American Language Program Academic Policies
“Good Standing” in the American Language Program
A student in good standing at the American Language Program is one who:
-regularly attends class (88% of class hours)
-regularly completes in-class and out-of-class work at an average level or higher
-respects University behavioral standards and academic discipline
-makes progress in English
-receives a final grade of “C” or better
Grounds for Academic Probation and Dismissal
A student is not in good standing if one or more of the criteria stated above is not being met during the term or by the end of the term. The student may be given an Early Alert warning and may be placed on Academic Probation.
Early Alert means that the student is referred by the Level Leader to the Program Academic Director for advisement. The student’s progress is then monitored for the rest of the term.
An Early Alert warning may be given to a student who fits one or more of these criteria:
-has missed more than 12% of the classes
-is not regularly completing in-class and out-of-class assignments
-is making little or no progress in English
Academic Probation means that the student’s case is referred by the Program to the Dean of Students. If the student does not make significant progress in that semester, Academic Dismissal may result.
A student may be placed on Academic Probation if the student fits one or more of these criteria:
-has missed 24% or more of classes
-has not completed in-class and out-of-class work at an acceptable level
-has made little or no progress in English, resulting in no promotion
-receives a final grade of “D” or “F”
At any time, a student may be placed on Academic Probation and may face Academic Dismissal if the student demonstrates disrespect for University behavioral standards and academic discipline.
Lack of progress means that, after two consecutive semesters, a student fails to make significant progress in English. In such cases, the student may be placed on Academic Probation. If there is no significant progress in the third semester, the student may be asked to Withdraw or may face Academic Dismissal.
Attendance
Students are expected to attend all classes. Certificates of Attendance are given to those full-time students who attend 88% or more of the classes. (Part-time students are not eligible for certificates.) For full-time students who arrive later than the first day or class or enter at midterm, absences are counted from the day the student begins. These students are eligible for Certificates of Attendance.
Attendance is reported on the midterm and final grade reports.
Lateness
Students are expected to arrive on time for all classes. If a student is more than 10 minutes late, the student may join the class but is marked absent for that hour.
Excused Absence/Excused Lateness
In cases of illness, transportation breakdown, severe weather or other circumstances, a teacher may excuse an absence or lateness.
Grading
Some ALP courses have a “Pass/Fail Only” designation in the University Registrar’s system. For these courses, it does not matter in which school the student is registered. ALP courses for which P/F is the only option are:
Fluency
Pronunciation
International Teaching Fellows Training
One ALP course has a “Letter Grade Only” designation in the University Registrar’s system. For this course, it does not matter in which school the student is registered. The ALP course for which a letter grade is the only option, no matter the student’s home school of registration, is: Z1003, College Composition for International Students
Non-ALP registrants (in GS, CC, SEAS, GSAS, Law, Business, SIPA etc.) must take their ALP courses for a Letter Grade Only, with the exceptions for “Pass-Fail only” courses listed above. Non-ALP registrants must take Letter Grade Only if they are in:
Fall and Spring 3-point morning or evening
Fall and Spring 6-point morning or evening
Summer evening
Intensive classes year-round
ALP registrants in our Morning, Evening, Summer Evening Part-time and Intensive classes have a choice of Letter Grade or Pass/Fail. Letter grades are considered the default setting— teachers always submit letter grades. However, if students want Pass/Fail, they have to officially, formally chose to do so. In that case, the letter grade submitted by the teacher will automatically be changed to Pass/Fail by the Registrar. The deadline for a student to elect the P/F option is November 19, 2009.
A means excellent.
B means good.
C means fair.
D means poor but passing.
Fail, or “F,” means the student has failed to meet attendance, work, and/or progress requirements for the class.
Unofficial Withdrawal, or “UW,” means that the student has not attended any teacher’s class for two weeks or more, without explanation. The last date of attendance is given.
Promotions
1. Promotion decisions are based solely on each student's proficiency in the various language skills. In general, oral fluency and listening comprehension are the most important skills to consider at the lower levels, while writing becomes increasingly critical from Level 5 or 6 upward. (Promotion decisions are not based on a student’s effort, attitude, attendance, or participation, which tend not to be good indicators of the student’s ability to handle the academic challenges of a particular level.)
2. A “typical” promotion in the intensive program is considered to be one full level (4b to 5b, for example) after 14 weeks of solid progress. For part-time students in the 6-point program, a half-level promotion might be considered “normal” and a full-level move possible, but anything more than that is highly exceptional. For part-time students in the 3-point program, promotion will typically advance at a slower pace. Students in Fluency, Pronunciation, or Tutorials will receive grades, but not promotions.
3. A “typical” promotion in a four-week session is considered to be one letter within the level (4b to 4c, for example) after 4 weeks of solid progress. It is not uncommon for a student to receive no promotion. It is very rare for a student to jump two letters (e.g., from 3a to 3c). Also, it is rare to receive even a one-letter promotion if this would result in a change of level (e.g. 5c to 6a). After only 4 weeks on one level, it is extremely unlikely that a student will have made enough progress to handle a new level.
4. Promotions are provisional. At the beginning of each term, students’ levels can be adjusted, either upward or downward, depending on the individual’s performance on intake assessments performed by the course instructors.
Behavioral Standards and Academic Policies
Columbia University expects students to act with honesty and proper behavior and to respect the rights of others at all times, both on campus and off. Any academic dishonesty in any form, or any personal behavior that disrupts the life of the University hurts members of the University community will not be accepted and will result in serious action.
Because the School of Continuing Education takes matters of intellectual honesty very seriously, academic dishonesty is not tolerated. Acts of academic dishonesty include but are not limited to:
• Cheating on examinations, including the American Language Program’s English Placement Test and English Certification Test.
• Making up (inventing) information in any course or laboratory work.
• Misrepresenting (giving incorrect information) about one’s academic record at Columbia or elsewhere.
• Plagiarizing (copying) another’s work or one’s own, including the submission of work prepared or purchased (bought) from another.
• Helping others in plagiarism.
• Lying in connection with any academic matter, including applications for admission or financial aid.
• Creating, changing or misusing University documents.
• Improperly using libraries or the materials they contain.
The School also prohibits behavior that interferes with the operation of the University or with the activities of other members of the University community. Examples of these behaviors include but are not limited to:
• Harassing (annoying) or intimidating (scaring) others.
• Making rude, abusive, or insulting comments about another person’s gender (male/ female), race (skin color), nationality/ culture, religion, disability, age or sexual orientation.
• Interfering with research or instruction.
• Improperly using (not using correctly) University services, equipment, or facilities, including University e-mail and telephones.
• Failing to follow (not following) a legitimate order of the University authority.
Academic and behavioral misconduct carry severe punishment. Plagiarism (copying someone else’s writing or one’s own writing), whether or not it is intentional, results in a failing grade on the assignment and in the course. For degree candidates in the School of Continuing Education, it also means immediate dismissal from their program of study. Students enrolled through other divisions of the University, if accused of any of the offenses mentioned above, may be referred to their home schools for disciplinary hearing and possible suspension or dismissal.
Ignorance of, (not knowing) the School’s policy concerning academic dishonesty is not a defense in any situation. The American Language Program and the School of Continuing Education hold each member of the community responsible for understanding these rules and for following them.
