Select ESL Courses Offered For Credit at A&M International

Students who enroll in high intermediate- or advanced-level English as a Second Language (ESL) courses at Texas A&M International University now have the option of taking those course for university credit.

Lisa Flores, associate director of the University's International Language Institute (ILI) explained students who take ESL 104, ESL 105, or ESL 106 now have two options: enroll through the ILI and take the course as a non-credit pass/fail course, or enroll through the University's Office of the Registrar and take the course on a for-credit basis.

Those who choose to take a non-credit pass/fail ESL course through the ILI will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the course but will not receive written notice of their grade.

Students who take a for-credit ESL course through the University will receive both a certificate of completion and an official grade that will be recorded on their transcript.

"The enrollment process is different, but the actual courses are the same. In fact, for-credit and non-credit students will be enrolled in the same course," explained Flores.

She noted that students who would benefit by taking the courses for credit are students eligible for the University's Mexican Tuition Waver, students officially recognized as Texas residents, or students who are at A&M International on a reciprocal agreement plan.

"Students who are either Texas residents or who are eligible for the Mexican Tuition Waiver will have a reduction in tuition, while reciprocal agreement students will be able to take these courses at A&M International and request credit from their home institution," she explained.

The first Spring Session of ESL courses began Jan. 18. The next session of ESL courses will be held March 20 - May 16, from 8:30 a.m. - 12:45 p.m.

Six ESL courses will be offered including Beginning and Low Intermediate courses (ESL 101, ESL 102, and ESL 103) offered on a non-credit basis, and High Intermediate and Advanced courses (ESL 104, 105, and 106) offered on both a non-credit or for-credit basis.

For further information, please contact the University's International Language Institute at 326 2136, or visit ILI offices located in the University's Sue and Radcliffe Killam Library, suite 214.

University office hours are from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday - Friday.

Journalists who need additional information or help with media requests and interviews should contact the Office of Public Affairs and Information Services at pais@tamiu.edu