“Learning in the English Language Bridge Program was a wonderful experience. I developed better writing and reading skills which are necessary at the college level. I also had the opportunity to gain confidence in my public speaking skills through a variety of in-class presentations. I cannot stress how much the English Language Bridge Program helped me succeed in my college career.”
—Manu Lee, USM Business Major, 2007 USM Graduate
What is the English Language Bridge program?
The English Language Bridge (ELB) program is an academic support program, offered through the University of Southern Maine’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Department. Students in the ELB program are nonnative English speakers who have met USM’s admission requirements except that their TOEFL or SAT scores fall below the required level. All ELB students meet with an academic advisor to select courses which offer key elements to aid in that student’s academic success. Classes for new ELB students will include ESOL courses as well as other academic courses.
Am I Eligible to Receive Financial Aid?
ELB students are eligible to apply for federal financial aid as U.S. citizens/permanent residents.
What Happens after Admission to USM via the ELB?
Students accepted to the ELB program must meet with an advisor prior to course registration to sign an Academic Support Plan. Each newly admitted student needs to:
- Take the ELB program’s Placement Test. Call 780-4419 to register for this test.
- Register for an Orientation Session. Call 780-4604 or go to www.usm.maine.edu/advising/orientation to sign up for Orientation
Will I Receive College Credit for ESOL Courses?
Most ESOL courses offer 3.0 academic credits. Two courses (ESL 018 & ESL 016) are developmental-level courses and do not grant college credit towards graduation; the ELB program’s Placement Test and writing sample determines which level of ESOL an ELB student enrolls in. View the ESOL Courses for ELB Program here.
What is the ELB program Progression Standard?
The English Language Bridge program has specific academic requirements that must be followed and successfully completed in order for the student to remain admitted at USM. Therefore, a grade of “C” or better is required for students to progress to the next level of all ESOL courses. After completion of ESL 100C (College Writing), and other requirements outlined in each student's Academic Support Plan, students will have successfully fulfilled the ELB program requirements.
For more information, please contact:
Bart Weyand, director
Phone: (207) 780-4419
Email: bartw@usm.maine.edu
IELP, University of Southern Maine, P.O. Box 9300, Portland, ME 04014-9300, USA
(207) 780-4419; Fax: (207) 780-4933; usmiep@usm.maine.edu
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