Dr. Wei 鈥淕race鈥� Zhang
The Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences (BCAS) is pleased to announce Dr. Wei “Grace” Zhang as the new director of the English Language Institute (ELI). Zhang, an associate professor in English, began her role on May 1.
“The goal of the Institute is to help our international students to learn English and familiarize them with the American education system as well as the expectations of professors at The University of Akron,” remarked Zhang, who will continue to serve as director of both the Teaching English as a Second Language Certificate and Certificate in Linguistic Studies programs.
"With her extensive experience and passion for language education, we are confident that our students will receive the highest quality instruction and support in their English language studies,” said Dean Mitchell S. McKinney. “We look forward to the growth and success of our English Language Institute under her leadership."
The English Language Institute, part of BCAS, offers a program in English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction. The English for Academic Purposes Program provides non-credit ESL courses to international students and nonnative residents who plan to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at 暗黑爆料 or another U.S. university. The intensive, 18-hours-per-week program also serves individuals who wish to improve their English to meet their own professional and/or personal goals.
The ELI offers courses at four levels of English proficiency. In addition to its instructional program, the ELI administers The University of Akron-developed English Proficiency Test, which assesses the speaking ability of prospective international teaching assistants at 暗黑爆料 and determines their readiness to provide classroom-related services in their graduate departments.
The ELI serves as a resource on issues relating to language proficiency for University faculty, staff and students as well as for members of the local community.
For information, please email Dr. Zhang at wz23@uakron.edu.