International Undergraduate Pathways Program (iUPP)
Introduction
iUPP is designed to prepare international students who have completed a high school diploma and aspire to pursue undergraduate studies at Canadian post-secondary institutions. The program extends international students’ appreciation and understanding of Canadian cultural practices while preparing them with the English language and academic skills vital to a successful transition into Canadian undergraduate studies.
The iUPP program offers a combination of content-based English language courses together with foundational academic courses that help prepare international students to become effective communicators and collaborators and to build a strong foundation on the learning modalities at Canadian universities. Moreover, students will develop academic literacy skills that include:
- reading, writing, speaking and listening;
- visual literacy;
- collaborative learning;
- critical thinking; and,
- technology
In addition to the EGC’s six academic courses, students have the opportunity to take two articulated first-year university courses.
The iUPP courses are designed to increase student confidence and encourage them to read, listen and think critically in an English learning environment. Students will learn to evaluate claims, consider multiple perspectives, and synthesize and communicate information confidently and clearly.
iUPP is an eight-month-long program for international students to earn up to 30 undergraduate academic credits while fulfilling the general English language admission requirement at our partner universities. Students must obtain 70% or higher or a Pass to complete each course in the program successfully. Students must complete all courses successfully to receive an iUPP certificate.
iUPP focuses on the development of English language communication, critical thinking, and visual literacy skills for each student. The competencies students acquire through the suite of iUPP courses, while engaging with professors, classmates, and guest lecturers, allow for progression through the program and sound preparation for future undergraduate studies.
Although grammar and vocabulary development are embedded in the six iUPP courses listed below, language learning is non-linear and individual students progress through levels of English language proficiency at differing rates. For this reason, small group tutorials are held weekly with students to review relevant grammar and vocabulary and provide students with an opportunity to examine their understanding of key class concepts and information.
- Acculturation to Canadian academic learning.
- Earn University transfer credits.
- Conditional acceptance into selected programs.
- Enhance students’ academic confidence.
iUPP offers two (3) intakes yearly (September, May and January). Students take ten courses, five (5) courses in the first semester and five (5) courses in the second semester.
iUPP 611-3 Understanding Canadian Academic and Cultural Practices (I)
iUPP 612-3 Seminars and Presentations (I)
iUPP 613-3 Research Skills & Academic Essay Writing
*Plus two academic electives
iUPP 614-3 Introduction to Canadian Business
iUPP 615-3 Post-Confederation Canadian History
iUPP 621-3 Understanding Canadian Academic and Cultural Practices (II)
iUPP 622-3 Seminars and Presentations (II)
iUPP 623-3 Analysis and Critical Thinking
*Plus two academic electives
iUPP 624-3 Business Communications
iUPP 625-3 Introduction to Marketing
| # | Program Learning Outcome Description |
|---|---|
|
1
|
Critically read and comprehend academic texts using effective reading and note-taking strategies. |
|
2 |
Analyze and evaluate a variety of authentic readings from various subjects.
|
|
3 |
Communicate competently at the level required for undergraduate studies, showing flexibility and clarity of thought and expression. |
|
4 |
Write journals, papers, essays and create presentations to transition to undergraduate studies successfully. |
|
5 |
Collaborate with classmates to achieve learning goals and contribute to effective working relationships. |
|
6 |
Develop and apply skills and strategies to ensure academic success in undergraduate studies. |
|
7 |
Successfully adapt to new formats of learning (e.g., seminar, tutorial). |
|
8 |
Develop self-efficacy and critical thinking skills. |
|
9 |
Adherence to academic integrity (e.g., plagiarism, citation, referencing). |
- An official transcript of Grade 12 graduation, or equivalent.
- Transcripts or records of all prior learning.
- GPA 2.0 or Grade C or equivalent.
Students are also required to meet at least one of the following English language requirements:
- Duolingo English Test: Overall 80
- IELTS Academic: 5.0
- TOEFL (iBT): 45
- Pearson Test of English (PTE Academic): 29
- iTEP Academic: 3.4
- Or English 12 with a ‘C+’ or greater; EGC English Placement Test or partners’ English Placement Test
- Completion of Level (2) of EGC’s EAP program
- Completion of required level from approved pathway partner institutions
iUPP students are eligible for conditional acceptance into the partners’ programs –
general Arts and Science, Accounting, Business Administration, Computer Science, Community Development, Economics, or other programs that may become available to international students. However, one should note that conditional acceptance does not guarantee clear admission into any respective undergraduate programs.
To continue to undergraduate studies, students must meet the Admissions criteria as follows:
- A completed application form with the application fee.
- A copy of the passport photo page.
- Copies of official transcripts in English translation from all high schools and post-secondary institutions attended.
- English Language Requirement: Successful completion of iUPP, or EGC EAP Level 3, or recognized English Proficiency Tests (IELTS 6.0, TOEFL 70).
Students will be registered at EGC and receive 30 transferable academic credits and a certificate upon the successful completion of iUPP.
iUPP students who graduate with an average of B- (70% – 74%) are deemed to have met the English language proficiency score requirement for admission into the partners’ degree program.
iUPP Academic Policies
The consequences of academic dishonesty and/or plagiarism are serious. Any one or more of the following penalties may be assessed.
- When an instructor has evidence of academic dishonesty or plagiarism by a student, the instructor may assign a score of zero for the first incident. The instructor will file a written report for the student’s record, and a copy will be delivered to the student. The report will be removed two years after the incident.
- After the first incident, the student will receive a written notice that a second incident will result in the student’s dismissal from the course.
