English as a Second Language (ESL)

English as a Second Language (ESL) is a program that offers instruction in reading, grammar, oral communication, and writing for students who need to build their English language proficiency skills for academic purposes.

Students requiring ESL courses will be registered by Student Academic & Financial Services until all ESL requirements are successfully completed. A schedule hold is in effect during this time which prevents students from making changes to their schedule. 

Students enrolled in ESL courses will be allowed no more than 3 attempts to successfully complete each course. Students who are unsuccessful after the second attempt of a course will be assigned an academic standing hold and be placed on academic probation. Students who are unsuccessful after the third attempt of a course will be academically dismissed.

Upon anticipated completion of all ESL requirements, the schedule hold will be released. Student Academic & Financial Services will then register students for courses required in their degree program for the following term. Students are then required to register themselves for all remaining terms. Should a student not successfully complete any ESL course, the schedule hold will be reactivated and the student will be re-registered accordingly. Note: Students are responsible for the curriculum specified in the catalog in place when they are registered for courses in their degree program. Additionally, prior college transcripts and/or previous transfer credits will be reviewed and may be adjusted based on the student's new catalog.

Providence and North Miami students admitted to graduate programs in the College of Business who meet the English Proficiency Requirements but whose undergraduate degree was not earned at a American university or at a university located in a country in which the official language is English will be required to take a communications skills assessment. A list of those countries may be found online. Graduate students exiting the English as a Second Language Program at Johnson & Wales University may also be required to take a writing assessment.