Steps to Enrolling and Completing Intensive English Institute Courses

1. Contact the Director of MCC’s Intensive English Institute

Marilyn Glazer-Weisner’s e-mail address is glazerm@middlesex.mass.edu and her on-campus telephone number is 978-656-3350.  She will give you information about the courses and availability, and make sure we have a class that will meet your needs.

2. Make an appointment to have your English Language Communication Skills Interview

Contact Marilyn Glazer-Weisner, Director, MCC's IEI, about completing the initial English language communication skills interview. She will spend time with you to evaluate your listening and comprehending spoken language skills, your ability to speak English with fluency, your ability to read English and comprehend the reading, and your ability to write English and demonstrate knowledge of fluency.

3. Learn the Results of your English Language Communication Skills Interview

Marilyn will discuss the results with you and advise you on which level classes you should take. She will alternatively advise you if your skills are below or above the classes offered and introduce you to MCC co-workers who can assist you with alternative classes.

4. Register and pay for the course

Register and pay for courses immediately after finishing the intake interview or you may choose to wait and register at a later date.

5. Take the online ABLE B2 Placement Test before classes begin

This test evaluates English language communication skills in 4 areas: reading, writing, listening, and speaking with tasks that evaluate knowledge of grammar. There is no separate vocabulary because vocabulary is evaluated through all tasks in all sections. This test is administered by Hellenic American University online and assures that you will be successful in the Intensive English Institute classes. The test will involve about 2 and ½ hours of your time.

6. Attend orientation at the beginning of new term

The first two days of class every semester are devoted to orientation to the Intensive English Institute and Middlesex Community College. You will learn more about your IEI classes, the college, and your new classmates and have an opportunity to ask lots of questions and learn how you will be successful in reaching your goals.

7. Attend 16-week course

All IEI studentscome to class 4 times a week for 16 weeks. Each class meets for 2 and ½ hours each morning and 2 hours each afternoon. Students are expected to attend every class.

Students are required to be at least 80% present in their classes to be considered progressing in their program. This is especially important when learning a second language. Attendance is carefully taken for each class throughout each week and each semester. It is widely recognized in education that attending classes is the most important factor impacting student success and progress.

Student academic success is of utmost importance to MCC’s IEI instructors and director. As a result, If students are getting close to falling below the 80% attendance requirement, the following steps will be taken:

  • IEI instructors will talk with students about their attendance and absenteeism patterns and remind them of the 80% attendance requirement and the importance of academic and language learning success.
  • IEI instructors will notify IEI director with an e-mail message regarding any student who is at risk of falling below the 80% requirement for attendance and that they have had a conversation with the students involved.
  • IEI director will reach out to the students who are at risk of falling below the 80% requirement for attendance via e-mail and telephone to confirm their comprehension and to discuss a plan for improvement.
  • IEI director will update and inform the IEI instructors via e-mail summarizing the conversations with the students who are at risk of falling below the 80% requirement for attendance.
  • If the students fall below the 80% requirement for attendance despite the steps for intervention, they will be advised to withdraw from the class.

Last Modified: 8/2/21