at ). Students will not be accepted if they are more than one week late.
Paying your Tuition
Tuition should be paid in the first week of class. Students who have not paid their tuition before the end of the first week of class will not be able to attend classes in the second week. You can pay by cash, check, or credit card. We accept Mastercard and Visa.
Staying in Touch with the IEP
If we need to contact you to give you important information, we will contact you by email.
We will email you at the email address you gave to us when you started at the IEP. If you change this email address, you must inform us immediately.
YOU SHOULD CHECK YOUR EMAIL EVERY DAY
Sycamore Campus
The IEP uses a registration system called Sycamore Campus to register students in classes, calculate your GPA (Grade Point Average), keep track of attendance, and issue grade reports.
When you begin your program at the IEP, we will send you an invitation to log in to Sycamore Campus as well as a user name and password. You will need to access Sycamore Campus to check your attendance record, get your grade report, and print your transcripts.
This is the website where you can log in to Sycamore Campus: https://app.sycamorecampus.com/index.php?cid=1301
If you forget your login information or your password, email the IEP office () to request a new password.
Visa Information
The Office of International Education
Types of visas
Immigration documents: Definitions
Example of an I-20
Example of a DS-2019
Example of a US visa
Example of an I-94
Travel information
Taking a break in your 5th session
When do I have to leave the country after my I-20 or DS-2019 expires?
Staying in status on your visa
What will make you go out of status on your visa
The Office of International Education
The Office of International Education (OIE) issues all visas for IEP students and maintains students’ records. If you have questions about your visa, your I-20 or your DS-2019, you should contact the OIE.
Address:
1324 S. Lumpkin St.
Athens, GA, 30605
Phone:
(706) 542-2900
Fax:
(706) 542-0186
Website:
International.uga.edu
Email:
The OIE may contact you from this email address: . You should check your junk mail folder to make sure that emails from this address are not going there. These emails are very important.
Answers to many questions you may have can be found at this website:
http://international.uga.edu/issis/international-student-information
Also, you can contact the IEP office with your questions (), and if we cannot answer them, we will put you in touch with an advisor in the Office of International Education.
Types of Visas That IEP Students May Have
F-1
This is a student visa that allows students to enter the United States for full-time study.
F-2
This is a dependent visa issued to dependents (husband, wife, or children) of an F-1 student.
J-1
These are issued to some IEP students (usually to students who are sponsored by their governments) and to visiting scholars.
J-2
This is a dependent visa issued to dependents (husband, wife, or children) of an J-1 student or visiting scholar.
The IEP sponsors applications for an F-1 or J-1 visa for students who will study full-time in the IEP.
F-2 and J-2 visa holders may study part-time in the IEP. J-1 visiting scholars may also study part-time in the IEP.
All IEP students must provide the IEP with a copy of their visa and their I-20 (for F-1 and F-2 visa holders) or DS-2019 (for J-1 and J-2 visa holders)
Some other visa types allow language study. You should contact the IEP if you have questions about whether language study is allowed on your visa.
You cannot study in the IEP if you have a B-1 or B-2 visa.
Important Immigration Documents: Some Definitions
I-20
The I-20 is the form issued to F-1 students and their dependents (F-2s). The I-20 shows the beginning and ending date of your program and the earliest date you can arrive in the US to begin your studies. If you decide to study for longer in the IEP, you can apply to extend your I-20. If you are an IEP student, your I-20 will be issued for language study. F-1 students and their dependents must have a valid I-20 to stay legally in the United States.
DS-2019
The DS-2019 is the form issued to some IEP students (usually students who are sponsored by their government) and to visiting scholars. It also shows the beginning and ending date of your program. If you are a full-time IEP student, your Ds-2019 will be issued for language study. J-1 students and scholars and their dependents must have a valid DS-2019 to stay legally in the United States.
I-94
The I-94 is not sent to you but should be printed out from the US Customs and Border Protection website: https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov. If you have difficulty finding your I-94 on this website, you should contact the OIE for help.
SEVIS
SEVIS is the Student Exchange and Visitor Information System. This is a web-based system that maintains information about F-1 students and J-1 students. If you are dismissed from the program, your SEVIS record will be canceled and you will no longer have legal status in the United States.
Example of an I-20
This sample is for reference purposes only.
Example of a DS-2019
This sample is for reference purposes only.
Example of a US Visa
This sample is for reference purposes only.
Example of an I-94
(Please note that you have to go to the website https://i94.cbp.dhs.gov and print this for yourself. We do not print this for you.)
Travel Information
1. If you wish to travel outside the United States, you will need an immigration advisor from the Office of International Education to sign your I-20 or your DS-2019 before you leave.
2. If your plans change and you decide not to return to the IEP in the next session, please inform the IEP of your change in plans.
3. If you leave the United States and have applied to attend another school, you MUST re-enter the United States on your I-20 for your new program. If you are applying to transfer to another program, you should log into iStart and fill out a transfer request form.
4. Please make sure that the F-1 and F-2 visa stamps on your passport are still valid for the date when you return to the United States.
5. If you are going to travel outside of the United States, please make sure that your passport expiration date is at least 6 months after the date when you return to the US.
You only need to have your I-20 or DS-2019 signed if you will be travelling outside of the US. You do not need a travel signature if you are traveling inside the US.
Taking a Break in your Fifth Session
A student who has studied in the IEP for four (or more) consecutive sessions can apply to take a break in the next session. During this break, the student can remain in the US, but does not have to take (or pay for) any classes.
To be eligible for a break you must
· Study for 4 or more consecutive (back-to-back) sessions in the IEP
· Apply to the IEP Office to request a break
· Purchase medical insurance to cover you during the break
If you are going to take a break, you MUST return to study in the session after your break, and your I-20 or DS-2019 must be valid for the session after you take a break. In other words, your break session cannot be your last session in the IEP.
For example, a student who begins in January 2017 can do the following
· Spring 1—study full time
· Spring 2—study full time
· Summer—study full time
· Fall 1—study full time (and apply to take a break in fall 2)
· Fall 2—take a break
· Spring 1—MUST return to study full time in the IEP