Answers to FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What time do classes meet?
The Institute for Intensive English (IIE) offers morning, afternoon, and evening classes. Levels 1 - 4 meet four - five days a week. Levels 5 and 6 grammar classes meet two - three days a week. Levels 5 and 6 reading and writing classes meet once a week. Eng 111 meets once or twice a week.  Most classes meet from 8:00am - 10:50am, 11:00am - 1:50pm; 5:00pm - 7:30pm; 7:40pm - 10:10pm; late-start classes have different schedules.

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2. Do you have Saturday classes?
Yes, we do. The IIE now offers some classes on Saturdays.

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3. What kind of questions are on the placement test?
There are three different tests. For more information, click here.

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4. I took ESL in high school. Do I have to take ESL at Union County College?
In general, you must take the ESL placement test to see if you still need ESL. If you attended middle school in the U.S. and all four years of high school, you may not need to take the ESL placement test. The IIE Director will decide who needs to take the test.

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5. Do I have to buy textbooks?
Yes, you do. All students have to buy textbooks for their classes.

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6. Where do I buy my textbooks?
Students buy their textbooks at the bookstore on the campus where their classes meet. There is a bookstore on each campus.

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7. What other courses can I take?
Students in Levels 3 and above can take ESL 080-Pronunciation, ADM 101-Keyboarding and math courses according to the ESL Math Placement Test. Students in Levels 4 and above can take ESL 071- Advanced Conversation. Students in Level 6 have more options. They can take Fine Arts courses such as Drawing or Painting.  They can also take special sections of Business 101, BUSE101 + ESL083 - ESL Reading for Business, or Psychology 101, PSYE101 + ESL084 - ESL Reading for Psychology.

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8. When can I begin to take credit courses?
In general, ESL students cannot take credit courses until Level 6. The only exceptions are ADM 101-Keyboarding (2 credits) and some math courses with special permission. Level 6 students can take special sections of Business 101+ ESL083 - ESL Reading for Business, or Psychology 101 + ESL084 - ESL Reading for Psychology.

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9. Will I have homework and tests?
Yes. All students will have homework, quizzes, a midterm exam and a final exam.

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10. Can I study part-time?
Only students in Levels 5, 6, and ENG 111 may study part-time. Students in Levels 5 and 6 must go to the IIE Office in Room 414 to get permission for part-time enrollment.

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11. If my job shift changes, can I change my class?
It is very difficult to change classes after the semester begins. If you need to change your class time, you must do it before the registration period ends, and you can only change if there is a seat in another class. Go to the Counseling Center if you need to change or drop your class.

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12. If I have to stop attending the class after the class begins, what should I do?
If you have to stop attending the class, you must go to the Counseling Center to complete a Drop/Add form. You will receive a W grade. If you do not complete a Drop/Add and stop attending class, you will receive a UF grade.

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13. What happens if I have many absences?
If you have many absences, you may fail the course. Talk to your professor.

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14. If I can't come to a class, what should I do?
If you cannot attend a class, you should contact your professor to find out the homework. Or, you should contact a classmate.

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15. I have tickets to go to my country for vacation, so I will not be here for the final exam. What should I do?
In general, you must arrange your vacation plans according to the class schedule. If you cannot attend the final exam, but you have been attending class regularly, you must speak to your professor as soon as possible. It is possible to receive a grade of I-Incomplete.  If you do not take the final exam, you will probably fail the course.

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16. When does registration begin?
Registration began in May for continuing students and continues through mid-September for all students - new and continuing.  
Call the IIE Office for more information: 908-965-6031
Classes begin September 3, 2008. Late-start classes begin September 16th.

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