English Language Proficiency Guide

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English Language

Proficiency Guide

THE GRADUATE AND

PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL

March 2024 Version

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Contents 
1  English Language Proficiency Compliance .............................................................................................................. 6 
1.1  English Language Proficiency Compliance Office .......................................................................................... 6 
1.2  Directory Summary .............................................................................................................................................. 6 
1.3  General Contacts.................................................................................................................................................. 7 
2  International Graduate Students ................................................................................................................................ 8 
2.1  Classification ......................................................................................................................................................... 8 
2.2  Admissions ............................................................................................................................................................ 8 
  Graduate Admissions Processing .............................................................................................................. 8 
  Items Required by the Admissions Office for English Language Proficiency ..................................... 9 
  Admission Evaluation Tools ...................................................................................................................... 12 
  Special Circumstances .............................................................................................................................. 13 
2.3  Registration ......................................................................................................................................................... 14 
2.4  On-Campus Employment of International Graduate Students .................................................................... 14 
2.5  International Student and Scholar Services ................................................................................................... 15 
3  Admission and Registration Requirements ............................................................................................................ 16 
3.1  English Language Proficiency Requirement for Admissions ....................................................................... 16 
  Degrees Completed at Accredited Academic Institutions in the United States ................................ 16 
  Standardized English Language Examinations ..................................................................................... 16 
  English Language Proficiency Requirement Waivers for Admissions ............................................... 18 
3.2  English Language Proficiency Verification for Registration ......................................................................... 18 
  Verification during Admissions ................................................................................................................. 18 
  Alternative Verification ............................................................................................................................... 19 
3.3  Non-Degree Status International Students..................................................................................................... 20 
3.4  English Language Proficiency Status Codes ................................................................................................. 20 
4  Employment Requirements ...................................................................................................................................... 22 
4.1  Graduate Assistantships ................................................................................................................................... 22 
  Graduate Assistantship Requirements ................................................................................................... 22 
  Types of Graduate Assistantships ........................................................................................................... 22 
  Registration Requirements ....................................................................................................................... 24 
4.2  English Language Proficiency Certification for Teaching ............................................................................. 25 
  English Language Proficiency Certification Levels ............................................................................... 25 
  Certification during Admissions ................................................................................................................ 26 
  Test Scores Accepted for Demonstration of English Language Proficiency Certification ............... 26 
  Alternative Certification .............................................................................................................................. 27 

 
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4.3  Emergency Deferral of English Language Proficiency Certification ........................................................... 28 
  Acceptable Justifications for Emergency Deferral of the Certification Requirement ....................... 28 
  Assigned Faculty Supervision .................................................................................................................. 29 
  Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency Program Requirement ................. 29 
  Emergency Deferral Request Form ......................................................................................................... 29 
  Expiration of Emergency Deferral ............................................................................................................ 29 
4.4  English Language Proficiency Status Codes ................................................................................................. 30 
4.5  English Language Proficiency Certification Compliance Procedures ........................................................ 31 
  Pre-Semester English Language Proficiency Requirement Notification ............................................ 31 
  English Language Profiency Compliance Audit ..................................................................................... 31 
5  Graduate Assistant Training and Support .............................................................................................................. 32 
5.1  English Language Proficiency Examination ................................................................................................... 32 
  Testing Services ......................................................................................................................................... 32 
  English Language Proficiency Examination Administration and Rules .............................................. 32 
  ELPE for International Graduate Students Serving in Teaching Positions ....................................... 34 
  Testing During the Semester .................................................................................................................... 34 
  ELPE Retesting .......................................................................................................................................... 34 
5.2  Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency Program ................................................. 34 
  Teaching Assistant English Language Proficiency Questionnaire ..................................................... 35 
  CTE-ELP Registration and Programming ............................................................................................... 35 
  Progress Assessment and Re-Testing for Certification........................................................................ 40 
5.3  New Teaching Assistant Training Requirements .......................................................................................... 40 
  ELP Practice Group for Instructors .......................................................................................................... 40 
5.4  Teaching Assistant Evaluation ......................................................................................................................... 40 
6  Administrative Services ............................................................................................................................................. 41 
6.1  Authorized Signers Form .................................................................................................................................. 41 
6.2  GradAdvisors LISTSERV .................................................................................................................................. 41 
  Subscribing to the Listserv ........................................................................................................................ 41 
  Unsubscribing to the Listserv ................................................................................................................... 41 
6.3  Department Access to Graduate and Professional School Documents in TAMUDocs........................... 42 
6.4  Compass .............................................................................................................................................................. 43 
  Compass Access ........................................................................................................................................ 43 
  Compass Screens ...................................................................................................................................... 44 
  English Language Proficiency Compass Reports ................................................................................. 50 
7  Graduate and Professional School Forms ............................................................................................................. 52 

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7.1 Authorized Signers Form .................................................................................................................................. 52

7.2 Alternative Verification Request Form ............................................................................................................ 53

7.3 Alternative Certification Request Form ........................................................................................................... 54

7.4 Emergency Deferral Request Form ................................................................................................................. 55

English Language Proficiency Compliance  English Language Proficiency Compliance Office

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1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY COMPLIANCE

1.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY COMPLIANCE OFFICE

The Graduate and Professional School advocates for continual improvement in graduate education at Texas A&M

University. We aim to provide customer-friendly, accurate, and timely support services to graduate and professional

students, faculty, and staff.

The English Language Proficiency Compliance Office in the Graduate and Professional School maintains and coordinates

English Language Proficiency Requirements at Texas A&M University; provides support and guidance to students,

faculty, and staff; and monitors instructional compliance with university policy and state law.

1.2 DIRECTORY SUMMARY

Dr. Fuhui Tong – FuhuiTon[email protected]

Interim Associate Provost and Dean, Graduate and Professional School

Erika Brigham – Erika.Bri[email protected]

Assistant to the Associate Provost and Dean, Graduate and Professional School

Dr. Charles Criscione – CCriscione@tamu.edu

Associate Dean, Graduate and Professional School

Mark C. Gleason – Mar[email protected]

Coordinator, English Language Proficiency Compliance Office

Kim Widdison – K-Wid[email protected]

Senior Graduate Records Coordinator, Graduate and Professional School

Catherine Roueche-Herdman – CatherineRH@tamu.edu

Director, Graduate Admissions Processing

Ginessa Payne – GLa[email protected]

Senior Instructional Consultant, Center for Teaching Excellence

Michele Vick – MicheleVi[email protected]

Instructional Consultant, Center for Teaching Excellence

English Language Proficiency Compliance    General Contacts 
 
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Theresa McCallister – [email protected] 
Administrative Coordinator, Testing Services 
1.3  GENERAL CONTACTS 
English Language Proficiency Compliance Office – [email protected] 
Graduate and Professional School – [email protected]  
Graduate Records Processing Team – GradProc[email protected] 
Data Team – Grad[email protected] 
Graduate Ombuds Officer – [email protected]   
Graduate Student Employment and Benefits – Grad-[email protected] 
Center for Teaching Excellence – [email protected] 
Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency – [email protected]u 
Testing Services – Tes[email protected] 
 
 
   

International Graduate Students  Classification

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2 INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS

2.1 CLASSIFICATION

Texas A&M University defines an international graduate student as any applicant who

• is not a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States (or applicant for permanent residency), and

• has not graduated from a Texas high school after three years in residency within the state (please review Texas

SB 1528), and

• holds a Bachelor’s or professional degree (or equivalent).

While most international students have F-1 or J-1 immigration status, there are international students enrolled at Texas

A&M in many other immigration statuses as well.

2.2 ADMISSIONS

For admission, international graduate students must meet the university and admitting academic unit’s minimum

requirement for demonstration of English Language Proficiency (ELP). Proof of English language proficiency is

demonstrated by citizenship with an English-speaking country, achieving a minimum required score on an acceptable

standardized examination, or alternative means.

Graduate Admissions Processing

Mailing Addresses

Office of Graduate Admissions

Texas A&M University

P.O. Box 40001

College Station, TX 77842-4001

Physical Address for Express Mail

Office of Admissions – Texas A&M University

General Services Complex

750 Agronomy Road, Suite 1601

0200 TAMU

College Station, TX 77843-0200

Physical Location

The General Services Complex is on the corner of Agronomy Rd and F & B, just down from the Physical Plant.

General Phone

979-845-1060

International Graduate Students  Admissions

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Graduate program staff are encouraged to contact their Admissions liaison for more efficient assistance.

General Website

https://admissions.tamu.edu

Items Required by the Admissions Office for English Language Proficiency

In addition to the general application materials, international graduate students must demonstrate English Language

Proficiency during the application and admission process.

2.2.2.1 Official Transcripts

All students must submit official transcripts from every senior-level college/university attended (not required from

community colleges unless requested by the specific program). Transcripts issued in a language other than English must

be accompanied by an official English translation. Academic credentials from China must be verified by the Center for

Student Services and Development (CSSD) and the China Academic Degree and Graduate Information Center (CDGDC).

A Bachelor’s degree for which all coursework was completed at an accredited institution in the United States will meet

the university’s ELP Requirement for admission, is eligible for Alternative Verification to meet the ELP Requirement for

registration, and eligible for Alternative Certification to meet the ELP Requirement for teaching assignments.

A Bachelor’s degree received from, but not all coursework completed at, an accredited institution in the United States

will meet the university’s ELP Requirement for admission, is eligible for Alternative Verification to meet the ELP

Requirement for registration, but is not eligible for Alternative Certification to meet the ELP Requirement for teaching

assignments.

A Master’s degree received from an accredited institution in the United States will meet the university’s ELP

Requirement for admission, is eligible for Alternative Verification to meet the ELP Requirement for registrations, but is

not eligible for Alternative Certification to meet the ELP Requirement for teaching assignments.

