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Ohio Program of Intensive English-OPIE
Gordy Hall 155
Phone: 740.593.4575
Fax: 740.593.4577
opie@ohio.edu
http://www.ohio.edu/linguistics/opie 

Christopher Thompson, Chair
Gerard Krzic, Director

The Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) at Ohio University has been providing English language training to international students since 1967. OPIE is member of the University Consortium of Intensive English Programs (UCIEP; http://www.uciep.org/), a professional organization that oversees university-based intensive English programs in the United States. The mission of OPIE is to raise the proficiency level and intercultural fluency of non-native speakers of English to meet their linguistic, academic and professional needs at Ohio University. To achieve this goal, OPIE provides high quality language and cultural instruction and assessment staffed by well-trained professionals.

OPIE offers three levels of full-time English study and two levels of part-time English in its Bridge Program (a combination of English and academic studies).

I. Full-time English Study Levels.

Full-time English study consists of twenty hours of OPIE only classroom instruction per week, augmented with structured and independent use of listening, reading, writing, and computer labs. Students at the full-time levels do not take academic courses. Each full-time level is comprised of two component courses; one course addresses lower to middle-level skill abilities, while the other addresses middle to higher-level skill abilities at that specific stage of English study. Completion of both component courses is not required. Instead, students are placed into levels and courses based on their entry-level and subsequent end of semester English proficiency.

The following information describes each level with a typical TOEFL score and the minimum amount of time a student can expect to study English prior to beginning either part-time or full-time academic studies. Three semesters of study (42 weeks) is equal to one calendar year (i.e., fall spring, summer semesters).

Elementary Level: OPIE D100/D200, D101/D201, D102/D202

Students entering the elementary level typically have the following language test scores. Paper TOEFL: 399 and below. OPIE Composition: 25 and below. Internet-based TOEFL: 31 and below. International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 5 and below. OPIE Placement Test: 50 and below.

Assuming normal progress in their language studies, students at this level can expect to study three semesters (42 weeks) of English before beginning at least part-time academic studies and part-time English studies in the OPIE Bridge Program.

The OPIE Elementary Level consists of two components: the foundations course and the elementary course. Students in the foundations course receive instruction in beginning listening and speaking skills along with appropriate communicative responses, with out-of-class exposure to native speakers in the form of field trips and daily situational encounters. Appropriate phrases and structures for daily use are introduced along with the basic cultural elements that make beginning communication possible. Students are familiarized with the basics of the English alphabet and handwriting. Beginning level sentence patterns are introduced as well as the rudiments of English punctuation. Basic English literacy skills are introduced with materials appropriate for adult learners.

The elementary course focuses on learning American English for effective communication both inside and outside the classroom. While grammatical structures and interactional listening/speaking skills are emphasized, reading and writing are gradually introduced along with study skills.

Intermediate Level: OPIE D300/400, D301/D401, D302/D402

Students entering the OPIE Intermediate Level typically have the following language test scores. Paper TOEFL: 400 to 449. OPIE Composition: 26-35. Internet-based TOEFL: 32 to 45. IELTS: 3 to 3.5. OPIE Placement Test: 51 to 65.

Assuming normal progress in their language studies, students at this level can expect to study 2 semesters (28 weeks) of English before beginning at least part-time English studies in the OPIE Bridge Program.

The OPIE Intermediate Level consists of two components: the intermediate course and the high intermediate course. Classes are designed for preparing students aiming at academic study. Students develop fluency and accuracy in oral skills and pronunciation with focus on transactional activities and extended discourse.  Paragraph level writing competency is developed as students expand grammatical knowledge and explore the process of writing, and write longer pieces of text.  Reading comprehension and vocabulary acquire greater emphasis with more attention to academic vocabulary and text organization.

Advanced Level: OPIE D500/600, D501/D601, D502/602

Students entering this level typically have the following language test scores. Paper TOEFL: 450 to 500. OPIE Composition: 36-44. Internet-based TOEFL: 46 to 61. IELTS: 4 to 5. OPIE Placement Test: 65 to 70.

