(Thunder Bay-June 28, 2005) Lakehead University and Confederation College have joined forces to help potential graduate students whose first language is not English to meet the language requirements at Lakehead U.
Dr. Fred Gilbert, President, Lakehead University, and Mrs. Patricia Lang, President, Confederation College, today signed an articulation agreement which provides potential University graduate students with another means to obtain their Lakehead University English Language Proficiency Requirements. Students who apply to Lakehead, and who meet all other program-specific admission requirements except the English Language Proficiency Requirement, will be offered a conditional acceptance until they pass one of the language tests listed in the Lakehead U calendar. This list now includes the English for Academic Purposes program (EAP) offered through this agreement.
This 16-week EAP and English as a Second Language program is designed for international students with intermediate-level skills in English. Students in the program are assisted in acquiring the oral and written skills needed for their success in post-secondary studies. Previously, this program was for Confederation College students only. This agreement now allows potential Lakehead U international graduate students to take part in the program.
"The University and the College have always had a positive and progressive relationship, and the EAP program is another avenue of educational collaboration between Thunder Bay's two post-secondary institutions," says Dr. Gilbert. "Working with the College to provide potential University graduate students with this option to become proficient in English is a positive step for these students as well as the College and University."
"Confederation College prides itself on providing students the best opportunities for post-secondary education and multiple learning pathways between college and university, and this partnership with Lakehead University is a continuation of this commitment," says Mrs. Lang. "This is the type of cooperation that will lead to the realization of our collective vision for Thunder Bay to become a leading international student destination."
The curriculum focuses on reading, writing, speaking, and listening in academic contexts. The program includes a grammar review, learning strategies, writing summaries and short essays, pronunciation, and improving reading comprehension along with speed and accuracy. A variety of instructional methods will be used including lectures, web-based exercises, discussion and debate, independent study, and other applied activities.
"The EAP is a great program for our potential international graduate students," says Dr. Kim Fedderson, Dean, Social Sciences and Humanities. "Lakehead often receives applications from international graduate students with high academic credentials, but whose English language proficiency presents a barrier. With the EAP program, students will be better able to develop the necessary communication skills to work effectively in an English-speaking academic environment. They will be able to communicate their research properly to others as well as work as teachers' assistants for undergraduate programs at the University. This is an excellent option for these students, and I am pleased to see this partnership become a reality."
Dr. Fedderson spearheaded the EAP partnership, with support from Dr. Gary Boire, Dean of International and Graduate Studies, Lakehead University. Designed specifically for international graduate students, there is expectation that the program may be expanded to include international students at the undergraduate level.
Initially, the program will be offered by Confederation during the Spring/Summer term in order to prepare students for a Fall start at Lakehead U. As the program develops, the possibility of a Fall EAP program geared to a Winter start at Lakehead will be explored. Classes will be conducted at Confederation College. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to analyze academic material and express themselves logically in both oral and written form.
For more information, Dr. Kim Fedderson and Dr. Fred Gilbert are available today for interview between 3 and 4 p.m. by calling Marla Tomlinson at 807-343-8177. Mrs. Patricia Lang is available today for interview between 3 and 3:30 p.m. by calling Brian Ktytor at 807-475-6227.