ABOUT THE ESL DEPARTMENT

1. What is the phone number of the ESL Dept.?

The phone number of the ESL Dept. is 973-684-5590

2. Where is the ESL Office?

The ESL Dept. is located in Founders' Hall, Room E-209A

3. Who is the Chair of the ESL Dept.?

The Chair of the ESL Dept. is Nancy Silvestro.

ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

Click here for more information on financial aid.

ABOUT THE PLACEMENT EXAM

1. What is the placement exam?

The placement exam is given to all new students to determine in which of the five levels a student must be placed.

2. Do I have take the ESL placement exam if I graduated from an American high school?

Yes, all new students entering PCCC degree programs take either a Basic Skills Placement Exam or ESL exam. The exam will indicate if you are ready to go directly to college-level courses.

3. What if I don’t agree with the result of the placement exam? For example, I was placed in the 003 level, and I think I belong in the 004 level.

The placement exam is usually very accurate, so we advise you to sign up for the course in the level where you were placed. In the first week of classes, you will be given a pretest. If you have an unusually high or low score, your instructor will talk to you about changing levels.

ABOUT REGISTERING FOR CLASSES

1. What should I bring to registration?

For registration you should bring your current schedule and your Degree Audit which you can pick up at the Registrars Office.

ABOUT EARLY REGISTRATION

1. What is Early Registration?

During April students can register for the upcoming Fall semester, and during November, students can register for the upcoming Spring semester.

2. Why should I do Early Registration?

It is a good idea to pre-register because during EARLY REGISTRATION there are usually no lines and more available courses you can choose from.

ABOUT THE BOOKSTORE

Click here for more information on the bookstore.

ABOUT EOF

Click here for more information on EOF.

ABOUT THE COURSES

1. Who should take ESL courses at PCCC?

Students who want to improve their ability to read, write, speak and understand American English and/or students who wants to study at PCCC to earn a certificate or degree or to transfer to a four-year college or university.

2. When do classes at PCCC meet?

Classes are offered every semester: fall, spring and summer. Morning classes begin at 7:30 am and evening classes end at 9:45 pm. In addition, ESL classes are offered on Saturdays from 8:00 am – 4: 00 pm.

3. How are these classes taught?

• Focus on reading, writing, listening, and speaking English and on knowledge of American culture
• Class size is limited to 24
• Emphasis is on group interaction and active learning
• Extensive reading and writing at all levels
• Computer laboratory work, including using the internet
• Multi-media language laboratory work

4. How much does each class cost?

Click here for more information.

5. How many hours of homework should I expect to do per week for one class?

Every class, every teacher and every student is different, so you should ask your teacher this question when you begin your class. In general, you should expect to do at least two hours of homework per week for each class.

6. What is the pretest?

The pretest is a test administered in the first week of classes to make sure students are in the appropriate levels and to give the instructor information on the level  of each student.

7. If I do very well on the pretest, can I move up to the next level, or if I don’t do well on the pretest, do I have to move down to the next level?

If you are a new student at PCCC, it is possible that you will be asked to move up or down a level. However, if you are not a new student, you will most likely remain in the same level.

8. Do ESL courses count toward graduation?

Only ENW107 and ENR107 count toward graduation.

9. Can I transfer ESL credits?

No, ESL courses are not transferable. You may be able to transfer only 107 courses.

10. What is a paired course and a learning community?

Click here for information

11. Can I take non-ESL courses while I am still in the ESL program?

Yes, click here to see which courses you can take according to your level of ESL.

ABOUT THE LABS

1. Do I have to go to lab?

Yes, the lab is mandatory.

2. Do I get a grade for the lab?

The lab will be counted toward your final grade for the course.

 

ABOUT USING THE COMPUTERS

1. Are there computers I can use?

Yes, there are computers in the library.

ABOUT EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Click here for a link to Student Activities

ABOUT FINDING A JOB

Click here for information on Career Services