New Centre for English Language Development now open
By Jasmine Ball
Lance Writer
November 19, 2008
 The University of Windsor officially introduced its new Centre for English Language Development on Friday, Nov. 14.
The building was refurbished to create space for the English Language Improvement Program (ELIP) offered by the university. The program typically serves conditionally admitted international students who have met all requirements to their desired programs but need to demonstrate language proficiency.
Formal classes are offered at four skill levels in the centre’s five classrooms, and standardized proficiency tests are conducted in the spacious exam room.
ELIP is an accredited member of Languages Canada and has been operating at different stages of its development at the University of Windsor for nine years.
Jennie Atkins, Director of the Academic Writing Centre, is happy to see the direction this program has taken.
ELIP originally occupied the basement of the Academic Writing Centre, restricting the number of students who could benefit from this resource. A larger centre will increase the number of students accepted into the program and can provide students with classes during the day. English language courses were typically offered as evening classes on campus.
Atkins stressed the importance of natural light in the building’s design. Classes are long and intense, and having good lighting helps students remain energetic. The desks in the classrooms are intentionally moveable, promoting interaction and student involvement.
“It’s difficult to communicate and be comfortable when you’re thinking in a different language,” Atkins said.
The well-lit classrooms and student-centred learning style help students remain comfortable and enthusiastic. The building also features a student lounge, allowing students to converse with each other in English and study in a relaxed, communal environment.
The new centre allows recruited international students to come to Windsor at an earlier stage and work toward their studies. Many of the students are able to take a class from their program while they participate in ELIP.
The centre’s student intake is predominantly conditionally admitted students, but with improved facilities the program might be made available to members of the Windsor community in the future.
The added space will also permit possible expansion into the graduate program so that English Language improvement can be offered to students interested in participating in the university’s graduate studies.
Although the building has not formally opened its doors until now, the program was given clearance to occupy the classrooms in September, so courses could begin on schedule.
Now that the lounge is also open to the students, staff members expect to see more interaction between students outside of class.
The “English only” policy of the building encourages students to converse in this foreign tongue and interact with people from all over the world. Atkins pointed out that confidence in a new language comes from practice. She hopes that students will make use of the new facilities to this end.
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