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Faculty Association
Spring 2001

ITEM #3 -- FA 01-08:
Submitted by the Academic Standards Committee

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Indicators of Required English Language Proficiency for Foreign Applicants

 

Background:

 

BOR Rule 6C-6.009 Admission of Foreign Students to SUS Institutions

Each university shall require a foreign applicant whose native tongue is not English to furnish satisfactory evidence that the applicant's competency in English is adequate.

 

(a) In order to assess English proficiency, scores on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) shall normally be required of all applicants except those from countries where English is the only official language.

(b) Unless other satisfactory evidence indicates that the student will be able to perform at an acceptable level, the university shall require that a foreign applicant achieve a score of 500 or above on TOEFL

 

Rationale:

 

Currently UNF only accepts the TOEFL score as evidence of English language proficiency. (Catalog 2000-2001, p.10). 
Adoption of the proposed indicators of English language proficiency would allow  current applicants alternative methods to demonstrate English language proficiency and allow UNF to take a pro-active stance in recruiting international students at targeted overseas institutions and countries

 

Recommendation: Evidence of English Language Proficiency

 

 

A.One of the following academic credentials:

 

 

  1. U.S. high school diploma if resident for at least two years of instruction;

  2. American diploma from a U.S. accredited overseas international school where the primary language of instruction is English;

  3. International Baccalaureate from a U.S. accredited overseas international school where the primary language of instruction is English;

  4. AA degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution;

  5. Baccalaureate degree from a regionally accredited U.S. institution; 

  6. Certificate of completion of "Pre-University II English as a Second Language    Course" (the 8th of 9 levels) with an average grade of B from the UNF Continuing Education English Language Program;
 
Or B.    The achievement of one of the following test scores:
 

 

  1. A minimum TOEFL score of 500 paper-based (173 computer-based) for all applicants except for a score of 550 paper-based (213 computer-based) for graduate students in the College of Business Administration

  2. A minimum SAT verbal score of 440

  3. A minimum ACT score of 17 on the English subsection and 18 on the Reading subsection

  4. Advanced Placement (AP) International English Language score of 3 (AP grades range from 5 high to 1 low; 3 equals "Qualified")

  5. University of Cambridge International English Language Testing System (IELTS) band score of 6.5
    (Band scores range from 9 high to 1 low; 6.5 lies between 6 "competent user" and 7 "good user")

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Modified: May 31, 2001