UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN Tuesday, August 29, 1995 5A Applied English Center sets high standards By Hannah Naughton Kansan staff writer Students come to the University of Kansas expecting to take courses, gain academic credit and graduate in a timely manner. But for some international students, this goal is delayed because they can't enroll in classes until they have proven proficiency in the English language to the Applied English Center. "According to faculty and senate rules, anybody who is not a native speaker of English has to have their English screened," said Charles Seibel, assistant director of the center. The requirements set up by faculty and senate rules sometimes deter students from staying at KU, said Gerald Harris, director of international student services. "We're losing students," Harris said. "We've lost 25 this semester." One of the biggest deterrents is KU's required score of 570 on the TOEFL, the Test of English as a Foreign Language. Harris said. "Our TOEFL at 550 would be adequate," he said. "We lose a number of good students to other universities with lower requirements." Betty Soppelsa, director of the center, said she thought KU's requirements for proficiency were comparable to major research universities in the United States. Students can test out of applied English courses by passing the proficiency test given by the center, scoring 570 or higher on the TOEFL exam or by passing a waiver interview. In the interview, students must demonstrate proficiency in spoken English by producing evidence that they have attended an English-speaking university or that they are from an English-speaking country. If students successfully complete the interview, they are exempt from taking the proficiency exam. "I was hoping to graduate earlier, but I had to take a semester of AEC courses," said Karine Bitar, Lebanon junior. "It is stupid for you to want to take KU courses because you are rushing to graduate." Students who do not pass the English proficiency tests when they enter KU are faced with a longer wait for graduation and will end up spending more money on tuition. Harris said. Bitar said she had asked her Applied English Center adviser if she should enroll in KU courses to build credit toward her major while still taking her applied English classes. Her adviser told her to enroll in the introductory biology lab as opposed to the lecture. "I followed her advice and took the lab," Bitar said. "I did try the lecture, and she was right. I could not understand the lecture or the readings." The goal of applied English classes is to prepare students before they are integrated into classes with native English speakers so they can compete better, Soppelsa said. "I've worked in a number of institutions with international students," Harris said. "Students are better prepared here because of what's required of them before they attend school full-time." Break Down The following graph shows the breakdown of the proficiency levels of the 700-800 students who took the T.O.E.F. last year. 25% pass and can enroll in KU classes 33% must take full-time load in four AEC classes 45-50% take AEC courses along with KU classes Source: Charles Seibel, assistant director of AEC UNIVERSITY DANCE COMPANY AUDITION 7:00 p.m. Wednesday, August 30th Dance Studio 242 Robinson Center No solo material required Back to school semesterspecial Lawrence's Premier Fitness Facility Join Lawrence Athletic Club for less than 93ยข a day. Join by September 1st and get five free tans. (913) 842-4966 3201 Mesa Way Lawrence Ks. 66047 located 2 blocks west of Dillons on Sixth Street offer valid only with this coupon. WELCOME BACK EARN CASH $15 Today $30 This Week Plus a $3 Bonus By donating your blood plasma Show your student ID card between Aug.17 and Aug.31 and receive a $3 bonus on your second donation of the month. Lawrence Donor Center Hours: M-W-F 9-5:30 T-Th 9-6:30 Sat. Closed 816 W.24th Behind Laird Noller Ford 749-5750 See our ad in the classified section Pick up a PowerBook 520 (and take it anywhere) Get the book that you can take with you no matter where you go, the Power Book 520. Powerful enough to store all of your most important information,and simple enough for you to keep it organized.Get the Mac that goes where you go, for only PowerBook 520 Bundle - Claris Works 4.0 - Color StyleWriter 2400 - Zoom 14.4k Modem Available at