Discussion Tomorrow
I hope everyone had a good weekend. I did, but as always it was too short!
Today has been very busy, so I only have time to let you guys know about a discussion on nuclear weapons which will be held tomorrow, (Tuesday September 26) at 2:00 and 3:15 in room 436A (That’s the same building that the cafeteria is in. It looks interesting and if anyone would like to go, I will be more than happy to join you. Just stop by my office and let me know.
See you!
The Weekend – September 23-24
Starting today, I’ll post every Thursday about interesting things to do in the Houston area on the weekends. (Hopefully, I will have this post ready earlier in the day than I have today.)
Since the weather is so nice, I think one of the best places to go is Miller Outdoor Theater. It’s on the MetroRail line, has plenty of parking, and best of all — it’s free! This weekend, there are dance and music performances. Friday and Saturday night at 8:00 p.m., there is Contemporary Dance. Sunday afternoon at 4:00 p.m. you can listen to music. Be sure to take a blanket to spread on the grass and a cooler with drinks and snacks. You can also buy food and drinks at the theater.
One of my favorite restaurants, Casa Grande, has music and dancing. It starts at 9:00 p.m. Friday, Saturday and Sunday, and admission is free. Be sure to try some of the Mexican food — it’s inexpensive and very tasty. My favorites are the enchiladas and the beef soup. Here’s a link with a map and directions. It’s just up Main Street from the university.
See you all tomorrow 
ELI Computer Lab
Hi!
I’m taking a short break from posting the Student Handbook in order to remind everyone about everything available in the ELI Computer Lab.
First, the Lab is open every class day afternoon from 1:00 to 5:00. Our Lab Assistant, Tommy Tran works Tuesday to Friday. He is more than happy to help you use the computers and software. Even if you have little or no experience with computers, Tommy can teach you everything you need to know to get started.
One of the best software programs in our lab is Grammar Mastery. It has grammar explanations and exercises for all levels. You can pick any grammar point, study it, practice and then test your knowledge.
Another excellent program is called Tell Me More. This program has tons of exercises in all skill areas. I recommend practicing your pronunciation with this software. You’ll need to ask Tommy for a diskette — be sure to tell him your level — and headphones.
There is a lot more software you can use. You can ask about it in the comment section or in the lab.
See you tomorrow.
Graduation
A small graduation ceremony is held each session for students who have successfully completed Level 7. Students must achieve a passing grade in all four Level 7 classes to graduate (no IP or NP grades).
ELI Scholarship in Excellence
ELI honors one student each university semester with the ELI Scholarship in Excellence. This $200.00 reduction in tuition is awarded to the student who writes the best essay. All students on the Honors List the previous session may complete for this scholarship.
Academic Recognition
Class grades are used to determine your scholastic average. Students with three P+ and one P grades are placed on the Honors List, and students with 4 P+ grades are listed in the Special Honors section of the Honors List.
Transcripts
Transcripts of all of your ELI work are available (with 24-hour notice) for a minimal fee.
Promotion
At the end of the session, you may be promoted to the next level. This is determined at leveling meetings, attended by all the instructors at a given level. Your instructors will discuss your proficiency and progress for the session to determine whether you are ready to move on to the next level or whether you should stay at the same level for another session. The Level Coordinator completes your Student Evaluation form with your grades, your Gatekeeper test grade if it applies to your level, and your instructors’ comments for each skill. This form is placed in your file, and you receive a copy. It is available on the day after the leveling meeting.
Final Grades used on transcripts and on Student Evaluation Forms use the following grading system:
P+ Pass with Honors
P Pass
IP In Progress (student has worked hard but has not progressed sufficiently to pass the level)
NP No Pass (student has not completed assignments and/or has excessive absences and does not pass to the next level)
NPA No Pass due to Absence; student is permitted to take the placement test for the next session and, if placing in the next level, can pass to that level.
W Withdrawal
You must have a minimum of 3 P’s and 1 IP in order to be promotes to the next level (and a passing Gatekeeper score if appropriate). However, if you already received an IP in the same skill area, you will not pass. (Once a student has failed a level due to two consecutive IPs, the process begins over again.) If you receive an NP (for absences) in any class, you will not be promoted.
Grading
Every student in the English Language Institute receives a class grade at the end of each session. Your class grades are based on your performance on classroom tests, daily work and class participation. Instructors indicate the weight of various course assignments on the syllabus which is given to students at the beginning of the class. In ELI, the following grading system is used on class assignments:
P+ Pass with Honors
P Pass
IP In Progress
NP No Pass
Gatekeeper Testing
At the end of Levels 2, 4 and 6, ELI administers a Gatekeeper Test. This exam tests all of the language skills you have learned in your studies. A score of 70% is required on this test in order to pass to the next level. Even if you have passing grades in your classes, you must have a score of 70% or better on the Gatekeeper in order to be promoted.
Placement Testing
As a new student, you are given a diagnostic test before classes begin to evaluate your proficiency in listening, reading, applied grammar and writing. You are placed in the appropriate level in each skill area based on your performance on this test. Placement tests at unusual times may be administered under special circumstances for a fee.