Assuming normal progress in their language studies, students can expect to study 1 semester (14 weeks) of English before beginning at least part-time academic studies and part-time English studies in the OPIE Bridge Program.

The OPIE Advanced Level consists of two components: the advanced course and the pre-academic course. Students at this level do not take academic courses unless given special permission. Advanced students incorporate understanding of grammatical structures, appropriate vocabulary, and organization into formally developed essays.  More emphasis is placed on rhetorical modes and developing editing skills.  Reading comprehension and lexical skill development is emphasized along with the improvement of reading rate.  Students learn to synthesize the various skills and strategies to which they have been exposed.  Listening and speaking skill activities rely more heavily on actual academic task simulation and university level expectations.

II. Bridge Program (Part-time English and Part-Time Academic Study Levels).

12-Hour Level: OPIE D960/D970 plus 4-hour OPIE class

Students entering this level typically have the following language test scores. Paper TOEFL: 500 to 512 (500 to 524 for undergraduates conditionally admitted to the College of Business. OPIE Composition: 45-50. Internet-based TOEFL: 61 to 64. IELTS: 5.5. OPIE Placement Test: Not Applicable.

Assuming normal progress in their language studies, students can expect to study 2 semesters (28 weeks) of English before beginning full-time academic studies.

The 12-hour OPIE Level offers part-time support courses in English as a Second Language for students permitted to take five academic credit hours, in addition to UC 1900.  In the OPIE courses, three hours of classroom instruction are provided four days per week (normally a single eight-hour course plus a single four-hour course in the student’s least developed skill area). Instruction is supplemented with self-access in listening, reading, and computer labs.  Students improve language skills as well as academic performance skills and study skills.  Language focus is on reading and writing with additional work in academically-related listening and speaking.

8-Hour Level: OPIE D970/980

Students entering this level typically have the following language test scores. Paper TOEFL: 513 to 524 (525 to 549 for undergraduates conditionally admitted to the College of Business). OPIE Composition: 51-55.  Internet-based TOEFL:65 to 70. IELTS: 5.5. OPIE Placement Test: Not Applicable.

Assuming normal progress in their language studies, students at this level can expect to study 1 semester (14 weeks) of English before beginning full-time academic studies.

The 8-Hour OPIE Level offers part-time support courses in English as a Second Language for students permitted to take 9 academic credit hours. In the OPIE courses, two hours of classroom instruction are provided four days per week (normally a single eight-hour course). Instruction is supplemented with self-access in listening, reading, and computer labs.  Students improve language skills as well as academic performance skills and study skills. 

The 8-Hour Level course is normally followed by full-time academic studies. Students may be required to take a single four-hour composition class if composition test scores fall below 50. 

III. Chart of OPIE Levels and Length of Time for Studying English

The following chart summarizes the information above, including each level with the typical entry-level TOEFL score and the minimum amount of time a student can expect to study English prior to beginning either part-time or full-time academic studies. Three semesters of study (42 weeks) is equal to one calendar year (i.e., Fall, Spring, Summer semesters). 

Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) Levels & Duration of English Study Guidelines 

* Business College requires higher scores: 550 Paper TOEFL or 80 IBT for full entrance.
TOEFL = Test of English as Foreign Language
IBT = Internet Based TOEFL
IELTS = International English Language Testing Services

IV. Program for Conditional Admission (PCA)

Ohio University offers the Program for Conditional Admission (PCA) for international students who have not achieved the required English language proficiency scores prior to arriving at the university. PCA students will be administered the TOEFL test upon arrival and if they do not achieve a TOEFL of 525 (550 with sub-scores of at least 52 for College of Business), they will be required to take English classes in OPIE.  Students receiving conditional admission can begin part-time academic studies with placement into the Bridge Program. Students receiving conditional admission can begin full-time academic studies in two ways:a) successful completion* of required OPIE classes or; b) attainment of a score of 525 on the TOEFL (550 for students in the College of Business) and a score of 50 on the OPIE composition test after having attended OPIE classes.