Official transcripts must be received by the Office of Admissions and entered into Compass before Alternative

Verification or Certification can be processed by the Graduate and Professional School following completion of the

admission process (see Section 3.2.2.1 or 4.2.4.1 below).

2.2.2.2 Official Test Scores

Official test scores must be reported directly to Texas A&M by the testing agency to be considered official.

The University accepts the following standardized examinations for the purposes of admission and ELP Verification:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials and iBT

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) [Academic]

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

The university accepts the following standardized examinations for the purposes of ELP Certification:

International Graduate Students  Admissions

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• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials and iBT

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS)

• English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE)

To report TOEFL scores, use code

• B887 for reporting scores to Engineering programs (EngineeringCAS)

• B888 for reporting scores to Business programs (BusinessCAS)

• 6003 for reporting scores to Texas A&M University (GraduateCAS)

To report IELTS scores, Texas A&M University only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS testing center (no

paper forms will be accepted). The student must contact the testing center and request that scores be sent

electronically to “Texas A&M University (College Station and Galveston).”

To report GRE scores, use code

• 4119 for reporting scores to Engineering programs (EngineeringCAS)

• 6003 for reporting scores to Texas A&M University (GraduateCAS)

Official test scores must be received by the Office of Admissions and entered into Compass.

Scores which meet the university minimum requirements for ELP Verification or Certification will automatically update

the student’s ELP status and remove an ELP hold. (See Sections 3.1.2.1 and 4.2.3 below for required scores.)

For more information about acceptable English language examinations or how to submit scores, see the International

Graduate webpage on the Office of Admissions website.

2.2.2.3 International Graduate Students from English Speaking Countries

International students holding citizenship with one of the following countries are exempt from the ELP Requirement for

admission:

• American Samoa

• Anguilla

• Antigua and Barbuda

• Australia

• Bahamas

• Barbados

• Belize

• Bermuda

• British Virgin Islands

• Canada (except Quebec)

• Cayman Islands

• Dominica

• Federated States of Micronesia

• Gambia

• Ghana

• Gibraltar

• Grenada

• Guyana

• Ireland

• Jamaica

• Liberia

• New Zealand

• Nigeria

• Saint Kitts and Nevis

International Graduate Students  Admissions

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• Saint Lucia

• Trinidad and Tobago

• Turks and Caicos Islands

• United Kingdom

International Graduate Students  Admissions

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The above list is available on the International Graduate webpage on the Office of Admissions website.

Admission Evaluation Tools

2.2.3.1 WebAdMIT

WebAdMIT is the application review portal provided within the respective CAS and includes functions such as

customizable review assignments, scoring models, and email templates. Admission decisions are provided in WebAdMIT

and downloaded to Compass by EIS. WebAdMIT is integrated with Texas A&M’s Central Authentication Service, and

users may access production (current) WebAdMIT via the Employee tab in Howdy using their NetID. Access to prelaunch

WebAdMIT requires a separate log in and password. Email your Graduate Admissions Liaison to gain access to

WebAdMIT.

Current WebAdMIT: https://current.webadmit.org

Prelaunch WebAdMIT: https://prelaunch.webadmit.org

Admissions hosts a monthly meeting for the TAMU GradCAS Department Admins on the first Thursday of the month.

Minutes from prior meetings and recordings of previous WebAdMIT trainings can be found in the TAMU Google Shared

Drive. Email your Graduate Admissions Liaison for access.

2.2.3.2 Graduate Tracking Report and Decision Codes

The Graduate Tracking Report is a useful tool for the admission process. This report will provide a comprehensive list by

program of all applicants who have received an admission decision within WebAdMIT. Please refer to these decision

codes to learn which applicants have accepted the offer of admission:

• RF = applicant has not accepted the offer OR Admissions has not yet processed the acceptance (CONF)

• AF = offer has been accepted and applicant is admitted

• CF = offer/admission is cancelled

• DG = applicant was denied admission

• SD = applicant should contact the Office of Admissions to resolve an issue preventing admission

An updated report is available in both PDF and CSV format every day through Compass Reports on the Employee Tab of

the Howdy Portal. This report will display the admission decision, test scores, and international and/or sponsored status.

Please contact your liaison in the Admissions Office if you have any questions about this report or do not see it in

Compass Reports.

2.2.3.3 TAMUDocs

TAMUDocs (also known as Perceptive or ImageNow) is the admission document database. Application documents

(excluding letters of recommendation) for admitted students will be imported to TAMUDocs from WebAdMIT. The

Training Manual for TAMUDocs can be found at https://tamudocs.tamu.edu under the “Training” tab.

To request access to TAMUDocs, send an email to TAMUDocs-Admissions@tamu.edu with the following information:

• Last Name:

International Graduate Students  Admissions

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• First Name:

• College:

• Department(s):

• Title:

• Email address:

• Phone number:

• NetID:

• UIN:

2.2.3.4 Uploaded Transcripts

Graduate applicants may upload transcripts in the CAS utilized for admission, or via the Applicant Information System

(AIS) after an admission decision has been provided.

Admitted applicants must submit official transcripts to replace uploaded transcripts prior to initial registration.

2.2.3.5 Applicant Information System

The Applicant Information System (AIS) is the primary method of communication between the Office of Admissions and

applicants. Application data is populated in AIS the day after Admissions Application (SAAADMS) is created and a UIN is

assigned. AIS generates the Application Acknowledgment letter with UIN and instructions on creating a NetID to access

Howdy and view the admission decisions. AIS will send the Application Acknowledgement letter (by email) every three

days for two weeks if the applicant does not log in to AIS. After two weeks, emails will cease and a paper version is

mailed.

Special Circumstances

2.2.4.1 English Language Proficiency Requirement Waiver Requests for Admissions

Under special circumstances, an international graduate student may not be able to meet the ELP Requirement necessary

to complete the admission process. In this instance, the academic unit may request an ELP Requirement Waiver for

Admission. Approval of the request will allow for completion of the admission process, but does not provide ELP

Verification as required for registration (see Section 2.3 below).

Requests may be submitted in the form of a memorandum

• from and signed by the College/School Dean, Department Head, or interdisciplinary degree program Chair;

• routed through the appropriate College/School Graduate Operations Committee Dean; and

• addressed to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School.

The memo must include an explanation as to why the student does not currently meet the ELP Requirement (expired

standardized test scores, pending conferral of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, etc.) and how the student will attain ELP

Verification following admission to the university (retake of a standardized English language exam, receipt of a

Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, etc.).

International Graduate Students    Registration 
 
 
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These memoranda must be submitted to ELPCompli[email protected] for timely review. Upon approval, the Graduate 
and Professional School will forward the signed request to the Office of Admissions. 
Approval of the ELP Waiver will allow for completion of admission to the university only. The student will still be 
required to attain ELP Verification in order to register for courses following completion of the admission process (see 
Section 5.2 below). 
2.2.4.2  Admission without Final Transcript or Diploma 
Applicants admitted with a final transcript or diploma (degree statement) pending will be required to submit the missing 
credential during their first semester of enrollment. Failure to submit the required credentials to the Admissions Office 
during the first semester of enrollment will result in a registration hold for subsequent semesters. 
Registration holds for initial registration will not be removed until official (not uploaded) transcripts are provided to the 
Office of Admissions. These do not need to be final transcripts, but should replace the uploaded transcripts used to 
review for admission. 
Contact:  Office of Admissions – Admissions@tamu.edu or 979-845-1060 
2.3  REGISTRATION 
To register for courses at Texas A&M University, international graduate students are required to attain ELP Verification 
(see Section 3.2 below). 
Please reference Student Rules 1.18 to 1.20 for more information about Registration and Change in Schedule 
(http://student-rules.tamu.edu/rule01). 
It is strongly encouraged to subscribe to the Office of the Registrar listserv in order to receive general information, 
updates, and reminders from our office.  See Office of the Registrar Listserv (http://registrar.tamu.edu/About-Us/Office-
of-the-Registrar-Listserv) for more information about how to join. 
Contact:  Office of the Registrar – https://registrar.tamu.edu/ 
2.4  ON-CAMPUS EMPLOYMENT OF INTERNATIONAL GRADUATE STUDENTS 
For eligibility to hold a graduate assistantship with instructional or curricular support responsibilities, Texas State law 
(Education Code, Section 51-917) and Texas A&M University (https://grad.tamu.edu/academics/academic-success-
resources/elp) requires international graduate students to achieve ELP Certification. The Division of Human Resources 
and Organizational Effectiveness (HROE) at Texas A&M requires prospective or current international students hired for 
assistantships that carry teaching responsibilities to meet English Language Proficiency (see Section 4.2 below): 
•  Eligibility (Level 1 Certification); 
•  Conditional Eligibility (Level 2) for one semester only; or 
•  Verification (Level 3) with an approved Emergency Deferral for one semester only before the date of hire. 

International Graduate Students  International Student and Scholar Services

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Proof of English language proficiency for Certification is demonstrated by achieving a minimum required score on an

acceptable standardized examination or alternative means (see Section 4.2.3 below).

Students on F-1 or J-1 status are limited to 20 hours per week of on-campus employment during the Fall and Spring

semesters. Students may work more than 20 hours per week in the Summer or University Break periods.

Eligibility for on-campus employment automatically ends if a student graduates, if their I-20/DS-2019 expires, or if they

violate their status. If a student exceeds 20 hours per week of on-campus employment during a Fall or Spring semester,

or if a student continues to work on-campus after their eligibility to do so expires, they may lose legal status.

Students who receive funding assistance from Texas A&M University are urged to work with their academic units to

better understand their aid package.

