Calendar: January - February 2009

Jan. 01: HAPPY NEW YEAR!
Jan. 01: New Year’s Day. All campus offices closed.
Jan. 05: Basic English classes begin
Jan. 06: Three Kings Day (Christianity)
Jan. 12: English for Success classes begin
Jan. 13: Time cards due for period of Jan. 01 – Jan. 15
Jan. 15: Electronic time entry due for period of Jan. 01 – Jan. 15
Jan. 19: Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. No classes; all campus offices closed.
Jan. 20: Penguin Awareness Day
Jan. 29: Time cards due for period of Jan. 16 – Jan. 31
Jan. 31: Electronic time entry due for period of Jan. 16 – Jan. 31
Feb. 02: Groundhog Day
Feb. 12: Abraham Lincoln’s birthday
Feb. 13: Time cards due for period of Feb. 01 – Feb. 15
Feb. 14: Valentine’s Day
Feb. 15: Electronic time entry due for period of Feb. 01 – Feb. 15
Feb. 16: Presidents’ Day
Feb. 24: Mardi Gras (Christianity)
Feb. 25: Ash Wednesday (Christianity)
Feb. 26: Time cards due for period of Feb. 16 – Feb. 28
Feb. 27: Presidents’ Day observed by Columbus State. No classes; all campus offices closed.
Feb. 28: Electronic time entry due for period of Feb. 16 – Feb. 28

Admissions testing changes - Errata

The following corrects/clarifies some details about what I just sent you regarding the Admissions testing changes. Thanks to Corbin C. for the corrections.

1) The two parts are taken in the following order: essay, then computer. It doesn't matter a lot, but it would reduce confusion with students if it was listed in that order as well.

2) Students may only retest once in 2 years. It's not just about resources, it's also about the quality and security of the test. The more the students take the test, the more likely they are to perform better because of familiarity, rather than ability. (I believe the update indicated multiple retests were possible and that there was a free test every year.)

Admissions testing changes

There have been significant changes in the way Admissions testing is done for ESL students. Please review this information carefully so you can give students the correct information.

• The MLAB (Michigan Test) is no longer being given as the Admissions test for ESL students. As of now, students will take the COMPASS/ESL test.

• The COMPASS/ESL test is administered on a walk-in basis (no appointment necessary) in the Testing Center in Aquinas Hall.

• The test has two parts: the first part is a computer-based English assessment; the second part is a written composition (written by hand).

• There is no charge when a student to take the COMPASS/ESL test for the first time. HOWEVER, if a student takes the COMPASS/ESL test for again within a year, there is a $20 charge each time after the first.

• It does not help students to take the test before they are ready. Further, when students take the test repeatedly, it takes up valuable computer resources as well as time spent scoring the compositions.

For these reasons, the Language Institute has been asked to provide referrals for students who are ready to take the COMPASS/ESL test. Students will not be permitted to take the COMPASS/ESL test without a referral from the Language Institute.

• A student who receives a perfect score on the Basic English Placement Test can be referred to take the COMPASS/ESL test if he or she wishes.

• NOTE: The Basic English Placement Test will have a new revision in place by the beginning of January.

• When a student passes Basic English 5, Basic Writing 1 or Basic Writing 2, he or she will receive a certificate with the following information added to it:

This student should be ready to take the COMPASS/ESL test.
[x] Yes [ ] No

This will serve as the referral for the Testing Center to permit the student to take the test.


After reviewing the COMPASS/ESL test, it is clear that we will need to create a Basic English 6 course in order to ensure that students who leave the Basic English program will be truly ready for admission to the College. This will also entail some adjustments to the curriculum and other class testing. More details on these changes will be forthcoming.


Where is the TC? (Testing Center)
The Testing Center is located on the lower level of Aquinas Hall in room 002, on Columbus State’s main campus, 550 East Spring Street, near downtown Columbus. Students should report the Receptionist/Receiving Area and then they will be directed to the Testing Arena.


COMPASS/ESL Placement Test
The COMPASS/ESL Placement Test is a computerized assessment for new students used to identify the appropriate starting level for ESL. If you take the COMPASS placement test, you must report two hours before the Testing Center closes.

