American Language Institute

I.  INTRODUCTION

The staff and faculty of the American Language Institute are eager to assist you in every possible way.  Below are some of the people who are ready to help you.  You should see the receptionist in the front office first, if you want to meet with one of these people.

II.  PROCEDURES OF THE PROGRAM

A. Placement

1. All students are tested during orientation week to determine their level of English ability.  Based on their test performances students are then assigned to class levels.
2. Returning students are placed according to both test scores and teacher recommendations.
3. In some cases a student’s level may be changed.  A student cannot change levels without teacher recommendation.

B. Progress  Reports

1. Each semester, all instructors complete reports indicating student progress.
   
2. These grade reports are available to students upon request.
   
3. Copies of grade reports are sent to students' sponsors.

C. Certificate of Completion

Students completing the program may request a certificate if they meet the requirements.  Requirements for satisfactory completion of the program are as follows:

1. Attendance has met the standards of the program.
2. Student has taken all required finals.
3. Student has maintained proper classroom cooperation.
4. Student or sponsor has paid tuition and all debts in full.
5. Student has passed all focus and core classes with at least a 2.0 or Credit. Students should consult with their advisors for other program requirements.

D. Vacations and Holidays

The ALI follows the vacation schedule of San Diego State University, which includes the following:

1. Thanksgiving break (4-day weekend in November)
2. Winter break (2 weeks at the end of December)
3. Spring break (1 week in March or April)

E. Fees and Tuition

1. All student fees are due during orientation week.
2. Students may not start classes until tuition is paid.
3. Check with the ALI office to find out where to pay your tuition.

F. Concerns, Complaints, or Conflicts: Problem-solving

Sometimes students experience problems that are too difficult for them to solve alone.   We at the ALI
want to help you.  If you have a very difficult problem:

1. Talk to your teacher to find out how to get help. 
2. Or, if you prefer not to discuss it with your teacher, and then go to the ALI front desk, say which program you are in, and ask to talk to your advisor, who will help you.  Depending on the problem, our advisor might suggest that you also talk to the Housing Coordinator, Student Relations Advisor, Immigration Advisor, or perhaps to the Academic Director or the ALI Director.

 III.  STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

A. Attendance/Performance

ALI attendance/performance rules and guidelines are intended to assist students in developing self-discipline and language proficiency as well as an understanding of the American educational system.

Attendance/Performance rules will be explained during orientation.

The attendance policies may vary depending on the individual class requirements.  Students should review the guidelines set forth by the teacher for each class.  Any questions should be directed to the student advisors.

B. Classroom Expectations

1. Take a serious approach to study.  A good class requires discipline and respect for instructors and other students.
2. You should speak only English in the classroom.
3. Do not help other students during examinations.  This practice, called cheating, is a serious offense in an American university.
4. No smoking, eating or drinking is permitted in the classroom at any time.
5. Keep the classroom, halls, restrooms and lounge areas neat and clean.
6. Finish your homework on time.  This is good practice for university study.

C. Change of Address

1. Give your correct address to the receptionist at the ALI office.
2. If you move, give your new address to the ALI office and the local post office so that they can forward your mail.
3. Give your correct address to the Immigration and Naturalization Service.

D. Change of Telephone Number

Please notify the ALI office if you change your telephone number.  This is necessary for emergencies and for teachers who may need to contact you.

E. Texts and Materials for the Classroom

1. Each teacher will tell you what textbook you need to buy in each class.  You can buy these books at the Aztec Bookstore on campus.  Save your receipts.  Please remember to keep your receipts when you buy books or anything else at the SDSU bookstore.  You cannot return or exchange any purchase without a receipt.
2. The teacher will inform you of what to bring to class.  Students should bring pens, pencils and paper.

IV.  ALI SERVICES TO STUDENTS

A. Counselors

The ALI offers its students a variety of counselors and advisors to help you with your questions and problems.  See Section I for information on who can answer your question.

B. Student Health Services

ALI Students can use the San Diego State University’s Health Services.  Please read about SDSU’s Health Services in the Getting Settled in San Diego handbook in your ALI Notebook.

C. Applying for College and University Entrance

1. Consult your advisor on university entrance.  Your advisor will help you choose colleges or universities which have a program in your chosen field.  You should apply to at least three.  There are a number of college and university guides in the ALI office which you can look through so that you can ask the Student Advisor specific questions.
2. Your advisor will tell you how to get the coursework transcripts from your previous college or secondary school in your native country.  These documents are an essential part of your application.
3. Your advisor will also show you how to fill out the necessary forms and will advise you on writing the required autobiography.
4. APPLY NOW: Universities often close application filing periods up to nine months before the beginning of classes.
5. If you have already applied to a university, please see your advisor so that we can double-check that everything is in order for you.

D. TOEFL

The TOEFL is an internationally recognized Test of English as a Foreign Language.  At San Diego State University (SDSU), foreign students must have a score of 550 points to be considered for admission as a matriculated student.  Specific departments may have higher TOEFL requirements.  Various colleges and universities have different TOEFL score requirements.

1. The computer-based TOEFL is offered at the SDSU test center in the student services building.
2. Information about making an appointment is at the front office of the ALI.
   
3. TOEFL scores are sent in the mail in about 2-4 weeks after the test date.
   
4. The test is 2 1/2 hours long.
5. The test center number for SDSU is 594-5216.  Another test center that offers the TOEFL is the Sylvan Learning Center in La Mesa (668-0145).

E. Trips and Social Activities

The ALI organizes various trips and excursions throughout the academic year to give you opportunities to practice your English outside of the classroom.

1. These special trips include visiting popular attractions such as Disneyland and Sea World.
2.  The annual spring picnic is the favorite of both students and staff.
3. There are also optional activities during weekends and vacation periods, such as overnight excursions to SF, Yosemite, Las Vegas, and the Grand Canyon.

A schedule of all these events is given to each student early in the term. To get additional info or to sign up, please see the ALI Student Life Coordinator during office hours.

F. Sports and Intramurals

San Diego is the ideal location for year-round sports activities.  The mild climate and the close proximity of both sea and mountains provide American Language Institute students with unique opportunities.

1. Classes at the Mission Bay Aquatic Center on Santa Clara Point in the Mission Bay area (# 858-488-1036 or visit www.missionbayaquaticcenter.com) are open to ALI students.  These classes include: sailing, surfing, water skiing, and scuba diving among others.  The fees for the classes are very reasonable.  Bus number 80 will transport you to the center in just forty minutes.
2. The intramural sports teams have always been very popular with ALI students.  Dozens of different sports competitions are offered, including soccer, volleyball, basketball, American football, tennis and badminton.
3. Aztec Recreation Center (#619-594-PLAY or visit http://arc.sdsu.edu) is 24-hr gym located on the SDSU campus and open to ALI students for and additional charge ($21 a month with electronic funds transfer). There the students have unlimited access to aerobic equipment and classes, weights, basketball, volleyball, soccer, and an indoor climbing wall. This is a great way to not only exercise and play sports, but also meet American college students, and receive intramural sports, lessons, and tournaments held by ARC, as well as on Aztec Adventure trips)

Sports are a good way to become acquainted with American students.  Visit the ALI office for more information.