Contact: Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness – Grad-Employme[email protected]

International Student and Scholar Services – ISSS@tamu.edu or 979-845-1824

2.5 INTERNATIONAL STUDENT AND SCHOLAR SERVICES

International Student and Scholar Services (ISSS) supports international students and their families as they navigate the

United States immigration system. ISSS educates on policies and regulations and provides programs to enhance the

student experience. ISSS provides resources to students on adjusting to life in the United States and the local

community, coordinates and presents workshops on various subjects such as work authorization and taxes, and

manages compliance with the Texas A&M System mandatory health insurance requirement for F-1 and J-1 students.

All international students, regardless of immigration status, are required to complete an online check-in with ISSS prior

to their first academic term of enrollment at Texas A&M. Additional information about the ISSS check-in requirement

can be found at https://global.tamu.edu/isss/ under “New Students.”

All international students are strongly encouraged to review the ISSS online New International Student Orientation to

learn about the various Texas A&M campuses, F-1 and J-1 immigration status requirements and benefits, health and

safety tips, numerous campus and community resources, and even the Aggie Network.

Contact: International Student and Scholar Services – ISSS@tamu.edu or 979-845-1824

Admission and Registration Requirements  English Language Proficiency Requirement for Admissions

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3 ADMISSION AND REGISTRATION REQUIREMENTS

All international graduate students whose native language is not English must meet Texas A&M University’s minimum

English language proficiency standards.

To achieve admission and register for courses at Texas A&M University, international graduate students must attain

English Language Proficiency (ELP) Verification.

For eligibility to hold a graduate assistantships with instructional or curricular support responsibilities (such as Graduate

Assistant-Teaching, Assistant-Lecturing, etc.), international graduate students must achieve ELP Certification (see

Section 4.2 below).

The ELP status for all international graduate students is available in Compass (see Section 6.4 below).

3.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY REQUIREMENT FOR ADMISSIONS

All international students are required to submit proof of English language proficiency for admission to Texas A&M

University (see Section 2.2.2.2 above).

Proof of English language proficiency is demonstrated by completion of a tertiary degree at an accredited academic

institution within the United States, citizenship with an English-speaking country, or achieving a minimum required score

on an acceptable standardized examination.

Degrees Completed at Accredited Academic Institutions in the United States

A completed Bachelor’s or Master’s degree received from an accredited institution in the United States will meet the

university’s ELP Requirement for admissions. Transcripts must be provided during the application process for evaluation

(see Section 2.2.2.1 above).

Degrees in progress will not satisfy the ELP Requirement for admissions and so the academic unit may be required to

submit an ELP Requirement Waiver for Admissions (see Section 3.1.3 below).

Standardized English Language Examinations

The university accepts the following standardized examinations for the purposes of admission:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials and iBT

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) [Academic]

• Graduate Record Examinations (GRE)

• Graduate Management Admission Test (GMAT)

3.1.2.1 Test Scores Accepted for Demonstration of English Language Proficiency

The following global standardized examination scores are acceptable to demonstrate English language proficiency during

the application and admission process:

• a TOEFL iBT score of at least 80;

Admission and Registration Requirements  English Language Proficiency Requirement for Admissions

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• a minimum TOEFL Essentials score of 8.5;

• an IELTS score of at least 6.0;

• a GRE Verbal Reasoning score of at least 146; or

• a GMAT Verbal score of at least 22.

Academic units may establish testing standards that exceed the university’s minimum score for admission to their

programs.

Scores from TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, or IELTS examinations administered more than two years before submission of

the admissions application are not eligible for use. Tests should be taken at least eight weeks prior to the appropriate

application deadline to ensure timely receipt and processing of results.

3.1.2.2 Submission of Scores for English Language Proficiency

Test scores must be sent directly from the testing service to be considered official.

To report TOEFL scores, use code

• B887 for reporting scores to Engineering programs (EngineeringCAS)

• B888 for reporting scores to Business programs (BusinessCAS)

• 6003 for reporting scores to Texas A&M University (GraduateCAS)

To report IELTS scores, Texas A&M University only accepts scores submitted electronically by the IELTS testing center (no

paper forms will be accepted). The student must contact the testing center and request that scores be sent

electronically to “Texas A&M University (College Station and Galveston).”

To report GRE scores, use code

• 4119 for reporting scores to Engineering programs (EngineeringCAS)

• 6003 for reporting scores to Texas A&M University (GraduateCAS)

For more information about acceptable English language examinations or how to submit scores, see the International

Graduate webpage on the Office of Admissions website.

3.1.2.3 IELTS One-Skill Retake

The IELTS One Skill Retake provides test-takers with the option to retake any one section of the IELTS exam instead of

being required to retake all four sections. The One Skill Retake is available if

• the individual has completed a full test at a center that offers IELTS One Skill Retake;

• the full test was an IELTS computer test; and

• the individual sits for the IELTS One Skill Retake within sixty (60) days of the full IELTS exam.

As of Spring 2024, Texas A&M University will accept results of the IELTS One-Skill Retake; however, the Office of

Admissions does not yet have the ability to receive and enter a score attain through this exam. As a temporary process:

Admission and Registration Requirements  English Language Proficiency Verification for Registration

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• The academic unit must submit an Alternative Verification or Certification Request Form (see Sections 3.2.2.2 or

4.2.4.2 below) and include a copy of the IELTS One Skill Retake score report

• The Graduate and Professional School will request the Office of Admissions to confirm the validity of the score

report.

• Upon receipt of confirmation from the Office of Admissions, the Graduate and Professional School will approve

and process the Alternative Verification or Certification Request and update the student’s ELP status.

English Language Proficiency Requirement Waivers for Admissions

Under special circumstances, an international graduate student may not be able to meet the ELP Requirement necessary

to complete the admissions process. In this instance, the academic unit may request an ELP Requirement Waiver for

Admission. Approval of the request will allow for completion of the admission process, but does not provide ELP

Verification as required for registration (see Section 3.2 below).

Requests may be submitted in the form of a memorandum

• from and signed by the College/School Dean, Department Head, or interdisciplinary degree program Chair;

• routed through the appropriate College/School Graduate Operations Committee Dean; and

• addressed to the Associate Provost and Dean of the Graduate and Professional School.

The memo must include

• an explanation as to why the student does not currently meet the ELP Requirement (expired standardized test

scores, pending conferral of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, etc.) and

• how the student will attain ELP Verification following admission to the university (retake of a standardized

English language exam, receipt of a Bachelor’s or Master’s degree, etc.).

These memoranda must be submitted to ELPCompli[email protected] for timely review. Upon approval, the Graduate

and Professional School will forward the signed request to the Office of Admissions.

Approval of the ELP waiver will allow for completion of admission to the university only. The student will still be required

to attain ELP Verification in order to register for courses following completion of the admission process.

3.2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY VERIFICATION FOR REGISTRATION

All international students are required to obtain English Language Proficiency Verification to register for courses at Texas

A&M University.

Proof of English language proficiency is demonstrated by citizenship with an English-speaking country, achieving a

minimum required score on an acceptable standardized examination, or alternative means.

Verification during Admissions

ELP Verification may have been obtained during the admissions process through citizenship with an English-speaking

country or achieving a minimum required score on an acceptable standardized examination (see Section 3.1 above).

Admission and Registration Requirements  English Language Proficiency Verification for Registration

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3.2.1.1 International Graduate Students from English Speaking Countries

International graduate students holding citizenship with an approved English-speaking country (see Section 2.2.2.3

above) will automatically receive ELP Verification during the admission process.

3.2.1.2 Standardized English Language Examinations

If the student submitted scores from a standardized English language examination which met the minimum required for

admission to the university (see Section 3.1.2.1 above), the student will automatically receive ELP Verification during the

admission process.

Alternative Verification

Alternative Verification may be acquired, following completion of the admissions process, from the Graduate and

Professional School via request submitted by colleges/schools, departments, or interdisciplinary degree programs.

Alternative Verification indicates that an international student meets the ELP Verification Requirement through means

other than citizenship or the acceptable test scores.

3.2.2.1 Acceptable Justifications for Alternative Verification

The Graduate and Professional School accepts the following justifications for an international student’s Alternative

Verification:

• receipt of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution located within the United States; or

• receipt of a Master’s degree from an accredited academic institution located within the United States; or

• the international student qualifies for Alternative Verification by other means.

For Alternative Verification Requests based upon a Bachelor’s or Master’s degrees, the Office of Admissions must have

received and entered official transcript(s) into the student’s record on Compass as noted on the Prior College Summary

(SOAPCOQ) screen in the “Degree Date” column (see Section 6.4.3 below).

3.2.2.2 Alternative Verification Request Form

Requests for Alternative Verification should be submitted by use of the Alternative Verification Request Form (see

Section 7.2 below). Please include the student’s name and UIN. The form must be signed by a faculty approver

designated on the academic unit’s Authorized Signers Form (see Section 6.1 below).

The student should provide the academic unit with documentation to support the Alternative Verification.

Please indicate the justification on which the Alternative Verification Request is based, and provide any relevant

documentation to support the request with the form. The Alternative Verification Request must be submitted by the

academic unit to EL[email protected].

The Graduate and Professional School will determine whether to grant Alternative Verification Requests on a case-by-

case basis.

Admission and Registration Requirements  Non-Degree Status International Students

NOTES:

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20

3.3 NON-DEGREE STATUS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Post baccalaureate non-degree status students (G6 classification) must meet the ELP Requirement unless the student

falls within one of the following categories:

• A post-baccalaureate non-degree status international student admitted to Texas A&M under an approved

agreement or contract (e.g., MOU, LOU, MOA) which outlines specific terms for postponement of the English

Language Proficiency Requirements for the duration of the non-degree program. For this category, the student’s

department must request, in writing, the postponement through the Graduate and Professional School. The

Graduate and Professional School will also need a copy of the agreement/contract.

• A reciprocal educational exchange program student admitted to Texas A&M through the Education Abroad

Office. For this category, postponement of the English Language Proficiency requirement for the duration of the

reciprocal educational exchange program will be handled by the Office of Admissions. Please contact Education

Abroad for additional information about this type of student.

