Minnesota English Language Program (MELP)
The Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) provides courses in English as a second language (ESL) at the University of Minnesota. ESL coursework helps non-native English speakers improve English reading, writing, and speaking skills for success in a university classroom or in the workplace.
See the MELP Mission Statement on the MELP website.
MELP offers a variety of credit and noncredit courses for students and professionals. Drawing on a wealth of resources from across the University of Minnesota, MELP also offers customizable English as a Second Language (ESL) training to meet the specific language needs of various groups, businesses, and organizations.
MELP offers three distinct areas of programming:
- The Academic English Program (AEP) offers credit classes for students enrolled in undergraduate and graduate degree programs who are seeking to improve their English language skills while taking other academic course work. Some non-degree students who are enrolled in exchange programs in various colleges also take these courses. AEP courses are generally offered at the 3xxx or 5xxx-levels because they are advanced-level language courses that require a solid base of English at the beginning of the course. MELP also manages the course UC 1005 which is focused on helping students compare their previous educational experiences with those at an American university.
- The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a zero-credit program designed for students who need to improve their English skills in preparation for study at a university or college. Full-time students in this program come to study English 20-25 hours a week per term and take classes in one of 5 main levels depending on their proficiency. Part-time students in the Twin Cities community can also take courses in this program. Courses do not earn academic credit and are offered under the 1xxx-level. The IEP has three sessions per year, 15-week sessions in fall and spring and a 7-week summer session.
- Short-term Learning MELP offers customizable training for groups of 12 or more non-native English speakers. These courses can include instruction or training in other content areas offered in collaboration with other units on campus. Programs generally range from 3 weeks to 15 weeks in duration.
College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS)
The College of Continuing and Professional Studies serves a diverse community of experienced adult learners and organizations by linking them to thought leaders and knowledge at the University of Minnesota and beyond. Through unique and inspiring learning opportunities that span the University's breadth of academic disciplines, motivated adults explore new possibilities to enrich their personal and professional lives. Each year, the College serves nearly 4,000 adults working toward personalized or applied degrees or certificates, accessing the University's credit evening, distance, or summer courses. Annually, an additional 6,000 adults who are not seeking academic credit take advantage of the College's short courses, seminars, workshops, retreats, and events. These noncredit offerings are developed to address current industry topics or to engage the intellect for personal development.
College Purpose and Values
The purpose of the College of Continuing and Professional studies is to inspire and serve an expanding population of learners in all stages of life.
Learn more about CCAPS' Values:
- Access
- Learning
- Inclusivity
- Collaboration
- Excellence
University of Minnesota
History
The University of Minnesota was founded as a preparatory school in 1851, seven years before the territory of Minnesota became a state. Financial problems forced the school to close during the Civil War, but with the help of Minneapolis entrepreneur John Sargent Pillsbury, it reopened in1867. Known as the father of the University, Pillsbury, who was a University regent, state senator, and governor, used his influence to establish the school as the official recipient of public support from the Morrill Land-Grant Act, designating it as Minnesota's land-grant university. William Watts Folwell was inaugurated as the first president of the University on December 22, 1869. In 1873, two students received the first bachelor of arts degrees. In 1888, the first doctor of philosophy degree was awarded. The Duluth campus joined the University in 1947; the Morris campus opened in 1960, and the Crookston campus in 1966.
Mission
The University of Minnesota, founded in the belief that all people are enriched by understanding, is dedicated to the advancement of learning and the search for truth; to the sharing of this knowledge through education for a diverse community; and to the application of this knowledge to benefit the people of the state, the nation, and the world. The University's mission, carried out on multiple campuses and throughout the state, is threefold:
Research and Discovery
Generate and preserve knowledge, understanding, and creativity by conducting high-quality research, scholarship, and artistic activity that benefit students, scholars, and communities across the state, the nation, and the world.
Teaching and Learning
Share that knowledge, understanding, and creativity by providing a broad range of educational programs in a strong and diverse community of learners and teachers, and prepare graduate, professional, and undergraduate students, as well as non-degree-seeking students interested in continuing education and lifelong learning, for active roles in a multiracial and multicultural world.
Outreach and Public Service
Extend, apply, and exchange knowledge between the University and society by applying scholarly expertise to community problems, by helping organizations and individuals respond to their changing environments, and by making the knowledge and resources created and preserved at the University accessible to the citizens of the state, the nation, and the world.
In all of its activities, the University strives to sustain an open exchange of ideas in an environment that embodies the values of academic freedom, responsibility, integrity, and cooperation; that provides an atmosphere of mutual respect, free from racism, sexism, and other forms of prejudice and intolerance; that assists individuals, institutions, and communities in responding to a continuously changing world; that is conscious of and responsive to the needs of the many communities it is committed to serving; that creates and supports partnerships within the University, with other educational systems and institutions, and with communities to achieve common goals; and that inspires, sets high expectations for, and empowers individuals within its community.
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