Successful completion:

• Initially complete OPIE’s 8-hour level Bridge Program with a B- or higher (College of Business students must earn an A- or higher) or
• Repeat OPIE’s 8-hour level with a grade of C or higher (College of Business students must earn a B- or higher)

V. Features of the OPIE

A. Program of Study

OPIE classes are small and instructors pay special attention to student needs. Participation and the practical use of spoken and written English are emphasized.

B. Conversation Partners Program

Non-OPIE students attending Ohio University are invited to become conversation partners for all full-time international students. Students spend at least one hour each week speaking English with their conversation partners.

C. Self-Access Day

On Wednesdays, OPIE students attend a variety of activities such as Wednesday Discussion to learn about the culture of America and the expectations of studying at Ohio University. In addition, students can work individually in the Language Resource Center (LRC), reading and listening laboratories or meet with instructors to work on individual needs. 

D. Language Laboratories

Three types of language laboratories are used by OPIE students. These include:

• Reading Laboratory. Students learn to increase vocabulary, reading comprehension and reading speed.

• Pronunciation Tutoring. Students work one-on-one with a tutor to improve pronunciation and listening comprehension.

• Composition Tutoring. Students at the advanced level work one-on-one with a tutor to improve grammar and writing skills.

E. OPIE Faculty

All OPIE instructors are professionally trained and experienced in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL). All members of the faculty hold either a Ph.D. or an M.A. degree in either Education, Linguistics, or TESL. Teaching Associates (TAs) in the program are graduate students in the Department of Linguistics with prior teaching experience in teaching English to non-native speakers. These students are closely supervised by senior OPIE faculty.

VI. OPIE Policies

A. Credit/No Credit; Academic Probation 

OPIE expects all students to be active, prepared participants in classes.As it is important for non-native speakers of English to improve their English as quickly as possible in order to begin their academic studies, OPIE has the following regulations.

1. Credit/Non-credit Policy (Homework and Attendance Requirements): All OPIE students should complete 90% of homework assignments and attend 90% of all their classes for the current semester of attendance. OPIE calculates the cumulative number of absences and homework assignments at the end of each semester for each student. 
2. Any student failing to achieve 90% in one or both of these areas will receive a grade of No-Credit (NC) and be placed on Academic Probation at the end of the semester. 
3. Students who are on Academic Probation should not make travel plans to leave the United States at the end of each following semester until they know that they will not be receiving No Credit for a second time.
4. Any student who receives No-Credit for any two semesters (either consecutive or non-consecutive) will be dismissed from OPIE and Ohio University. 
5. International students who are dismissed or anticipate being dismissed should meet with an advisor at the Office of International Student and Faculty Services to discuss their immigration status.
6. Dismissed students can either: a) transfer to another academic institution or b) return to their home country.
7. Dismissed students who have transferred to another academic institution and desire to re-apply to Ohio University and OPIE should have completed at least 30 quarter hours or 20 semester hours of classes and achieved at least a 2.75 grade point average at the other academic institution to be eligible for re-admission. 

B. Academic Course Pre-registration for Advanced and Bridge Level Students

All students who have achieved English proficiency at the advanced level or above can pre-register for either part-time or full-time academic studies for the following semester based on their current level in OPIE. These students will be given an academic course form during the fifth week of each semester to list their academic courses for the following semester. On this form, students will prioritize each academic course according to a numerical ranking (1= most important class; 4= least important class). Students must submit the completed academic course form to OPIE by Friday of week 14 of the semester.

If, based on end-of-semester test scores and class performance, students must remain in full-time or part-time OPIE for further English study for the following semester, they may need to adjust their academic course registration so they will not be registered for too many academic credit hours. Guidelines are below:

• 8-Hour level students, who take 8 hours of OPIE classes per week, are permitted to have a maximum of 9 academic credit hours.
• 12-Hour level students, who take 12 hours of OPIE classes per week, are permitted to have a maximum of 5 academic credit hours in addition to UC 1900.
• Advanced level students, who take 20 hours of OPIE classes per week, are not permitted to take any academic classes without special permission.

