K-State English Language Program accredited in wake of tremendous growth

The recent accreditation of the English Language Program by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation capped a lengthy process that began about three years ago.

The main significance of the accreditation stems from its indication that students are guaranteed a quality education.

"We have standards that are recognized throughout the world so that students can expect a certain level of instruction," said Beverly Earles, associate director of international programs.

Leena Chakrabarti, assistant director of international programs, said the program had been in line with the majority of the requirements before accreditation, but much of the work had not been catalogued yet.

"It was more organizing, and it was actually beneficial because it came at a time when the program was just starting to experience some growth," said Mary Wood, program director.

By growth, Todd referred to the fact that at this time last year, the program had 292 students. Now that number is 480.

There are several reasons for this dramatic increase, Wood said.

"The university is actively seeking international undergraduates, and because of that, there's just an awareness of what international students can bring to the campus," she said.

A change in policy accompanied that change in perspective.

"About five or six years ago we changed the undergraduate admission policy," Wood said. "Before, [students] had to prove their English proficiency before they were admitted. Now they're admitted based on their credentials."

The process included a training session in Washington, D.C., a year and a half of getting materials together, a site visit after submitting paperwork and, finally, the report of the visitors, which was reviewed by the commission.

The program received one-year accreditation in March 2008, and the recent follow-up resulted in a four-year extension.

The course takes between eight weeks and one year for students to graduate before beginning their academic classes at K-State. Wood said the program has a threefold mission.

First is the language assessment; this determines a student's English proficiency. Second, the program provides classes to aid international students as they work at skills such as reading, writing, listening and speaking in English. Third, it serves as a resource for academic departments across campus, reaching out to help them when they need it.

However, the goals of the program extend beyond basic language skills.

"We now have kind of a course that's part online, part face-to-face with experts coming and giving lectures on different topics like, ‘Don't buy things on the Internet,' ‘What do you do if the police stops you,' [and] ‘How to stay safe,'" Chakrabarti said. "So we really try to not only just nurture their academics, we try to prepare them for the university — not just the educational system but how to survive."