The document describes an orientation program for international students at the English Language Center (ELC) at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT). The goals of the program are to provide information about RIT services and departments, encourage cultural understanding, create a support network for ELC students, and assist with cultural and academic adjustment. The orientation program utilizes online resources like a course website and wiki. Student testimonials praise the program for helping them learn English and adapt to American culture. The orientation occurs over 12 weeks and includes topics on policies, writing, time management, and cultural adjustment, with guest lectures from other RIT departments. Program assessments found that orientation helped students adjust and online resources/guest speakers were engaging.

1. An Engaging and Supportive
Semester-long IEP Orientation Program
Caitlin Hammond, Specialist in Applied Linguistics, & Joshua Snyder, Associate Director
Mission
“The program or language institution provides pre-arrival and ongo-
ing orientation to support students in their adjustment to the pro-
gram or language institution (and to the host institution if applica-
ble) and to the surrounding culture and community, and to help
them understand immigration regulations and procedures, as well
as health and safety issues.” - CEA Student Services Standard 3
Goals
Provide information related to services and departments at RIT.
Encourage diversity and cultural understanding.
Student-centered activities in class with a focus on collaboration.
Create a support network for all ELC students.
Assist students with cultural and academic adjustment.
Orientation Resources
The English Language Center utilizes a variety of resources to create
a comprehensive and technologically based program:
RIT myCourses
RIT Wiki
The Link @ RIT
Turning Point Quizzes
Student Testimonials
“RIT is a good place to learn English and has contact with American cul-
ture. You will meet people from different cultures and have professors
that are really worried about your academic improvements.” - Jessica S.,
Brazil.
“Taking the orientation course will be helpful with your education in the
future. Since you can learn a lot of knowledge of American culture or na-
tive words, it’s helpful for adapting to life in the US.” - Hongyu Z., China
Program Information and Collaboration
There are three types of orientation:
1. Initial Orientation - This occurs during move-in week and
covers important information and resources needed to start clas-
ses at the ELC.
2.Ongoing Orientation - This is a support course for students
in their first term of study at the ELC.
3.Exit Orientation - This occurs as students prepare to leave the
ELC and covers information related to transferring to RIT or an-
other institution.
Ongoing Orientation is a 12-week pass/fail program which students
must pass in order to exit the ELC. This course meets 2 hours per
week for the first 4 weeks, and 1 hour per week for the next 8, and is
sectioned based on students English language skills.
Ongoing Orientation covers topics such as: ELC Policies, Writing
Proper E-mails and informal/formal writing, Student Success Tips
and Time Management, Cultural Adjustment, Health & Wellness,
and more.
In addition to this, Ongoing Orientation has a variety of collabora-
tive classes and guest lectures from other departments at RIT, such
as: The Center for Wellness, Center for Women & Gender, Ameri-
can Sign Language & Deaf Studies Community Center, and Year
One.
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Rating
Program Quality Assessment2015: Curriculum
Did orientation help you in your adjustment
to the ELC and RIT?
Were the guest speakers and collaborative
classes productive? Explain.
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Program Quality Assessment2015: Engagement
Did you find the online resources (Wiki,
online discussions) engaging?
Did you feel encouraged to participate and
engage in class?
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Program Quality Assessment2014
Did Orientation help you in your adjustment
to the ELC and RIT?
Did you find the wiki useful?
Were the online discussions engaging?
Were the guest speakers and collaborative
classes productive?
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What topics did you find most helpful?
What topics did you find most helpful?