FAQ
FAQ
The ability to read, write, and comprehend spoken English is fundamental to succeeding in Vincennes University courses. The VU EAL department provides ESL/EAL students the opportunity to achieve English proficiency as quickly and as efficiently as possible.
A Foundation for Success
We use multiple tests to determine English Language Proficiency. The tests include the TOEFL, Focal Skills, TABE Clas E, and the Cambridge English placement test to establish language proficiency, and the ACT, SAT and CPTS to determine academic placement. The Vincennes University ESL/EAL program offers intensive, focused instruction for 18 to 20 hours every week in Listening, Reading, Pronunciation, and Writing. All classes in the Intensive English Program track are non-credit. EALG 100 Bridge is a class designed for students that have completed the IEP track or have tested into college classes, but feel they still need support from the EALG department. EALG100 is six credit hours and allows students to earn college credit while refining their English language skills and receiving help with their college classes.
The IEP track consists of seven classes, each focusing on integrated language skills. Students are placed in groups of similar English ability. Each student takes four hours of instruction daily, Monday through Thursday and two hours on Friday. The focus of these hours will vary according to the skill area in which the student is placed. Students are tested every eight weeks and assigned to the appropriate class as indicated by their test scores or the same class if more practice is needed. There are two 8-week sessions per semester for full-time students and a one 16-week session for part-time students.
Students are placed into classes based on their proficiency. Students are tested every eight weeks to ensure proper placement at all times.
Why Choose VU:
- Small class size
- Low EAL program tuition cost compared to other Indiana universities
- Contemporary yet proven teaching methods for efficient language acquisition
- Use of authentic materials for real-life language use and understanding
- Regular interaction with classmates, VU peers, and community members for a truly socialized learning experience
- Individualized curriculum to meet your language needs
- Learned faculty with a variety of teaching experience
- Frequent testing for accurate placement
- Free tutoring for EAL and other academic subjects available
- Safe, secure, beautifully landscaped campus
- Small, friendly town in the heart of America’s Midwest, where standard English is spoken
How many hours a week do EAL courses meet?
Students in 8-week EAL courses:
Full-time, on-campus EAL students meet 18 hours per week. Part-time, on-campus EAL students meet 9 hours a week. Students in EALG 100 (Bridge Class) meet 20 hours a week though some of these hours include tutoring and/or study hours outside of class. Students in EALG 086 (Community-Based EAL) meet 2 hours a week.
Students in 16-week EAL courses:
Full-time, on-campus EAL students meet 9 hours per week. Part-time, on-campus EAL students meet 9 hours a week. Students in EALG 100 (Bridge Class) meet 10 hours a week though some of these hours include tutoring and/or study hours outside of class. Students in EALG 086 (Community-Based EAL) meet 1 hour a week.
Commonly Asked Questions
How many credits are EAL courses?
The credit hours for EAL courses varies, but most are 8-week courses that are 8 credit hours. By the end of a semester, the majority of EAL students have taken 16 credits of EAL courses because they have taken 8 credit hours in the first eight-weeks of classes and 8 credit hours in the second eight-weeks of classes.
Can I take EAL courses part-time?
Yes, we offer EAL courses on a part-time basis. These courses are a great option for students who wish to work and/or raise a family while they take course. Most part-time courses are 16 weeks long, so students wishing to be part-time should register before the semester begins. However, if students wish to enroll after the semester begins, but they would like to be part-time students, they can take EALG 086 (Community-Based EAL) as an 8-week course, which meets 2 hours per week. For international students on F-1 visas, part-time status is generally not allowed; international students on F-1 visas are generally required to be full-time.
Can I take EAL courses part-time?
Yes, we offer EAL courses on a part-time basis. These courses are a great option for students who wish to work and/or raise a family while they take course. Most part-time courses are 16 weeks long, so students wishing to be part-time should register before the semester begins. However, if students wish to enroll after the semester begins, but they would like to be part-time students, they can take EALG 086 (Community-Based EAL) as an 8-week course, which meets 2 hours per week. For international students on F-1 visas, part-time status is generally not allowed; international students on F-1 visas are generally required to be full-time.
Do I need to be a resident of Vincennes/Indiana/the United States to take EAL courses?