Please note that OPIE will not register students for their academic courses. Students are responsible for registering for academic courses on their own with the assistance of their academic advisor.

Students are responsible for adjusting their academic course registration if they have registered for too many academic courses, and thereby preventing registration for necessary OPIE classes.   This adjustment must be made by the day prior to the last day to add a class for the semester without instructor’s approval. In the event that a student does not adjust his or her registration appropriately by this deadline, OPIE will adjust the schedule as necessary, starting with dropping any classes that conflict with the time of required OPIE courses. After this adjustment, if a student is still enrolled in too many academic classes, OPIE will drop the class (or classes) the student has indicated as least important on the academic form. Therefore it is essential that students indicate the importance of each class so that OPIE knows which class or classes to drop when needed.

C. Bridge Level Students and Required University College (UC 1900) Class

All OPIE Bridge Level students are required to enroll in the University College course (UC 1900) during their first semester at the bridge level. Students who enter the OPIE bridge program at the 12-hour level are required to take 12 hours of OPIE, UC 1900, and up to (but not exceeding) 5 hours of academic credits. Students who enter the OPIE bridge program at the 8-hour level are required to take 8 hours of OPIE, UC 1900, and up to (but not exceeding) 8 hours of academic credits.

D. OPIE Summer Policy for Bridge-Level Students for Semesters

OPIE students can take a vacation during the summer semester or they can take classes. Students in the OPIE bridge program must continue their studies in OPIE if they are o campus taking academic classes.

Students in the OPIE bridge program who are leaving the Athens area for a summer vacation may take online academic classes:

• Students who have placed into 12 hours of OPIE may take a maximum of 6 credit hours of online academic classes during the summer.
• Students who have placed into 8 hours of OPIE may take a maximum of 9 credit hours of academic classes during the summer.

Bridge level students who take online academic classes during their summer vacation will still need to continue taking their assigned OPIE and UC 1900 (if required) classes when they return to Ohio University in the fall.

Students do not need to take classes full time in the summer if they are eligible to take summer as a vacation. However, in order to maintain their F-1 or J-1 visa status, students must enroll for full time study in fall and spring semesters even if they take classes during their summer vacation.

Also, current students who have taken their annual vacation in fall or spring semester may not be able to take summer as a vacation. These students should talk with an advisor in International Student and Faculty Services (ISFS) about whether they are eligible for a vacation this summer.

E. Academic Misconduct

OPIE follows Ohio University’s policies on academic misconduct. For more details see www.ohio.edu/communitystandards/academic/students.cfm and the OPIE Student Handbook at www.ohio.edu/linguistics/opie.

F. Lack of Progress and Dismissal

Students in OPIE are expected to make satisfactory progress in the development of their language skills. At the end of each semester, students are expected to advance to the next level in the program (e.g., Intermediate to Advanced) or at least progress to a higher component course in the same level (e.g., Intermediate to High Intermediate). In the event that a student fails to progress or advance and has to repeat the same course at the same level, he/she will be allowed to do so only one time. If the student fails to progress within a level (e.g., Intermediate to High Intermediate) or to advance to a higher level (e.g., Intermediate to Advanced) after taking a course for the second time, he/she will be dismissed from OPIE and Ohio University.

Students who receive notice that they will be dismissed according to this policy may appeal the decision by submitting a written statement of appeal to the OPIE office within five calendar days of receiving their dismissal notice. This statement of appeal should describe any unusual circumstances that contributed to the student’s lack of progress. An OPIE/Linguistics committee will review the appeal and render a decision within three calendar days.

College of Business students should complete their OPIE English studies within six semesters of study or they will need to change their major from the College of Business.

The Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) at Ohio University has been giving English language training to international students from all over the world since 1967. For additional information on the Ohio Program of Intensive English and its policies, visit the website www.ohio.edu/linguistics/opie, call 740.593.4575, or email opie@ohio.edu.

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