English as a Second Language (ESL)
Maria Diemer, Assistant Director of Global Affairs & ESL
The English as Second Language Department at Rockford University is a student-centered academic program that prepares students for study in undergraduate and graduate university coursework. The curriculum focuses on the key language areas including but not limited to listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar. The ESL Department offers students the opportunity to improve their language skills so that they may successfully enroll in university courses. Classes meet daily, and all ESL classes are non-degree courses.
The ESL Department is approved by the Department of Homeland Security that allows the Rockford University to make a form I-20 for international students who wish to apply for an F-1 visa to study in the United States. Students who enter the United States on other visas should consult with the Office of Global Affairs to determine if their visa permits study while they are in the U.S. The ESL Department also enrolls U.S. residents, citizens or individuals who reside in the U.S. who are non-native speakers of English (NNSE).
Enrollment in ESL classes is open to anyone who wishes to improve her or his language skills. International program participants must have a visa that permits university study and must be in and maintain active status. International students who are on an F-1 visa and have a form I-20 through Rockford University must study, register, and attend classes on a full-time basis.
Graduation Requirements for ESL
Students must receive a passing score on either the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Rockford University requires the following as a passing score for normal admittance:
| TOEFL (Internet based) |
79 |
| TOEFL (Paper based) |
550 |
| IELTS |
>6.0 band score |
Students may be admitted provisionally into an undergraduate program with the following scores:
| TOEFL (Internet base) |
77 |
| TOEFL (Paper based) |
547 |
| IELTS |
>5.5 band score |
New ESL students will have their English level determined by taking Rockford University’s ESL placement test. The ESL placement test is used to place students into their corresponding English courses for their level of proficiency. Students on an F-1 visa must attend a full-time schedule of 20 hours per week. The ESL Program has classes in the Fall and Spring semesters and Summer session.
Summer courses are mandatory for students whose first academic term at Rockford University is in the summer session. While summer session is optional for all other students, Rockford University strongly recommends that ESL students enrolled in the spring semester prior to summer in any given year enroll in ESL courses in the summer session if they have not progressed to University degree level courses. Students who opt out of summer classes are required to take ESL placement testing to determine their ESL level before attending fall courses.
Level 1 – Low Beginner
Level 2 – High Beginner Level
Level 3 – Low Intermediate Level
Level 4 – High Intermediate Level
Level 5 - Advanced Level