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English Language Support Policy

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Section 1 - Purpose and Scope

(1) The University is committed to the success of its students and the quality of their educational experience. English proficiency plays a critical part in the academic success of students, and attainment of the UQ Graduate Attribute of “influential communicators”.

(2) The University also recognises that students from a culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) background, or who have English as an additional language (EAL), face unique challenges including English language development.

(3) This Policy outlines the principles that guide the design and management of English language support offered to students enrolled in UQ coursework and Higher Degree by Research (HDR) studies for the ongoing development of language proficiency.

(4) The following are not within the scope of this Policy:

secondary school enrichment studies,
professional and continuing education programs, or
other short courses offered by UQ, UQ College or other partner affiliates.

(5) The setting and management of English Language Proficiency requirements for the University’s undergraduate, postgraduate coursework, research programs and non-award studies are set out in the English Language Proficiency Admission Policy and Procedure.

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Section 2 - Principles and Key Requirements

(6) The University will offer opportunities for students to continue developing their English language proficiency (ELP) concurrently with their studies through:

Formal and informal English language learning experiences, including concurrent English Language Support programs.
Formal and informal curriculum experiences to develop communicative confidence in English.
Effective communication as a core competency to be developed through the core curriculum and extra curricula activities within the University.
Coordinated and consistent English language support that meets students’ current and future needs.

(7) Students are responsible for the continued development of their English language proficiency and are encouraged to, and may be required to, use the supports provided by the University.

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Section 3 - Monitoring, Review and Assurance

(8) Compliance with, and review of, this Policy and supporting Procedure is overseen by the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Education and Student Experience) and the Academic Board's Teaching, Learning and Student Experience Committee, as outlined in the English Language Support Procedure.

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Section 4 - Appendix

Definitions, Terms, Acronyms

Term	Definition
English Language Proficiency (ELP)	The ability of an individual to communicate competently in English. ELP at the University is further categorised into general proficiency (general communicative competence), academic proficiency (skills in the specialised vocabularies, concepts, and knowledge associated with particular disciplines) and professional proficiency (intercultural competence and interpersonal skills in the discourses and behaviours associated with particular professional domains).

Term

Definition

English Language Proficiency (ELP)

The ability of an individual to communicate competently in English. ELP at the University is further categorised into general proficiency (general communicative competence), academic proficiency (skills in the specialised vocabularies, concepts, and knowledge associated with particular disciplines) and professional proficiency (intercultural competence and interpersonal skills in the discourses and behaviours associated with particular professional domains).