No. Vincennes University does not require its students to be residents of Vincennes, Indiana, or the United States to enroll. Please note that the cost for students who are not residents of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, or Michigan are charged more per credit hour to take EAL courses than residents of Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Ohio, or Michigan are.
Do VU EAL courses cost money to take? If so, how much?
Yes, VU EAL courses cost money to take. The cost is calculated based on several factors, including residency status, full- or part-time status, number of credit hours, and academic year of enrollment.
*Please note: students who enroll in EAL courses for the second eight-weeks after week 2 of a semester will be required to pay for the course in full before enrolling.
How do I pay for EAL courses?
You can use cash, check, or credit/debit card to pay for EAL courses. To pay for EAL courses, please go to Student Financial Services (Bursar) in the Welsh Administration Building or contact Student Financial Services via email or phone. Please be aware that VU may or may not be able to process forms of payment that have originated in countries other than the US.
Are online EAL courses offered?
Some levels of Distance Education (online) EAL courses are available. Distance Ed. EAL courses meet asynchronously via VU’s learning management system, Blackboard. Distance Ed. EAL students may attend office hours via Zoom or another videoconferencing platform. Nevertheless, we highly recommend that EAL students take classes on campus because there are many things that we learn and do in-person that cannot be done or replicated in an online class.
How do I access or login to Blackboard?
Log into your MyVU account and follow the directions to access Blackboard.
English Proficiency and Testing FAQ
What tests can I take to demonstrate English proficiency?
At this time, Vincennes University's EAL program accepts the TOEFL and IELTS tests as means of demonstrating English proficiency. The Duolingo test is being evaluated and will be added to our catalog in the next academic year; however, students who have Duolingo test scores should send these scores to Vincennes University Admissions as soon as they are able. The EAL Program Chair will evaluate Duolingo and Accuplacer ESL test scores as a means of English proficiency on an individual basis.
What if I cannot take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo test? Can I still take EAL classes? Can I take other classes?
Vincennes University requires that all international students who are not considered a resident of the United States or have not attended high school in the United States to demonstrate English proficiency before they can take other classes. However, if you cannot or did not take the TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo tests, you can take the Accuplacer ESL test after you are accepted as a VU student. We prefer that you take the Accuplacer ESL test before you arrive in the US, usually on Zoom, but you can take it in-person at the VU Testing Center, too, after you arrive.
Incoming international and EAL students who have not demonstrated English proficiency will be contacted by the EAL program chair--usually via email--to schedule a time to take the Accuplacer ESL test via Zoom with a proctor before the semester begins. These students should not schedule an appointment with the Testing Center to take the Accuplacer ESL test unless they are already in the US.
How do I schedule an appointment to take a test at the Testing Center?
For students who are in the US and are on campus or can get to campus, they can use the Testing Center to take tests such as the Accuplacer ESL and the Accuplacer Next Generation. Students may schedule an appointment at the Testing Center here. The EAL Program Chair can help students schedule an appointment at the Testing Center.
Which Accuplacer test should I take?
- Students who have not demonstrated English proficiency -- Accuplacer ESL
- Students who have demonstrated English proficiency -- Next Generation Accuplacer
Demonstration of English Proficiency
Students who have no scores or who have not demonstrated proficiency will be conditionally admitted to VU and admitted to English as an Additional Language (EAL), tested for language proficiency, and placed accordingly. Students who are placed in EAL must successfully complete their EAL courses before enrolling in any regular college courses
Classes
Intensive English Program Track
- EALG 090 Pre-EAL
- EALG 091 Beginning EAL
- EALG 092 Low Beginning EAL 2
- EALG 093 High Beginning EAL 3
- EALG 094 Low Intermediate EAL 4
- EALG 095 High Intermediate EAL 5
- EALG 096 Advanced EAL
College Credit Class to support our students during first year at Vincennes University
Class Summer Intensive Language Institute for students who desire to learn English as quickly as possible
- EALG 097 Intensive Institute
Special Course Offering designed for students with specific educational goals
- EALG 098 Special Language Purpose
Community Member Class
- EALG 086 Community Member Class (1 credit hour course). This class is for resident students who want to improve their English proficiency. Students can choose the time they want to come to class Tuesday - Thursday from 8:00 - 11:00 AM. This class is for non-degree seeking students who want to study part-time.