- When a student is dismissed from a course, a disciplinary action report will be kept in the student record, with a copy to the student. The report will be removed two years after the incident.
- Repeated incidents of academic dishonesty or plagiarism may result in suspension from the program.
Attendance may be an assessed segment of each course along with participation (described below). Attendance is taken by the faculty and a minimum of 70% attendance is required to complete the program.
Attendance records may be used to determine eligibility for re-writes, supplemental tests/assignments, field placement, or to identify students at risk. If attendance is used to determine eligibility for rewrites, supplemental tests/assignments, or field placement, the minimum required attendance standard shall be stipulated in the course outline and clearly explained to students.
Participation refers to student engagement in learning activity tasks that contribute to the achievement of stipulated learning outcomes. Participation may be assessed and may contribute to the final evaluation. If participation is used as an assessment strategy, the participation criteria must be objective and measurable. The expected participation elements and the method of evaluating the stated elements shall be written in the course outline and clearly explained to students.
You are expected to participate at all times. Participation is a composite of attendance, punctuality, academic honesty, and the demonstration of respect for others. The learning in this class will be comprised of seminars, workshops, in-class discussions, group work and reflection exercises/activities. This type of active learning requires that you be in attendance and engaged in the classroom. You will be expected to participate in discussions in the class, both whole class and small group.
If you are unable to attend a class, the expectation is that you email your instructor before class to explain why you will not be attending. If you miss a class, it is your responsibility to collect handouts and review class notes from either another classmate or from the course LMS.
Please Note: A student must obtain 70% or higher to complete this course successfully. A student also must successfully complete all iUPP courses to obtain the iUPP certificate.
It is essential to create a positive learning environment where people are free to express their thoughts and feelings in a non-judgmental way. You will be encouraged to share your opinions in class through discussions, activities, group work and assignments. Expect that people will think differently than you and that there will be many different ways of looking at things. We want to foster an environment where students are happy and eager to come to class to learn in a comfortable yet professional space. Respect for others at all times is of utmost importance. Any degrading remarks, comments, harassment, inappropriate jokes, or bullying will not be tolerated.
Assignments are due as outlined on the Learning Plan and are due on the specified due date. In-class presentations are to be presented on the day indicated. Written assignments will receive a 5% late penalty per day. If a student misses their presentation for legitimate reasons, it is their responsibility to contact the professor within 24 hours of the end of class to make arrangements to make up the assignment or receive a mark of zero for that assignment.
Resources and Materials
Each course outline contains a list of suggested texts and learning resources, but these are not exhaustive. A large number of excellent English for Academic Purposes resources at the CEFR B2/C1 level have been published by British and North American publishers. iUPP instructors may wish to use these in their courses or supplement suggested course texts with these materials. Titles include:
Beatty, K. (2018) Leap 3 New Edition, Listening and Speaking. Pearson, ISBN 978-2-7613-8569-5.
Beatty, K. (2018) Leap 3 Reading and Writing New Edition, ISBN 978-2-7613-8568-8.
Booth, Wayne C. (2016) The Craft of Research, Fourth Edition, University of Chicago Press. ISBN 978-0226239736.
Blass, L., Vargo, M., & Wisniewska, I. (2016). 21st Century Reading: Creative Thinking and Reading with TEDTalks. National Geographic Learning/ Cengage Learning. ISBN 13: 978-1-305026571-4.
Dew, Stephen E. (205). Practical Academic Essay Writing Skills: An International ESL Students English Essay Writing Book. Create Space, 978-1511482127.
Folse, K., Pugh, T. (2015). Great Writing 5: From Great Essays to Research, 3rd Edition. National Geographic Learning/ Cengage Learning. ISBN 13-978-1-285-75063-7.
Hogue, A. (2013). Longman Academic Writing Series 4: Essays to Research Papers. Pearson. ISBN 978-0-13-466331-9.
Jamieson, John Scott (2018). Academic Inquiry 2: Essays and Research, 2nd Edition. Oxford University Press. ISBN 978-0-19-902826-9.
Leu, S., Neumann, H. (2017). Academic Inquiry 3: Essays and Integrating Sources. Oxford University Press. ISBN. 978-0-19-902540-4.
McCarthy, M., O’Dell, F. (2017). English Phrasal Verbs in Use, Advanced, 2nd Edition. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-316-62809-6.
O’Dell, F., McCarthy, C. (2017). English Idioms in Use, Intermediate. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-31-662988-8.
O’Dell, F., McCarthy, C. (2017). English Collocations in Use, Intermediate. Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-131-662975-8.
Pattison, T. (2015). Critical Reading: English for Academic Purposes. Pearson. ISBN 978-2-7613-5654-1.
Sarosy, P., Sherak, (2013). Lecture Ready Level 2, Second Edition. Strategies for Academic Listening, Note-taking, and Discussion. Oxford University Press. ISBN: 978-0-19-441728-0.
Tensen, Bonnie L. (2017). Research Strategies for a Digital Age with 2019 APA Updates, Wadworth. 978-1305969407.
All students should purchase reference and resource materials for self-study and support in-class learning. Suggested resources include:
John B.D., Diniz L, and Reppen R. (2019). Grammar and Beyond Essentials 3, Cambridge University Press. ISBN 978-1-108-697717-0.
Swan, Michael, (2017). Practical English Usage, 4 ed., Oxford University Press. 978-0194202435.
Cambridge, Oxford, Collins, and Macmillan all publish excellent dictionaries. In addition, all are available as online resources.