English Language Learners at Albertus

Albertus Magnus College is committed to diversity, equity and inclusion for our students and campus community. In recognition of our diverse student body and to help promote a racially, ethnically, and culturally diverse academic environment, Albertus Magnus will consider individual requests for a 50% extended time test accommodation for students who are not native English speakers.

All admitted students are expected to be proficient in the English language. However, the 50% extended time test accommodation is available to non-native English speaking students to improve access and equity and reduce barriers associated with English language acquisition for students who are otherwise qualified.

Students seeking test accommodations based on limited English proficiency must make a request by submitting an ELL Test Accommodation Request Form, personal statement, and supporting documentation.

Transcripts and placement test results already on file with the college may also be reviewed.

Personal Statement

The personal statement should include:

  • History and involvement in ELL/ESL/ESOL* program(s)
  • Personal experience with academic barriers related to language, specifically testing/assessments
  • Past history of test accommodations

Supporting Documentation

Supporting documentation may include but is not limited to:

  • English language proficiency assessment results (such as IELTS, TOEFL or Duolingo. Other assessments may be accepted)
  • Confirmation of eligibility or participation in an ESL* program in a secondary school setting
  • An EL Plan, official support or accommodations plan

Eligibility

To be eligible for test accommodations the student should not:

  • Be a native speaker of the English language
  • Have earned a degree with a major in the English language at an institution of higher education

ELL test accommodations are not retroactive and can only be implemented after approval. Students are responsible for notifying their faculty of their ELL test accommodations by providing them with an approval notification letter. Students are responsible for notifying faculty of each exam for which they plan to use such accommodation in advance and making the necessary arrangements.

Test accommodations for ELL students are not considered disability accommodations. Students seeking disability accommodations should contact the Academic and Student Disability Services office at (203) 672-1050 asejdic@albertus.edu.

ELL test accommodations apply to standard timed exams only (quizzes & tests). The extended time does not apply to assignments.

*There are a variety of terms/abbreviations that are used to identify students who are non-native English speakers. In an effort to be inclusive, we will not deny any student access to test accommodations based solely on terminology used to describe them or the programs they participate in. We have developed a list of some of the terms and abbreviations here in order to recognize the diverse ways that students may identify themselves.

ELL - English Language Learner: Students who are not currently proficient as English speakers and are in the process of developing their English language skills.

ESL - English as a Second Language: This refers to the use or study of the English language by non-native speakers in an English-speaking environment.

EFL - English as a Foreign Language: The term used to describe the study of English by non-native speakers in countries where English is not the dominant language.

ESOL - English for Speakers of Other Languages: Used to describe the programs that educate students who are not native English speakers.

EAL - English as an Additional Language: Acknowledges that students are already competent speakers of at least one home language.