2010 - 2011 Westminster English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI)

Westminster Distinctions | Program Details | Admissions | Course Descriptions

Program Description

Westminster College's English as a Second Language Institute (WESLI) consists of an eight-week summer program that seeks to improve students' skills in academic reading, writing, oral communication, and listening comprehension. The program goal is to equip English language learners with all of the skills necessary to enroll as a Westminster student. Upon successful completion of the summer institute, students can then enroll full time to begin working toward their bachelor's degree. For students who need to further supplement their English skills, the program offers additional sessions in the following Fall and Spring semesters.

The program begins during an eight-week summer session, designed with the following objectives:

1. To improve students' skills in academic reading, writing, oral communication, and listening comprehension so that they may reach a level that will allow them to transition to regular Westminster College courses.
2. To provide students with opportunities to build community and collaborate with other Westminster students, faculty, and staff, as well as to gain a sense of place and connection to the broader Salt Lake City community.

In keeping with student visa requirements, students will receive 12 hours of credit for attending the summer program.

Westminster Distinctions

• WESLI uses a strong collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to help provide unique learning experiences that benefit the ESL students, as well as the students who are native speakers of English.
• The synergistic nature of the program creates a welcoming environment of inclusion and support that continues throughout the program.
• WESLI incorporates a reciprocal relationship between WESLI and current Westminster students by using student resources, including pre-service teachers from the School of Education's ESL program, English and communications majors interested in blog-based discussions on American culture, and students involved in outdoor recreation events.

Program Details

The program includes the following courses:

Summer Semester

ESL 120: Academic Reading and Writing (Level 2)
ESL 121: Academic Speaking and Listening (Level 2)
ESL 130: Academic Reading and Writing (Level 3)
ESL 131: Academic Speaking and Listening (Level 3)

In addition to the coursework, a variety of activities are scheduled to connect students with our community. Summer activities scheduled during the afternoon and evening sessions include individual tutoring; discussion of topics in American culture; local outdoor recreation activities; and cultural experiences around Salt Lake City, such as the Twilight Concert series, museum exhibits, and the Farmer's Market. The ultimate goal of the afternoon sessions is to include WESLI program participants and Westminster students in collaborative efforts to promote community building and mutual learning.

Fall and Spring Semesters

ESL 130: Academic Reading and Writing (Level 3)
ESL 131: Academic Speaking and Listening (Level 3)
ESL 140: Academic Reading and Writing (Level 4)
ESL 141: Academic Speaking and Listening (Level 4)

All WESLI courses will be offered at several levels. Students will be assigned based on the results of the TOEFL and/or a two-day Westminster College English placement test.

Students completing the summer institute with TOEFL scores of 500-549 will be able to enter the Fall semester as a full degree-seeking student if they accomplish the following:

1. Complete ESL classes with a grade of B- or better and complete LE courses with a grade of C or better and achieve appropriate placement scores on TOEFL and the Westminster College English placement test.

OR

2. Complete ESL and academic classes with a grade of C or better and achieve a TOEFL score of at least 550 and an appropriate score on the Westminster College English placement test.

Students starting Fall semester with TOEFL scores 450-499 will progress to the same course track for students with TOEFL scores 500-549, provided that they continue to complete ESL courses with a grade of B- or better and achieve appropriate placement scores on the Westminster College English placement test.

Admission to the Program

Students must meet Westminster College's academic admission requirements. Although WESLI is designed for undergraduate students, graduate students may also attend WESLI and take ESL classes, but the courses will not count as credit toward graduate degrees.

To apply to the WESLI program, students will need the following:

1. A completed application
2. A completed WESLI supplemental application
3. Transcripts
4. High school counselor recommendation
5. $40 application fee
6. Writing sample
7. Phone interview
8. Statement of financial responsibility
9. Copy of bank statements.

Students who have taken the TOEFL can submit their scores.

• Westminster's TOEFL institution code is 4948.

*Transcripts

Official transcripts of secondary school grades (or scores on the general secondary certificate examination) and/or college or university grades. Transcripts must be sent directly to the Office of Admission from the student's school or ministry of education. The transcripts must have the official seal printed or embossed on them and must be accompanied by an official English translation.

For more information contact the Office of Admissions.

Office of Admissions
Westminster College
1840 South 1300 East
Salt Lake City, UT 84105
801.832.2200
800.748.4753
admission@westminstercollege.edu