3.4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY STATUS CODES

International graduate students are assigned an ELP status code in Compass that can be used to determine their

eligibility to register for courses. Graduate advisers can access these codes via the Howdy portal or in Compass on the

Academic Non-Course (SHANCRS) screen.

All students with the following ELP status codes are eligible to register for courses:

ZV: Level 3 Verified

ZW: Alternatively Verified

ZD: Conditionally Certified through Emergency Deferral

ZT: Conditional Eligibility Expired

ZE: Native English Speaker

Z2: Level 2 Conditionally Certified

Z1: Level 1 Certified

ZA: Alternatively Certified

ZZ: English Language Proficiency Not Required

Students with an ELP status code of ZN (not verified) are prevented from registering for courses.

Graduate advisers can check the ELP status codes of their students by downloading a report through the Howdy portal.

After logging in to Howdy, simply select “Reports” from the main header at the top of the page. To view the ELP status

codes of your students, select the report that contains your college’s code in the report title (see Section 6.4.4 below).

Admission and Registration Requirements  English Language Proficiency Status Codes

NOTES:

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21

Employment Requirements  Graduate Assistantships

NOTES:

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22

4 EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

4.1 GRADUATE ASSISTANTSHIPS

Graduate and professional students have a variety of options for employment at Texas A&M University. A graduate

assistantship (GA) is a part-time, paid position generally working in research, teaching, or administrative support role

related to the student’s field of study. Graduate assistantships may cover tuition and fees, offer benefits and eligibility

for non-resident tuition waivers. They are generally offered by academic departments – along with an offer of admission

– on the basis of scholastic accomplishment, academic promise, and competence.

Graduate Assistantship Requirements

Graduate assistantships are for doctoral- or master’s-degree-seeking students who are open to gaining experience

through research, teaching, or administrative work. Students who are employed on an assistantship will be required to

work twenty (20) hours per week on average while completing their degree. The university does not mandate

assistantships be terminated upon failure to maintain enrollment requirements after the census date; however,

assistantships may be terminated by the employer upon failure to maintain the minimum enrollment requirement.

The Graduate Assistant Position Requirements/Benefits table can be found at

https://grad.tamu.edu/getmedia/265fe2aa-2d91-4762-9fea-b1a8563b1dfc/Graduate-Assistant-Position-Requirements-

May-3,-2021-FINAL_1.pdf

International Students employed at any percentage of graduate student title code GAL (see 4.1.2.1 below) or GAT (see

4.1.2.2 below) must meet the ELP Certification Requirement (see Section 4.2 below). GAR and GANT positions are not

required to meet the ELP Certification Requirement for their roles.

The university mandates that assistantships be terminated upon failure to meet the ELP Requirement.

Types of Graduate Assistantships

There are four types of GA positions available through the academic departments, colleges/schools, Texas A&M

University System (TAMUS) agencies, and administrative offices: Graduate Assistant-Lecturing (GAL), -Teaching (GAT), -

Research (GAR), and Non-Teaching (GANT).

The Graduate and Professional School encourages academic units to specify what kind of position the student will take

in an offer letter.

4.1.2.1 Graduate Assistant-Lecturing

Some doctoral students in the final years of their program are qualified to serve as instructors of undergraduate courses

under the department head or supervisor of instructors. As a Graduate Assistant-Lecturer (GAL), student-lecturers will

deliver classroom instruction; create, administer, and evaluate assignments and examinations; and hold office hours for

undergraduate students. GAL responsibilities may include, but are not limited to:

• full classroom instruction of course;

• generating, proctoring, and evaluating assignments and examinations;

Employment Requirements  Graduate Assistantships

NOTES:

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23

• student performance evaluation and assignment of grades;

• office hours and student consultation; and

• all other duties associated with instruction as assigned by the supervisor.

For eligibility to teach, the State of Texas requires institutions of higher education to ensure that all faculty members are

proficienct in use of the English language. A “faculty member” is any person who teaches a course offered for academic

credit by an institution of higher learning – including teaching assistants, instructors, lab assistants, research assistants,

lecturers, and professors.

International graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language before teaching as a GAT. This

requirement applies to an international student employed at any percent effort in a GAT title. Assistantships with

curricular duties require Level 1 Certification, Level 2 Conditional Eligibility (for one semester only), or Level 3

Verification with an approved Emergency Deferral (one semester only).

4.1.2.2 Graduate Assistant-Teaching

With a Graduate Assistant-Teaching (GAT) position, students have the opportunity to administer or assist with

instructional assignments and interact directly with students. Depending on the needs of an advisor, GATs might offer

classroom and laboratory instruction, assist a faculty instructor in teaching sessions, tutor, or hold office hours. Student-

assistants may also be responsible for grading undergraduate student work. GAT responsibilities may include, but are

not limited to:

• teaching a classroom or laboratory section of a course;

• working in a teaching or computing lab for the purpose of educating students;

• assisting a faculty instructor in teaching students in recitation or discussion sessions;

• tutoring individuals or small groups of students;

• holding office hours and meeting with students;

• assisting with grading or student assessment (with or without student interaction); and

• preparation of materials for instructors or academic units.

For eligibility to teach, the State of Texas requires institutions of higher education to ensure that all faculty members are

proficienct in use of the English language. A “faculty member” is any person who teaches a course offered for academic

credit by an institution of higher learning – including teaching assistants, instructors, lab assistants, research assistants,

lecturers, and professors.

International graduate students must demonstrate proficiency in the English language before teaching as a GAT. This

requirement applies to an international student employed at any percent effort in a GAT title. Assistantships with

curricular duties require Level 1 Certification, Level 2 Conditional Eligibility (for one semester only), or Level 3

Verification with an approved Emergency Deferral (one semester only).

The Graduate and Professional School recommends preparing newly arrived international students to meet the ELP

Requirement for GATs before the start of their employment. The Center for Teaching Excellence advises the following

options to prepare international graduate students for a GAT position:

Employment Requirements  Graduate Assistantships

NOTES:

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24

• assignment to a unit’s help desk;

• a non-teaching position with instructional observation; or

• guest lecturing for an academic unit’s symposium.

4.1.2.3 Graduate Assistant-Research

Graduate Assistant-Researchers (GAR) are hired by a research supervisor or Principal Investigator (PI) – usually a faculty

member – to assist on a research project. The research students perform will likely be related to their research focus,

dissertation, or thesis. Research may or may not be externally-funded. GAR responsibilities may include, but are not

limited to:

• conducting literature, library, laboratory, or other forms of reviews or research;

• collecting, coding, cleaning, or analyzing data;

• preparing materials for IRB, IACUC, or IBC review; and

• designing, generating, or writing reports, presentations, and publications.

GAR positions are not required to meet the ELP Certification Requirement for their roles.

4.1.2.4 Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching

Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching (GANT) responsibilities do not involve instructional assignments or support of teaching

or academic programs, and are not primarily assisting with research. GANT responsibilities vary greatly and may include,

but are not limited to the following:

• non-teaching/non-curricular duties;

• performance of varied programmatic duties in non-academic units;

• assisting with administrative duties in a variety of settings; and

• conducting activities that do not generally fit within GAT or GAR job responsibilities.

GANT positions are not required to meet the ELP Certification Requirement for their roles.

Registration Requirements

4.1.3.1 Graduate Full-Time Status

For assistantship, fellowship, and scholarship eligibility, the following are required: nine (9) hours Fall/Spring terms and

six (6) hours summer term in any combination for full Summer benefits, or three (3) hours in any combination for an

individual summer session benefit.

4.1.3.2 Registration Requirements for Graduate Assistants

Graduate students employed in a GAT or GANT role must be registered full-time, equivalent to a minimum of nine (9)

semester credit hours in the Fall and Spring terms.

Those employed in a GAL role must be registered a minimum of one (1) semester credit hour in the Fall and Spring

terms.

Summer Registration fullfillment may be achieved by any of the following:

Employment Requirements  English Language Proficiency Certification for Teaching

NOTES:

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25

• Summer I

• Summer II

• Summer 10-Week only

• Summer I and II

• Summer I and 10-Week

• Summer II and 10-Week

• Summer I, II, and 10-Week

The table below defines the minimum number of registered hours required, as determined by the Summer enrollment

session and the associated GA position title:

Graduate Assistant Title

Summer Employment Session

Minimum Registered Hours

Required

Graduate Assistant-Lecturer (GAL)

Any portion of the Summer semester

1

Graduate Assistant-Teacher (GAT)

Only Summer I or II

3

Graduate Assistant-Teacher (GAT)

Summer I and II or 10-Week

6

Graduate Assistant-Researcher (GAR)

Any portion of the Summer semester

6

Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching (GANT)

Any portion of the Summer semester

6

4.2 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION FOR TEACHING

Eligibility to hold a graduate assistantship with instructional or curricular support responsibilities – such as Graduate

Assistant-Teaching (GAT), Graduate Assistant-Lecturing (GAL), etc. – Texas State law (Education Code, Section 51-917)

and Texas A&M University (https://grad.tamu.edu/academics/academic-success-resources/elp) requires international

graduate students to achieve English Language Proficiency Certification.

The Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness (HROE) at Texas A&M requires prospective or current

international students hired for assistantships that carry teaching responsibilities (see Section 4.1 above) to meet English

Language Proficiency Requirements:

• Eligibility (Level 1 Certification);

• Conditional Eligibility (Level 2) for one semester only; or

• Verification (Level 3) with an Emergency Deferral (see Section 4.3 below), for one semester only, approved

before the date of hire.

Proof of English language proficiency for Certification is demonstrated by achieving a minimum required score on an

acceptable standardized examination or alternative means.

English Language Proficiency Certification Levels

Satisfaction of the ELP Certification Requirement in relation to teaching positions is rated on a scale of 1-3.