Testing Center Policies and Procedures

• Everyone is required to present photo identification when reporting to the Center. If an individual does not have identification, an exam will not be administered.
• Students will need to know their Cougar/Student ID number when coming to take exams.
• Students must report for testing in the Center at least one hour prior to closing. Anyone reporting later than one hour prior to closing will not be allowed to take an exam that day. In order to take the COMPASS placement test, an individual must report two hours prior to the Center’s closing.
• No children are allowed in the Center and/or to be left unattended while testing is in progress. If this is discovered, the examinee will be required to discontinue testing and leave the Testing Center.
• No food or beverages are allowed in the Center. Exceptions are made only in documented medical situations. Electronic devices are not permitted when taking an exam. Test administration will be discontinued if your device rings.
• Bathroom breaks are not allowed. Once you have begun your exam, you may not leave to go to the restroom.
• Personal belongings must be placed in the designated area when in the testing room. Only required exam materials are allowed in the testing area.
  

Update - December 22, 2008

Thank you! for your patience and your kind wishes while I was out sick. I’m back in the office if you need me. Thanks also to Sharon and Kimberly for keeping things together while I was out.


What do I do ... ?
... if I have trouble accessing the electronic time entry?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).

... if I have trouble accessing my GroupWise e-mail?
Contact the Help Desk at 287-5050 (5050 from a campus phone).

... if there is a problem with my pay?
Contact the Payroll Office at 287-5792 or 287-5791 (5792 or 5791 from a campus phone).
Please let me know as well if there is a problem so I can have the information for my records.

... if I can’t find information I need and Tara isn’t available?
Contact Kimberly Gholson (287-3869) or Sharon Ward (287-2072). They should be able to assist you.


Teaching schedule for Winter 2009. At the end of this Update is the DRAFT of the teaching schedule for next term. Please let me know as soon as possible if any changes are needed. As always, I do my best to accommodate as many people as possible. The final schedule will depend on registration numbers and instructor availability.


English for Success 2009. The English for Success program will begin in January. At this time, we expect classes to begin at all sites on Monday, January 12. I will send out further details as soon as they are confirmed.

Evaluations - Autumn 2008

Here are some selected responses from the Autumn 2008 Basic English student course evaluations:

2. What did you like most about the textbook?
(1) I like the cd-room class with the computer.


6. Was the course useful to you? Why or why not?
(1) I can approve my speaking, writing and listening. I learned a lot of grammar. I never heard before and I can use speak with American people. They understand me better than before.

(2) because when i started this course I understand little bit English but now i understand everything and I read and wrote every sentence.

(3) Because I improve knowlage of Grammer, preposition and comunicate each other.

(4) I Love the course. I Learning more

(5) because it helps me to learn the language and convversation to other people (I am not hesitate)

Test results

Students should go to Room 1090 to find out their score and receive their certificates. Results should be available by a week after the student has taken the test.

Calendar - December 2008

12/09 -- Eid-al-Adha (Islam)
12/10 -- Human Rights Day
12/13 -- Time cards due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/01 – 12/15
12/15 -- Nancy’s birthday
12/15 -- Bill of Rights Day
12/18 – Anna-Marie’s birthday
12/18 -- UN International Migrants Day
12/21 -- Winter Solstice
12/21 -- Hanukkah begins (Judaism)
12/24 -- Christmas Eve (Christianity)
12/25 -- Christmas Day (Christianity)
12/26 -- Kwanzaa begins
12/29 -- Muharram (Islam)
12/29 -- Time cards due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- Electronic time entry due for period of 12/16 – 12/31
12/31 -- New Year’s Eve

English for Success - 2009

I am very happy to announce that the County plans to renew the English for Success contract for 2009. We had to make some severe cuts to the budget and change some program plans at the last minute, but after that, it was recommended for approval.

English for Success - 2009

I am very happy to announce that the County plans to renew the English for Success contract for 2009. We had to make some severe cuts to the budget and change some program plans at the last minute, but after that, it was recommended for approval.