Transition with Purpose: Pathways from English Language to Academic Study

10 INTRODUCTION TO PATHWAYS PROGRAM AND SEMINARS The IELP to PSU Pathways Program is designed to provide support to students as they transition from ESL coursework to university academic coursework and degree study. Students will participate in the Pathways Program for two or three terms, depending upon the level of their IELP classes (see charts on previous page). Each term that students participate in the Pathways Program, they will enroll in one of the following Pathways seminars: Pathways Introduction, Pathways Intermediate or Pathways Final. Each seminar is a 2-credit IELP course. The Pathways Program curriculum focuses on connecting students with resources and reinforcing academic skills necessary to be academically successful in their chosen major and in their undergraduate degree program. The program guides students to gain independence and become self-reliant and self-directed learners who are capable of utilizing the academic and personal resources and tools available to them. The content of the Pathways seminars features two distinct concentrations:  program and university policies and processes  academic skills development and skills transference among disciplines In addition to English language proficiency, international students will benefit from the following activities and preparation in order to have an academically successful university experience:  understanding the U.S. educational system  navigating the university structure and understanding campus resources  understanding cultural differences in academic settings  understanding institutional rules and services  meeting with professors and advisors  practicing and understanding interdisciplinary skills The Pathways Program curriculum was developed in part based upon feedback from PSU students, faculty and advisors and was informed by a literature review of student development theories. Source: Greenhoe A., Miller, M. (2016-2018). IELP Pathways Research . Unpublished research, Portland State University, Portland, OR. Class time for each Pathways seminar will consist of brief readings, activities and assignments that are designed to increase understanding of university academic expectations, policies and guidelines and degree completion requirements. Additionally, students will learn about and practice transferring skills across different academic disciplines and explore co-curricular