Employment Requirements  English Language Proficiency Certification for Teaching

NOTES:

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26

An international graduate student who receives a Level 1 (Z1) certifying score, Alternatively Certified (ZA), or ELP is no

longer required (ZZ) is Eligible for teaching assignments.

Those with a Level 2 (Z2) rating or an approved Emergency Deferral Request (ZD) are Conditionally Eligible for teaching

assignments. They may teach for one semester only and must simultaneously enroll in Texas A&M University’s Center for

Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency (CTE-ELP) Program. Conditionally eligible students must achieve a

Level 1 certifying score on the ELPE or a global standardized test before the hiring date for the next semester.

Students at Level 3 (ZV, ZW, ZE, ZT) are Ineligible for teaching assignment. They should participate in spoken language

training (such as those offered by CTE-ELP and other independent English language instruction providers) to assist them

in meeting ELP Certification. They will remain ineligible until they achieve a certifying score on the oral skills assessment

on the ELPE or a global standardized test.

Certification during Admissions

ELP Certification may have been obtained during the admissions process through achieving a minimum required score

on an acceptable standardized examination (see Section 3.1 above). If the student submitted scores from a standardized

English language examination to the university which met the minimum required for Level 1 Certification, the student

will automatically receive ELP Certification during the admission process.

Test Scores Accepted for Demonstration of English Language Proficiency Certification

The following standardized tests are acceptable to obtain ELP Certification:

• Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials and iBT

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS), including the One-Skill Retake (see Section 3.1.2.3 above)

• English Language Proficiency Examination (ELPE)

Please note: Scores from TOEFL Essentials, TOEFL-iBT, or IELTS examinations administered more than two years before

submission of the admissions application are not eligible for use in attaining English Language Proficiency Certification.

Once official test scores have been reported to the university, they remain effective throughout the duration of the

student’s time at Texas A&M.

International graduate students who wish to serve in teaching positions and have not met the ELP Certification

Requirement prior to enrollment can certify by taking another global standardized test or passing the oral skills

assessment of the English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE) offered by Texas A&M’s Testing Services (see Section 5.1

below).

Employment Requirements  English Language Proficiency Certification for Teaching

NOTES:

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27

Eligibility Levels for

International Students to

Serve in Teaching Positions

Global Standardized Tests

Locally

Administered Exam

(on Texas A&M

Campus)

Level

TOEFL Essentials

Speaking Section

TOEFL Speaking

Section

IELTS Speaking

Section

ELPE Oral

Examination

1. Eligible

≥ 11

26-30

≥ 8

≥ 80

2. Conditionally Eligible

9-10

23-25

7.0-7.5

75

3. Ineligible

≤ 8

< 23

< 7.0

< 75

Alternative Certification

Alternative Certification may be acquired, following completion of the admissions process, from the Graduate and

Professional School via request submitted by colleges/schools, departments, or interdisciplinary degree programs.

Alternative Certification indicates that an international student meets the ELP Certification Requirement through means

other than the acceptable test scores.

4.2.4.1 Acceptable Justifications for Alternative Certification

The Graduate and Professional School accepts the following justifications for an international student’s Alternative

Certification:

• receipt of a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited academic institution located within the United States

following four years of study; or

• holding citizenship with an approved English-speaking country (see Section 2.2.2.3 above); or

• the international student qualifies for Alternative Certification by other means.

For Alternative Certification Requests based upon a Bachelor’s degree, the Office of Admissions must have received and

entered official transcript(s) into the student’s record on Compass as noted on the Prior College Summary (SOAPCOQ)

screen in the “Degree Date” column (see Section 6.4.3 below).

4.2.4.2 Alternative Certification Request Form

Requests for Alternative Certification should be submitted by use of the Alternative Certification Request Form (see

Section 7.3. below). Please include the student’s name and UIN. The form must be signed by a faculty approver

designated on the academic unit’s Authorized Signers Form (see Section 6.1 below).

The student should provide the academic unit with documentation to support Alternative Certification.

Please indicate the justification on which the Alternative Certification Request is based, and provide any relevant

documentation to support the request with the form. The Alternative Certification Request must be submitted by the

academic unit to EL[email protected].

Employment Requirements  Emergency Deferral of English Language Proficiency Certification

NOTES:

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28

The Graduate and Professional School will determine whether to grant Alternative Certification Requests on a case-by-

case basis.

4.3 EMERGENCY DEFERRAL OF ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION

International graduate students with an ELP status of Level 3 (Verified only) are Ineligible for hire in a GAT or GAL

position.

Under extenuating circumstances, however, academic units may need to hire an international graduate student who has

not attained Level 1 Certification or Level 2 Conditional Eligibility based on standardized test scores, the English

Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE), or Alternative Certification.

In such cases, a college/school, department, or interdisciplinary degree program may request a one-time, one-semester

Emergency Deferral of the ELP Certification Requirement for employment. Emergency Deferrals may be acquired from

the Graduate and Professional School via a request submitted by the academic unit.

Emergency Deferral indicates that an international graduate student does not currently meet the ELP Certification

Requirement to hold a teaching position, but extenuating circumstances necessitated the hire. Academic units seeking

to hire an Ineligible international student based upon an Emergency Deferral must obtain approval of the request before

the date of hire. Level 3 Ineligible (Verified only) students hired without an approved Emergency Deferral on file with the

Graduate and Professional School will be subject to automatic termination and will remain Ineligible a Level 1 certifying

score is achieved.

If an Emergency Deferral is approved, the student will be granted Conditional Eligibility for one semester only. To receive

approval, 1) the academic unit must provide justification as to the necessity for hire of a Level 3 Ineligible student (see

Section 4.3.1 below), 2) the academic unit must assign a faculty member to supervise the student during the semester of

Emergency Deferral (see Section 4.3.2 below), and 3) the student must participate in the Center for Teaching

Excellence’s English Language Proficiency Program during the period of Emergency Deferral (see Section 4.3.3 below).

Acceptable Justifications for Emergency Deferral of the Certification Requirement

The Graduate and Professional School accepts the following justifications for an international student’s Emergency

Deferral of the ELP Certification Requirement:

• a previously assigned GAT or GAL is no longer able to teach the assigned course; or

• an unanticipated student enrollment increase requires the creation of additional course sections and no other

eligible students are available; or

• other unexpected circumstances that require the hire of a Level 3 Ineligible international graduate student.

A statement explaining the selected justification is required and the request should include relevant documentation.

Please note: failure to schedule a TOEFL, IELTS, or ELPE is no longer considered an acceptable justification.

Employment Requirements  Emergency Deferral of English Language Proficiency Certification

NOTES:

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29

Assigned Faculty Supervision

During a semester of Emergency Deferral, the academic unit must assign a faculty member to conduct periodic reviews –

including in-class observations – of the student’s teaching performance. The first review must be conducted during the

first month of the semester.

Emergency Deferral Request Forms must be signed by the supervising faculty member. The supervisor and academic

unit should take appropriate actions if the student’s performance is deemed unacceptable.

Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency Program Requirement

During the semester of Emergency Deferral, the student must participate in the English Language Proficiency Program

with the Center for Teaching Excellence (see Section 5.2 below).

In order to receive approval of the Emergency Deferral, the student must schedule an intake assessment with CTE

before submission of the request form. Prior to completion of the form, students must first contact CTE at CTE-

[email protected] or 979-459-3699 to request online registration for the intake assessment. Students should indicate that

their department is seeking an Emergency Deferral. The request form must indicate the scheduled assessment date, and

a copy of the confirmation must be included.

Emergency Deferral Request Form

Requests for Emergency Deferral of ELP Certification should be submitted by use of the Emergency Deferral Request

Form. Please include the student’s name, UIN, and the semester for which the Emergency Deferral will apply.

Please indicate the justification on which the Emergency Deferral is based and provide any relevant documentation to

support the request with the form.

Please indicate the date the student has scheduled the CTE-ELP intake assessment and provide a copy of the

confirmation with the request.

The form must be signed by

• the student’s assigned faculty supervisor; and

• a faculty approver designated on the academic unit’s Authorized Signers Form; and

• the appropriate college/school’s Graduate Operations Committee Dean.

The Emergency Deferral Request Forms must be submitted by the academic unit to ELPCompliance@tamu.edu.

The Graduate and Professional School will determine whether to grant Emergency Deferral Requests on a case-by-case

basis.

Expiration of Emergency Deferral

The international graduate student must achieve Level 1 Certification by the end of the semester of employment. If the

student does not attain Level 1 Certification before the hiring date for the next semester, the student’s ELP code will

change to ZT (Conditional Eligibility Expired). The student will then be Ineligible for rehire until the ELP Certification

Requirement has been met by way of a Level 1 certifying score.

Employment Requirements  English Language Proficiency Status Codes

NOTES:

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30

If the Emergency Deferral expires and the student has not reached Level 1 Certification, the employing unit will have the

opportunity to move the employee to a Graduate Assistant Non-Teaching (GANT), Graduate Assistant-Research (GAR),

or other non-teaching role.

For students who do not achieve Level 1 Certification and are not transferred to a non-teaching position, the Graduate

and Professional School will require the Division of Human Resources and Organizational Effectiveness (HROE) to

process the student’s termination.

Contact: English Language Proficiency Compliance – ELPC[email protected] or 979-845-3631

4.4 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY STATUS CODES

International graduate students are assigned an ELP status code in Compass that can be used to determine their

eligibility to hold a graduate teaching position. Graduate advisers can access these codes via the Howdy portal or in

Compass on the Academic Non-Course (SHANCRS) screen.

All relevant certification codes are shown in Table 1 below. Those listed in the left-hand column are permitted to hold

graduate teaching positions.

