Academics

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY

REGISTRATION AND ACADEMICS

 

ENGLISH PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT

  • I am from an English speaking country; do I still need to take the TOEFL or IELTS exam?

If English is your first language, then the TOEFL or IELTS exams are not required. Most applicants for whom English is a not the first/native language must demonstrate English Proficiency regardless of English language studies, academic history, residence in the United States or other English-speaking countries, or immigration status. See the Proof of English Proficiency for more information on exceptions to the TOEFL requirement.

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  • Is the TOEFL required for students who have earned a U.S. bachelor's degree or higher?

Graduate and post-baccalaureate applicants who have earned a bachelor or advanced degree at Seattle University or at a recognized college or university in the United States, Canada, Great Britain, Ireland, New Zealand or Australia, and who have continued to reside in countries where English is the primary language for at least two years prior to submission of the application, will be considered to have met the English proficiency requirement.  For other exceptions to the English proficiency requirement, see the International Graduate Students Admissions Requirements page.

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REGISTRATION AND ACADEMICS

  • Are there any required exams I will need to take once I arrive at SU?

All first-year undergraduates will complete a math placement test upon arrival to determine math course selection. Students with TOEFL scores in the ELCB range will also take an essay placement test upon arrival. Some students may have their ELCB requirement waived based upon the results of their essay placement test.

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  • Do I have to come to the Welcome Workshop?

The Welcome Workshop is required and mandatory for all incoming international students, and it is an extremely beneficial orientation for all new international students. The workshop provides important information to help you meet you educational goals and to make the most of your experience at Seattle University. You will learn all you need to know about SU, and you will make new friends from all over the world! The Fall Welcome Workshop is a 2 day event and is usually held in the week prior to the start of classes. Winter and Spring orientation programs start before classes begin, on campus, over a half day period. 

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  • How can I register for classes?

First-year undergraduates will be pre-registered for classes upon arrival. Transfer students and graduate students will need to meet with an Academic Advisor to register for classes and this is encouraged – transfer students will hear from the Office of Commuter and Transfer Students as they often run their own orientation program that gets transfers registered prior to the term. After your first quarter, you can register on MySeattleU. Under the “Registration” category, you can find your registration time (“My Registration Dates”) and check whether you have any holds that prevent you from registering (“Student Restrictions”). Undergraduates should be aware that throughout the freshman year an advising restriction is placed on your account until meeting with an advisor. You will not be able to register for classes until the advising restriction is removed. Transfer students will have an advising restriction in place for their second and third quarters at SU, or until they have completed 30 credits. Once you have seen your advisor, you will have your advising restriction lifted.

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  • What is a full course load of credits and how many credits am I allowed to take every quarter?

International students must be full-time in their studies.

  • Undergraduate students: completing at least 12 credits each quarter
  • Graduate students: completing at least 6 credits each quarter

Do not take less than the required course load for any reason without first consulting with the International Student Center. Studying less than full- time jeopardizes your stay in the United States and may disqualify you from receiving OPT and CPT, travel authorization, employment, school transfer, and an extension of your I-20. There are legitimate reasons why you might need to drop below full-time status, but you need to get approval from the ISC before you reduce your course load.

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  • Does Seattle University offer intensive English instruction?

Yes! For more information please visit their website: Intensive English Language Program (IEP). In addition to the IEP, the English Language Learning Center (ELLC) requires you to take a written essay placement test to indicate your academic success at SU. The courses offered in the ELLC are highly advanced, with a specific focus on university-level reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Upon completion of the ELLC courses, students are able to enroll into the reading and writing core curriculum courses. For more information check out their website at English Language Learning Center.

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  • Are there any cultural classes that I can take while I am at Seattle University?

Seattle University has a wide variety of courses. Please see the University’s Seattle University Course Catalog for course options, or speak to an advisor about specific cultural classes that you may be interested in taking.

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  • How is my academic advisor chosen for me?

Academic advisors are automatically assigned to you by Seattle University, and are chosen from within your specific department of study.  You will be notified of your academic advisor through an email sent to your Seattle University email account.  You can also find the name of your academic advisor on SU Online by following the instructions below:

  • Log into MySeattleU
  • Select the Student Menu  
  • Select “My Profile” under the Academic Profile section
  • Your advisor’s name will be listed in the “Academic Information” area
  • You can find his/her email, phone number, and location in the Online Faculty/Staff Directory

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  • Can I setup an appointment to meet my academic advisor once I get to the university?

Yes—you can set up an appointment with your advisor by contacting them using the contact information provided to you in the automatic email sent to your Seattle University email account. If you are a transfer student and happen to be in the area of SU prior to the quarter you are enrolling you are HIGHLY ENCOURAGED to come see you advisor early so you can register for classes. The earlier you can register the better.

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