Frequently Asked Questions

The Department of English Language Instruction (ELI) provides academic English language instruction to undergraduate and graduate students. 

• Intensive English Courses for Undergraduates
• Academic English for the Liberal Arts (Undergraduate Courses)
• Intensive English Courses for Graduates
• Academic English Modules for Graduates

The ELI courses are designed to help students develop the language, communication, and academic skills required for success at AUC.

Placement is determined by university-approved English proficiency measures and scores. Depending on the course, placement may be based on standardized test scores, placement examinations, or successful completion of a preceding ELI course.

In some courses, students may advance more quickly or be allowed to skip a level based on demonstrated performance and assessment results. Eligibility is determined according to departmental policies.

Attendance, punctuality, participation, and engagement are essential components of language learning. Because ELI courses emphasize active learning, discussion, collaboration and continuous assessment, students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and complete all required coursework.

Students who exceed the maximum permitted absences may receive a failing grade due to attendance. In exceptional circumstances involving documented and legitimate reasons, students may be eligible to appeal according to departmental procedures.

Repeated tardiness may be counted toward absences in accordance with course policies. Students are expected to arrive on time and be prepared to participate fully.

Yes. Students are responsible for obtaining missed materials, completing assignments and preparing for subsequent classes regardless of the reason for the absence.

Assessment methods vary by course and may include assignments, projects, presentations, written work, timed tasks, class participation and other activities aligned with the course learning outcomes. Students should refer to their course syllabus for detailed information about assessments, assignments, grading criteria and deadlines. 

Depending on the course, students may receive letter grades, pass/fail grades, or other approved grading designations. Specific grading information is provided in individual course syllabi.

• Pass (P): The student has successfully met the course learning outcomes and completed the course requirements.
• In Progress (IP): The student has not yet met the course requirements and must either continue to the next course in a sequence or repeat the course, depending on the course and the student's performance.
• In the following ELI courses, an IP grade may be assigned when a student has not yet achieved the required level for successful completion: ELIN 0101, ELIN 0102, ELIN 0301, ELIN 0302, ENGL 0310, ENGL 0311, and ENGL 0312. Students who receive an IP grade may repeat the course. Students taking ELIN 0101 or ELIN 0102 may receive an IP grade a maximum of two times. Students who do not successfully complete the course on the third attempt will be disqualified from the University but may apply for readmission in accordance with University policies.
• Undergraduate students enrolled in the ELI are permitted a maximum of two regular semesters and one summer session (or three regular semesters if no summer session is offered) to successfully complete the course requirements.
• Graduate students enrolled in ELI are permitted a maximum of two attempts to successfully complete a course requirement. If a student does not pass ELIN 0301, ELIN 0302, ENGL 0310, ENGL 0311, or ENGL 0312 on the first attempt, an IP (In Progress) grade is assigned, and the student is granted one opportunity to repeat the course.
• If the student does not successfully complete the course on the second attempt, an F (Fail) grade is assigned, and the student is disqualified from the University in accordance with University regulations. Students who are disqualified may apply for readmission; however, they must meet the applicable English language proficiency requirements and achieve a score above the entry-level requirement for the graduate course.
• Fail (F): The student has not met the course requirements and does not qualify for progression. In ENGL 0210 and ENGL 0211, a failing performance is recorded as an F rather than an IP.

Students should first discuss the matter with the course instructor and request a review of the assessment. If concerns remain unresolved, students may follow the department's grade appeal procedures.

Yes. A grade review involves re-evaluating the assessment and may result in the grade remaining unchanged, increasing, or decreasing.

The weighting of assessments and assignments is outlined in the course syllabus. If you have questions about how grades are calculated, please contact your instructor. 

Students who must miss an assessment should notify their instructor as soon as possible. Make-up assessments may be permitted only in accordance with department policies and with the required approvals.

Late submissions may receive reduced credit or may not be accepted, depending on course policies. Students should consult their instructors regarding specific deadlines and late-work policies.

Generally, no. Students are expected to complete coursework according to established deadlines unless alternative arrangements have been approved in advance.

Students receive ongoing feedback through assignments, assessments, classroom participation, conferences, and instructor evaluations. They are encouraged to discuss their progress regularly with their instructors.

All ELI students are expected to follow the AUC Code of Academic Ethics and uphold the principles of honesty and fairness.

Plagiarism is presenting another person's words, ideas, or work as one's own without proper acknowledgment. Students must appropriately cite all sources used in their academic work.

Violations of academic integrity may result in penalties ranging from reduced grades or failure on an assignment to additional disciplinary action under University regulations.

Students are expected to contribute positively to the learning environment, respect instructors and classmates, participate constructively and comply with University policies and codes of conduct.

Students should first discuss the matter directly with the instructor. Most concerns can be resolved through open communication at this level.

If the concern remains unresolved, students should send a formal written complaint to the chair of the English Language Instruction at ELIchair@aucegypt.edu. The chair will review the matter and respond according to departmental procedures.