Oral English Policy
September 27, 2001
Deans, Directors, and Department Heads
Dear Colleagues:
As you know, it is our policy to ensure that all instructors are proficient in oral English before they are given instructional responsibilities. This policy is designed not only to assure that our students receive the best possible education, but also to comply with a State law. I write to remind you of your role in the implementation of this policy.
Enclosed are two UIUC policy statements regarding the appointment for instruction of non-native English speaking faculty and teaching assistants.
All teaching assistants who are not native speakers of English must be screened for oral proficiency in English (either by the TSE or SPEAK exams) before beginning their teaching duties. After this initial screening, each student is required to participate in the UIUC pre-semester International Teaching Assistants and All-Campus Teaching Assistants Orientations.
Academic units are responsible for notifying potential teaching assistants of each element of this policy and assuring that students meet its requirements in advance of the start of their teaching responsibilities. Each academic year, academic units must also designate a faculty member who is responsible for assuring departmental compliance with the policy. Please inform the Office of Instructional Resources who you have designated in your department.
Prospective instructors who are not native speakers of English and who have not yet demonstrated oral English proficiency through the TSE or SPEAK must do so before they will be allowed to teach. In the past, units have occasionally sought temporary waivers of the policy while waiting for the next administration of the SPEAK examination. As of May 1999 temporary waivers of the SPEAK requirement are no longer granted.
In addition, in the past instructors who were teaching foreign language courses in their native language were exempt from this policy, regardless of what they are teaching. However, as of May, 1999, all non-native English instructors are required to take the TSE or SPEAK. There are no exceptions.
For questions regarding the policy, please contact the Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education in my office at the address above or via telephone at 333-2353.
Very truly yours,
Linda P.B. Katehi
Provost and Vice Chancellor
for Academic Affairs
LPBK/dk