Resources for Students

In June of 2018, a state-of-the-art language lab was constructed as the new site of the ESL/SSL Program. The new facility is located on the lower level of the seminary building next to the library and consists of four private sound-proof training rooms, a large conference room, and a reception area that doubles as a resource room. Each room within the lab has floor-to-ceiling insulation in addition to soundproofing boards on all walls.

The resource area’s shelves are stocked with an extensive collection of manuals from beginner through high-advanced levels which focus on speaking, listening, reading, writing and liturgical proclamation. Several have audio CDs for oral practice and comprehension work. There are several dictionaries, thesauruses and lectionaries covering English and Spanish. On these shelves are also a wide variety of instructional handouts covering all four skill areas, grouped together in folders according to topic, making materials very easy for all to find. We also have a laptop with stereo speakers, equipped to play DVDs and CDs, as well as “phonic phones” to practice listening and speaking skills. These materials are for use in tutorials but are also available to be borrowed by students and tutors.

Another student resource are seminars given by the program coordinator on areas of English that present “high-frequency problems” for learners.

Additional Resources Available to Students

In addition to the tutorial program, the following departments offer supplemental assistance to our language learners:

• University ESL Classes – designed as a support system for the international candidate and offers classes at levels ranging from advanced beginner to pre-college. Learn more »
• The Writing Center – provides support for all current students, alumni, faculty and administrators who require assistance with writing on a drop-in or appointment basis. Learn more »
• The Global Learning Center – supports students' language and culture study with study resources, conversation partners, and tutoring. Learn more »

Resources for Tutors

All of the resource materials available to students are available to tutors and they are encouraged to sign out items in preparation for future tutorials. Additionally, there are periodic “train-the-trainer” seminars held to keep tutors fresh with new approaches and methods for keeping skills strong, sharing of ideas and addressing learner issues. The most recent session, held in Spring 2022, focused on writing skills with a particular emphasis on sentence structure (examining phrases and clauses in depth) and comprehensive verb tense review.