Table 1. Certification Codes and Teaching Eligibility

Eligible to Teach (Unrestricted)

Ineligible to Teach

Z1

Level 1 Certified

ZV

Level 3 Verified

ZA

Alternatively Certified

ZW

Alternatively Verified

ZZ

English Language Proficiency Not Required

ZE

Native English Speaker*

Eligible to Teach (One Semester Only)

ZT

Conditional Eligibity Expired

Z2

Level 2 Conditionally Certified

Ineligible to Teach or Register for Courses

ZD

Conditionally Certified through Emergency Deferral

ZN

Not Verified

* An international graduate student who is a Native English Speaker (ZE) is eligible for Alternative Certification (ZA)

which will make the student Eligible to teach.

Advisers can check the language status codes of their students by downloading a report through the Howdy portal. After

logging in to Howdy, simply select “Reports” from the main header at the top of the page (shown in Figure 1 below). To

view the certification codes of your students, select the report that contains your college’s code in the report title

(examples are shown in Figure 2 below).

Employment Requirements  English Language Proficiency Certification Compliance Procedures

NOTES:

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31

4.5 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY CERTIFICATION COMPLIANCE PROCEDURES

Pre-Semester English Language Proficiency Requirement Notification

One month prior to the start of each Fall and Spring semester, the Graduate and Professional School will notify by email

all Department Heads and Department Graduate Advisors with reminders of the English Language Proficiency

Certification requirements for any graduate assistant position with instruction responsibilities.

English Language Profiency Compliance Audit

The Graduate and Professional School conducts a Compliance Review after the first payroll date of the Fall and Spring

semesters. The audit report will consist of all international graduate students who meet all of the following criteria:

1. Holding a teaching position, including those paid (even partially) by teaching funds.

2. Not ELP Certified by

• standardized test score (TOEFL iBT, TOEFL Essentials, IELTS); nor

• an ELPE test score; nor

• Alternative Certification; nor

• an approved one-time, one-semester Emergency Deferral.

The Graduate and Professional School’s English Language Proficiency Compliance Office will notify students, graduate

advisors, and graduate program directors of the compliance requirements.

• Level 2 Conditionally Eligible students (Z2) must be enrolled in the CTE-ELP Program. If the student does not

achieve Level 1 Certification by the next semester’s hire date, that student must either be transferred to a non-

teaching position or terminated from employment. Departments should send their compliance action plan to

the English Language Proficiency Compliance Coordinator in the Graduate and Professional School within 10

business days.

• Level 3 Ineligible (but with an approved Emergency Deferral Request) students (ZD) must be enrolled in the CTE-

ELP Program, and must be under the assigned supervision of a faculty observer. If the student does not achieve

Level 1 Certification by the next semester’s hire date, that student must either be transferred to a non-teaching

position or terminated from employment. Departments should send their compliance action plan to the English

Language Proficiency Compliance Coordinator in the Graduate and Professional School within 10 business days.

• Level 3 Ineligible students (ZN, ZV, ZW, ZT) without an approved Emergency Deferral Request will be terminated

from employment.

Graduate Assistant Training and Support  English Language Proficiency Examination

NOTES:

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32

5 GRADUATE ASSISTANT TRAINING AND SUPPORT

5.1 ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY EXAMINATION

The English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE) evaluates English skill in the area of oral communication. The ELPE is

conducted via Zoom through Testing Services at Texas A&M University. The assessment is conducted by a panel of two

to three trained individuals. Interviewers will have pre-session training to ensure common standards.

The ELPE is evaluated based on the degree to which an individual can be understood through spoken communications.

Each section is designed to elicit samples of the student’s speaking ability.

Testing Services

Texas A&M University’s Testing Services Office is an approved national testing site with a licenced Prometric Center and

partnerships with Pearson Vue and Meazure Learning (formerly Castle Worldwide). Professional certification, licensure,

and entry level exams are available to TAMU students and the community.

Visit the Testing Services website for more information on upcoming exam dates and how to register for the English

Language Proficiency Exam.

English Language Proficiency Examination Administration and Rules

5.1.2.1 Sections of the English Language Proficiency Examination

There are three segments to the oral skills assessment:

1. A short reading passage from a text based on the student’s major, supplied by Testing Services.

2. A brief presentation on a subject derived from the student’s major that the student will need to prepare for

prior to the appointment. (PowerPoint is not allowed for the presentation. The student may use the whiteboard

feature via Zoom.)

3. A short question and answer interview with the panel.

5.1.2.2 Registration for the English Language Proficiency Examination

Registration is required for the ELPE. To register, students should go to the Testing Services website. A registration form

link will be posted for each available test date. Registration will close approximately one week before the test date

unless seats are no longer available prior to the closing date. The registration fee is non-refundable.

Students registering for the ELPE must be prepared to provide:

• UIN

• First and Last Name

• Date of Birth

• Native Country of Birth

• Contact Phone Number and Email Address

• Department under which the student’s program is administered

Graduate Assistant Training and Support  English Language Proficiency Examination

NOTES:

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33

• Available Time(s)

For completion of the registration for, students will be asked to confirm:

• Eligibility for the ELPE

• Foreign nationality

• Access to Zoom

• The cost of registration

• Forefeiture of the fee if registering twice within a three month period (unless otherwise permitted – see Section

5.1.6 below)

Students will receive an email confirmation of their registration that includes the testing schedule. Once registered,

students will be billed for the exam even if they do not make the appointment.

If a test date is marked as “Full,” it means that Testing Services does not have any additional appointments available on

that day. If a test date is marked as “Closed,” it means that the registration period for that date has passed and

registrations are no longer accepted. Once full or closed, students must register for the next available test date.

Students should not call or email requesting a testing appointment on a date which is full or closed.

Following the examination, Testing Services will enter the student’s score into Compass, available on the Test Score

Information (SOATEST) screen. The Graduate and Professional School will perform an audit after the 12th class day of

Fall and Spring semesters to ensure that international graduate students hired to teach have successfully met English

Language Proficiency requirements. Departments will receive notification of non-compliant students.

5.1.2.3 Testing Center Rules

ELPE candidates are required to be professional, civil, and respectful at all times during the administration of the exam.

All exams are continuously monitored by video and audio recording during the entire exam. The Test Center

Administrator is authorized to dismiss a student from the test session for violation of any Test Center Regulations

including exhibition of avusive behavior towards the administrator or other candidates. Students in violation of Test

Center Regulations will be referred to Student Academic Affairs.

Students sitting for the ELPE should dress as if taking the test in person or in a classroom setting. TAMU Student Rule 37

grants faculty and staff the authority to maintain responsible standards of student dress and grooming within the

classroom. Test proctors may cancel an exam if the student is not appropriately dressed.

An original, valid government-issues photo and signature bearing a student’s identification, or a current student

identification, is required in order to take an exam. Validity and the number of acceptable IDs are predetermined by

Testing Services and will be checked by the proctors.

No scheduled/unscheduled breaks are allowed, nor eating/drinking during the exam.

Students sitting for the ELPE are required to have access to Zoom.

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5.1.2.4 Confidentiality of Examination Content and Systems

The computer-based test delivery system and the exam content are the unpublished, confidential, and proprietary

materials of Testing Services. Communicating, publishing, reporoducing, or transmitting any part of the exam in any

form or by any means (i.e. verbal, electronic, written, etc.) for any purposes is strictly prohibited. Any reproduction or

disclosure will result in an immediate filing of civil and/or criminal charges against the individual and anyone conspiring

with the individual.

ELPE for International Graduate Students Serving in Teaching Positions

If international graduate students wish to serve in teaching positions and have not already achieved the requisite

standardized test scores prior to enrollment, they can attain Level 1 Certification by taking the oral skills assessment of

the ELPE. Individual academic units may choose to establish test standards that exceed the university minimums.

To increase accessibility to the ELPE, Testing Services will increase the number of possible exam dates in August and

January. Select dates will be open only to those students who have already received an offer of employment.

Testing During the Semester

Testing Services offers the ELPE throughout the semester for students who are Level 2 (Conditionally Eligible) or Level 3

(Verified only). Students may register for the test via the online registration link on the Testing Services website.

ELPE Retesting

Students may not retake the ELPE within three months of their most recent attempt. Only students participating in the

CTE-ELP program may request an early ELPE retest through CTE.

Visit the Testing Services website for more information about test dates, registration, and any associated fees.

5.2 CENTER FOR TEACHING EXCELLENCE-ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROFICIENCY PROGRAM

The Center for Teaching Excellence (CTE)’s English Language Proficiency (ELP) Program is a linguistic resource provided

to Texas A&M’s current and prospective international instructors who wish to improve their spoken English skills. The

CTE-ELP employs linguists with expertise in adult second language acquisition, English as a second language,

pronunciation, and pedagogy. These instructional consultants aim to help instructors communicate effectively and share

their expertise clearly.

CTE-ELP serves departments by providing professional development in oral English proficiency with the goal of

increasing the number of graduate students who are ELP Certified, thereby expanding the pool of candidates for TA

positions.

Please note: CTE-ELP does not conduct summative assessments nor determine who is eligible to be a TA. That is done by

raters of the recognized language tests or, in cases of Alternative Certification, by the Graduate and Professional School.

CTE-ELP is not involved in the administration of Testing Services’ English Language Proficiency Exam (ELPE).

Graduate Assistant Training and Support  Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency

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Teaching Assistant English Language Proficiency Questionnaire

Academic units and prospective international teaching assistants may utilize CTE’s ELP Questionnaire to check their

certification status and determine their qualification to take on a teaching position.

CTE-ELP Registration and Programming

Enrollment with the CTE-ELP Program is open year-round to international faculty, teaching assistants, non-teaching

graduate students, and undergraduate students. The CTE-ELP Program is not a semester-long course, but rather a suite

of services and resources. International faculty and students are welcome to register themselves for workshops and

conversation circles via https://ers.tamu.edu/elp. If they are interested in other services and resources, such as

conversation partners and pronunciation software, they may fill out a questionnaire at https://u.tamu.edu/join-CTE-ELP.

