Evangelization requires the ability to communicate effectively, both in oral and written forms. The English Language Center provides writing assistance for seminarians (both those whose first language is English and also non-native English speakers/writers). By the time they graduate, all seminarians are expected to reach “General Professional Proficiency” as described in the Institutional Writing Scale. This Scale was adapted by the Faculty from the Interagency Language Roundtable (ILR) scale. The Interagency Language Roundtable Scale was developed initially by the United States Civil Service to provide an objective measure of language skills. Similarly, this Institutional Writing Scale provides the Faculty with an objective measure of writing skill to ensure that graduates can preach the Word of God and communicate the Tradition effectively.
The English Language Center administers written assessments during the admissions process and develops Individualized Learning Plans for those students who would benefit from additional assistance in written English. These seminarians are assessed by the faculty every semester to determine what, if any, additional support is needed.
The English Language Center offers weekly Grammar/Style and Study Skills workshops that are open to all seminarians. In addition, the English Language Center director oversees peer proofreading services available to the community. The Director of the English Language Center also teaches Academic Writing I and II, 1-unit courses required for all Pre-Theology seminarians and open to all other seminarians.
For more information, please contact Dr. Kristen Kearns, the Director of the English Language Center.