|
|
LAWRENCE -- The Applied English Center at the University of Kansas has been accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, according to Chuck Seibel, director of the KU center. The commission is a specialized agency for the accreditation of English-language programs and institutions in the United States.
CEA is the first national agency to be formed for the sole purpose of accrediting programs that prepare non-English-speaking international students to enter the U.S. higher education system or to pursue professional goals. The commission has accredited 48 programs since its beginning in 1999. There are an estimated 800 to 1,000 university or college programs and independent English-language schools in the United States.
"The faculty and staff of the Applied English Center should be commended for undertaking this rigorous accreditation review," said Diana Carlin, dean of the Graduate School and international programs. "It clearly shows the top caliber of KU's programs in English-language instruction."
After submitting an extensive self-study report, the center participated in a two-day on-site review, after which the commission granted a five-year accreditation. Elizabeth Byleen, associate language specialist at the center, coordinated the self-study.
Seibel said the commission especially commended the center for its high-quality and stable full-time faculty and its role as an integral part of KU's commitment to international education. Also singled out for praise was the center's strong student services, including cross-cultural counseling.
"The AEC is known nationally for its research and development in the testing of English-language proficiency," said Carlin. "It's rewarding that the commission had high praise for the consistent testing of student progress and the high percentage of students who progress satisfactorily through the program."
The AEC is a charter member of University and College Intensive English Programs and has been serving KU and the community since 1964. The center, located in Lippincott Hall, has a teaching staff of 24, all of whom have at least a master's degree and an average of 15 years of experience. In addition, the center employs and trains a small number of graduate teaching assistants.
The center offers five levels of English as a Second Language instruction and provides a wide range of student services, including an in-house counseling and advising office and a computer lab dedicated to use by AEC students. The center also tailors and implements short-term special programs for sponsored groups. The AEC evaluates the English proficiency of all non-native speakers who plan to study at KU.
-30-