These support services are confidential and at no additional cost to the participant.

CTE-ELP Program instruction is required for students currently serving as teaching assistants who have Level 2

Conditional Eligibility (Z2) or are Level 3 Ineligible with an Emergency Deferral (ZD), but optional for all others. Thus, CTE-

ELP programming prioritizes uncertified teaching assistants.

5.2.2.1 Intake Assessment

Conditionally-Appointed GATs and GALs with Emergency Deferral of Certification begin with a diagnostic assessment of

their oral proficiency skills via an Intake Assessment with the ELP Consultants. This should be completed by Week 2 of

the semester.

The Intake Assessment is a forty-five minute diagnostic interview during which an instructional consultant converses

with the student to assess spoken English language proficiency – fluency, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

Consultants listen for content, as well as language and delivery, while the student answers a variety of questions,

transcribes a few spoken sentences, reads aloud accent analysis sentences, and explains a concept in their field as if

teaching.

During the Intake Assessment, the student will

• communicate their goals for language acquisition;

• read aloud every phenome of American English in a variety of phonetic contexts;

• demonstrate listening comprehension via short dictation;

• speak extemporaneously, simulating interaction between instructor and student;

• self-reflect on their strengths and weaknesses as an English speaker; and

• give explicit permission to be corrected by a consultant.

The Intake Assessment ends with the consultant giving a recommendation for more comprehensible speech and/or a

resource to help the student immediately. The results of this diagnostic are then used to construct an Individual

Improvement Plan (IIP). Each plan requires five hours of weekly activity. It is tailored to individual needs established

Graduate Assistant Training and Support  Center for Teaching Excellence-English Language Proficiency

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during the diagnostic assessment and encompasses specific recommendations for activities, many of which are detailed

in Table 3.

5.2.2.2 Individual Improvement Plan

An intake follow-up is a a sixty-minute meeting between the student and a consultant. The consultant will explain the

Intake Assessment findings (the participant’s strengths and weaknesses), including priorities. The consultant also

recommends specific activities and resources, both inside and outside the CTE-ELP Program, to address weaknesses. The

participant selects or consents to activities, adding up to five hours weekly (for TAs who are Level 2 Conditionally Eligible

and Level 3 with an Emergency Deferral) or any number of hours for everyone else. Both sign an Individual Improvement

Plan (IIP) and each retains a copy.

5.2.2.3 Program Activities

Students’ ELP Program activities will be indicated on their IIP. CTE-ELP does not share the IIP with anyone but the client.

Academic units are encouraged to follow up with any TA who is Level 2 Conditionally Eligible or Level 3 with an

Emergency Deferral of Certification and inquire as to their adherence to the IIP.

CTE-ELP offers a variety of services and resources to accommodate the different needs, schedules, and learning

preferences of its clients. Certain services are reserved for current instructors. Other services are open to non-teaching

international graduate students, and – if space permits – international undergraduate students, post-docs, and visiting

scholars.

The services are intentionally flexible and efficienct to accommodate busy schedules. Many of them are offered online

to reach TAs and future TAs on branch campuses or even in their home countries before they arrive at Texas A&M. For

this reason, advisors may recommend to international graduate students at any point in the calendar year to begin

participating in the CTE-ELP Program – far in advance of their teaching assignment – at their own pace.

Table 2. CTE-ELP Program Activities

Activity

Description

Correspondence to

ELPE

Target Audience

Private Consultation

Participants build upon pronunciation

proficiency and fluency through

strategic readings, practice motor

control of the vocal tract, and receive

feedback about their progress.

Reading Task

(careful language

production)

Conditionally-appointed

TAs

(Other groups as

appointments are

available)

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Activity

Description

Correspondence to

ELPE

Target Audience

Language Laboratory

with Pronunciation

Software

Participants develop listening

discrimination of English

pronunciation, knowledge of the

features and manipulation of the

vocal tract, and automaticity.

Reading Task

(careful language

production)

All groups

ELP for Instructors

Practice Groups

Participants rehearse functional

language for instruction; learn to

anticipate and repair common

communication breakdowns; develop

peer support, supra-segmental skills,

and fluency; and cultivate an

awareness and appreciation for

diversity and cultural differences.

Presentation and

Interview Tasks

(formal, planned and

casual,

extemporaneous

language production)

Conditionally-appointed

TAs

(Other groups as space

permits)

Teaching Observation

with Feedback

Participants receive observation and

feedback from an ELP Consultant to

assess their linguistic performance in

action. They additionally practice self-

assessment skills.

Presentation Task

(formal, planned

language production)

Conditionally-appointed

TAs

(Other instructors as time

permits)

Conversation Partners

Participants develop fluency and an

awareness & appreciation for cultural

difference in the classroom through

an application of pronunciation

knowledge via authentic dialogue

with an English-dominant partner.

Interview Task

(casual,

extemporaneous

language production)

Conditionally-appointed

TAs

(Other groups as partners

are available)

Pronunciation

Workshops and

Academic

Communication Skills

Workshops

Participants develop phonological

awareness, functional vocabulary for

conducting office hours and teaching

lab class, as well as familiarity with

CTE-ELP services.

Reading Task

(careful language

production)

All groups

Videotaped

microteaching

Opportunity for participants to teach

a micro-lesson in front of a video

camera and receive feedback from a

Presentation Task

Current TAs and students

scheduled to take

upcoming ELPE

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Activity

Description

Correspondence to

ELPE

Target Audience

consultant and often an

undergraduate student. Participants

have the opportunity to self-reflect.

(formal, planned

language production)

The recommended ELP process towards Level 1 Certification is shown in Figure 3 below.

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Figure 3. Recommended ELP Process toward Level 1 Certification

Graduate Assistant Training and Support  New Teaching Assistant Training Requirements

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Progress Assessment and Re-Testing for Certification

Conditionally-appointed TAs receive regular formative assessment from ELP Consultants during their time working with

the CTE-ELP Program.

Once students become eligible to do so, they can retake the ELPE and certify their proficiency. Students are eligible to

retake the ELPE once every three months per Graduate and Professional School policy.

Conditionally-appointed TAs may request to retake the ELPE before three months have elapsed, but they must do so

through the CTE-ELP Program. Early ELPE retest requests are granted only if students are following their Individual

Improvement Plan and have made demonstrable progress in oral proficiency. The CTE-ELP program transmits early

retest waivers directly to Testing Services.

Once a conditionally-appointed TA earns a Level 1 certifying score (such as an 80 on the ELPE), that student is no longer

obligated to participate in the CTE-ELP Program or adhere to the Individual Improvement Plan. This can happen at any

time during the semester, but it must be achieved before the next semester’s hire date.

The CTE-ELP Program is a valuable resource for those who have not obtained the required score to achieve Level 1

Certification or for certified instructors who wish to pursue additional professional development to enhance their

English language proficiency.

5.3 NEW TEACHING ASSISTANT TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

New graduate teaching assistants (TAs) are required to complete training courses with the Center for Teaching

Excellence (CTE), online (through TrainTraq), and with their employing academic unit (through their college/school).

For more information on the training of TAs, including training dates and requirements, please contact Grad-

[email protected].

ELP Practice Group for Instructors

The English Language Proficiency Practice Group for Instructors workshop series is provided specifically for international

TAs through CTE. While this series is not required by the university or by CTE, individual departments may encourage or

require their international TAs to attend. The ELP Practice Group for Instructors take place several times per year and

promotes American English pronunciation, student-centered teaching approaches, and an understanding of the culture

of the Texas A&M University classroom.

5.4 TEACHING ASSISTANT EVALUATION

Each academic unit employing GATs and GALs shall develop an appropriate set of procedures and evaluation

instruments to monitor the performance of GATs and GALs each semester. These procedures will be outlined in the

academic units’ reports submitted each year and clearly communicated to student employees.

Administrative Services  Authorized Signers Form

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6 ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES

6.1 AUTHORIZED SIGNERS FORM

Each college/school, department, and interdisciplinary degree program is required to have an Authorized Signers Form

on file with the Graduate and Professional School. These forms designate the academic unit’s contacts; identify staff

who may submit ELP-related documents; faculty who may approve and sign ELP-related forms; and provide access to

view student documents in ImageNow.

This form (managed through Google Drive) should be updated when there are changes in unit roles. The Graduate and

Professional School may also request updates from all units if changes in procedures occur. If a college/school,

department, or IDP should need to update their Authorized Signers Form, please coordinate with the academic unit’s

designated Authorized Signers Form editor to enter the necessary changes.

Contact: Graduate Committee Faculty Administrative Coordinator – gradcom@tamu.edu or 979-845-3631

6.2 GRADADVISORS LISTSERV

The Graduate and Professional School provides ELP-related updates, as needed, through the GradAdvisor Listserv. The

LISTSERV is a vehicle through which entities around campus disperse information relevant to graduate and professional

students, advisors, and programs at Texas A&M University.

Subscribing to the Listserv

To subscribe to the GRADADVISORS list, send an email to [email protected]mu.edu with the following command as a

single line in the body of the message:

• Subscribe GRADADVISORS Firstname Lastname (where “Firstname” and “Lastname” are the subscriber’s real

name).

• No “Subject” is required, and the email address does not need to be included in the message. The LISTSERV

automatically uses the address from the email.

Unsubscribing to the Listserv

To unsubscribe from the GRADADVISORS list, send an email to [email protected]u with the following command

as a single line in the body of your message:

• SIGNOFF GRADADVISORS

• The email must come from the account used when subscribing to the list.

Contact: Graduate and Professional School – Grad@tamu.edu

Administrative Services  Department Access to Graduate and Professional School Documents in

TAMUDocs

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6.3 DEPARTMENT ACCESS TO GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL DOCUMENTS IN TAMUDOCS

TAMUDocs, also referred to as Perceptive Content or ImageNow, houses student documents – including processed ELP

forms – submitted to the Graduate and Professional School. Academic units must indicate on their Authorized Signer

Form who should have access to view documents that have been submitted to the Graduate and Professional School.

This access will allow faculty and staff to confirm that documents have been received by the Graduate and Professional

School and allow users to see what has been processed and approved or returned.

To view the student documents submitted by the designated unit in TAMUDocs:

1. Log in at https://tamudocs.tamu.edu/ (or use the Perceptive Content client if already installed on an accessible

desktop) using an active NetID and Password.

2. Select the “Documents” drop-down and select the “OGAPS – Department View” option.

3. Click once on the respective “Search by …” filters on the left of the screen.

For example, to search by UIN, click on the filter labeled, “Search by UIN” and a dialogue box will open.

Administrative Services  Compass

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4. Double click any document to open/view. (Users will only be able to view documents linked to their specific

department, but will not have access to route the document or add any stamps or annotations for the Graduate

and Professional School.)

5. To perform another search, click on the green “Go” button in the top right to open the prompt again.

Contact: Graduate Records Processing – GradProcessing@tamu.edu or 979-845-3631

6.4 COMPASS

Compass – the student information system – provides critical support to the administrative and academic operations of

Texas A&M University by maintaining an electronic database of student records. It is accessible online through Howdy to

authorized users. Compass support is divided into six functional areas: admissions processing, registration, student

records, student accounts and billing, student financial aid, and degree evaluation.

Compass Access

For positions which require use of Compass, the prospective user must submit a Compass Account Request Form signed

by the academic unit’s Primary Authorizing Agent (PAA). After completion of the Basic Navigation training, users will

receive a Compass account. The user will be notified to take additional training if needed. Prerequisites for acquiring

Administrative Services  Compass

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Compass access include an active NetID and password, acquaintance with the Howdy web portal, and completion of

FERPA training. More information on Compass may be found online at https://eis.tamu.edu/compass.

Compass Screens

The following Compass screens may be of use in monitoring relevant student records and ELP statuses.

Screen Code

Description

SOAIDEN

Person Search

SGASTDN

General Student

GOAINTL

International Information (an international student’s citizenship is visible on the

“Nationality” tab)

SOAPCOQ

Prior College Summary (upon receipt of an official transcript, the “Degree Date” column will

display the date the degree was conferred)

SOATEST

Test Score Information

SHANCRS

Academic Non-Course

This guide will provide further information about related Compass screens and offer some hints and tips about

navigating the system.

6.4.2.1 Person Search (SOAIDEN)

Click the three dots between the ID (and the + on SPAIDEN):

This opens a dialog box. Click Person Search.

Administrative Services  Compass

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This opens SOAIDEN:

Enter the applicant’s last name and first name. Hit F8 to execute the search. You may also search by CAS ID (followed by

%) in the Last Name field. Example: 123456789% for the Last Name, then search.

6.4.2.2 Admissions Application Summary (SAASUMI)

Shows

• summary of all applications,

• application number

• Admission Type,

• Student Type,

• Residence Type,

• Status and Status Date,

• Decision and Decision Date, and

• Curricula.

Leave elements in Key block to view all applications submitted in Summary block.

Enter term and/or Program code to filter to only see apps of a particular type.

Information in Curricula Summary and Field of Study is related to the application highlighted in the Summary block.

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Administrative Services  Compass

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6.4.2.3 Admission Application/Checklist Summary (SAAACKL)

Items marked as Mandatory are required for completion prior to a decision. Other items may be required later,

sometimes requiring a hold to be placed on the applicant.

Use of term in Key block will filter to only show applications for that term. Leave blank to view all terms.

Use scroll bar in Application Summary block to select a specific term. Information in the checklist will reflect

requirements for the selected term.

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6.4.2.4 Prior College Summary (SOAPCOQ)

Prior college, Transcript Received Date, Degree, Attendance Dates, Prior College Address.

Degree date is entered when proof of award of degree is received.

6.4.2.5 Test Score Information (SOATEST)

Test Code, Test Score, Test Date, Admissions Request, and Source.

Test Codes that begin with a “P” are student-reported and not official.

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6.4.2.6 Hold Information (WOAHOLD/SOAHOLD)

Staff who place holds will need access defined by Hold Type and Originator code. Contact your Compass PAA for access.

6.4.2.7 International Information (GOAINTL)

Visa Information-Admissions will enter Permanent Resident (PR-Visa Type) info. Document Information. Passport

Information. Certificate of Eligibility. Nationality-Admissions will enter nation of birth, nation of citizenship.

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English Language Proficiency Compass Reports

Compass Reports is a repository of Compass-based reports which allows approved users to display, download, and print

documents created by a variety of TAMU offices. Compass Reports are accessible via the Compass Reports link in the

Compass Channel on the Employee tab in the Howdy Portal.

Following the same process used to request or update a Compass account, PAAs request access to reports for their

Compass users by completing the ‘Compass Account Request Form.’ The security group which contains the desired

report is listed on the request. The completed form is sent to EIS for approval.

The ELP Compass Report will list all international graduate students by college/school (PWS_ELP_CERTIFICATION_XX).

PAAs should contact Data Services at GradData@tamu.edu for the specific group that needs to be requested.

The following is among the information available through the ELP Compass Report:

Column Title

Description

ELP STATUS

Student’s current ELP status based upon scores, citizenship, or alternative means

ELP DESC

Discription of student’s ELP status

CITIZENSHIP

Country code indicating the student’s citizenship as established with the Office of

Admissions

ENGL SPEAKING

Indicates whether the country is on the Office of Admissons’ list of English-speaking

countries

COUNTRY

Description of student’s country code of cizitenship

TFES

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) Essentials Speaking score

TFIS

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) iBT Speaking score

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ILT4

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) score and date exam was

completed

TESP

Pearson Test of English score (no longer accepted)

ELPO

English Language Proficiency Examination Oral score

International graduate students are assigned an ELP status code in Compass that can be used to determine their

eligibility to hold a graduate teaching position. Graduate advisers can access these codes via the Howdy portal or in

Compass on the Academic Non-Course (SHANCRS) screen in the Z1EL row.

All relevant ELP status codes are shown in Table 1 below.

Table 1. English Language Proficiency Status Codes

Eligible to Teach (Unrestricted)

Ineligible to Teach

Z1

Level 1 Certified

ZV

Level 3 Verified

ZA

Alternatively Certified

ZW

Alternatively Verified

ZZ

English Language Proficiency Not Required

ZE

Native English Speaker*

Eligible to Teach (One Semester Only)

ZT

Conditional Eligibity Expired

Z2

Level 2 Conditionally Certified

Ineligible to Teach or Register for Courses

ZD

Conditionally Certified through Emergency Deferral

ZN

Not Verified

* An international graduate student who is a Native English Speaker (ZE) is eligible for Alternative Certification (ZA)

which will make the student Eligible to teach.

Advisers can check the language certification codes of their students by downloading a report through the Howdy portal.

After logging in to Howdy, simply select “Reports” from the main header at the top of the page. To view the ELP status

codes of your students, select the report that contains your college’s code in the report title.

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7 GRADUATE AND PROFESSIONAL SCHOOL FORMS

7.1 AUTHORIZED SIGNERS FORM

Each college/school, department, and interdisciplinary degree program (IDP) must have an Authorized Signers Form on

file with the Graduate and Professional School. These forms are used to verify who is authorized to approve graduate

and professional student documents.

• The full names of all the unit’s faculty leadership and position titles (Dean, Department Head, or Program Chair;

Associate Dean(s), Assistant Department Head(s), Program Co-Chair(s); Graduate Instruction Committee Chair;

Graduate Operations Committee Dean; etc.)

• The full names of all the unit’s staff and position titles (Administrative Assistant(s), Program Coordinator(s),

Graduate Advisor(s), etc.)

• The TAMU email addresses of all authorized faculty signers and staff

• The University Identification Number (UIN) of all authorized faculty signers and staff

• The NetID of all authorized faculty signers and staff

• The phone number of all authorized faculty signers and staff

Any faculty approver listed on the unit’s Authorized Signers Form may sign ELP-related documents on behalf of the

academic unit.

Contact: Graduate Committee Faculty Administrative Coordinator – [email protected]u or 979-845-3631

Graduate and Professional School Forms  Alternative Verification Request Form

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7.2 ALTERNATIVE VERIFICATION REQUEST FORM

Complete the student’s name and UIN. A designated unit approver must sign the form. Select one of the three options

as a basis for the request.

For any selection, please include a statement of justification and attach any relevant documentation to support the

request (such as transcripts, etc.).

Graduate and Professional School Forms  Alternative Certification Request Form

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7.3 ALTERNATIVE CERTIFICATION REQUEST FORM

Complete the student’s name and UIN. A designated unit approver must sign the form. Select one of the three options

as a basis for the request.

For any selection, please include a statement of justification and attach any relevant documentation to support the

request (such as transcripts, passport, etc.).

Graduate and Professional School Forms  Emergency Deferral Request Form

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7.4 EMERGENCY DEFERRAL REQUEST FORM

Complete the student’s name, UIN, and semester of requested Emergency Deferral.

Select one of the three options as a basis for the request. For any selection, please include a statement of justification

and attach any relevant documentation to support the request. Email confirmation of the student’s CTE-ELP Intake

Assessment must be included.

The form must be signed by the student’s faculty supervisor, a designated unit approver, and the appropriate

college/school Graduate Operations Committee Dean.

Graduate and Professional School Forms  Emergency Deferral Request Form

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Graduate and Professional School Forms  Emergency Deferral Request Form

NOTES:

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Graduate and Professional School Forms  Emergency Deferral Request Form

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