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English Language Institute
Welcome to UCM’s English Language Institute (ELI). We offer an academic Intensive English Program and professional language training and short-term cultural programming for students at the University of Central Missouri. It is our goal to provide English language learners the skills they need to be successful at the university, in their careers, or in specialized language programs. The ELI is housed together with the Center for Global Education in Elliott Student Union 302. We are a unit of the School of English and Philosophy.
In an effort to safeguard the health and well-being of students and employees, our office staff has limited office hours combined with hours working from home. Please email the person(s) identified below, or call this number 660-543-8131 for assistance.
Valerie Heming, Director (vheming@ucmo.edu)
Jill Thomas, Program Coordinator (jdthomas@ucmo.edu)
Miryan Andaku, Instructor (andaku@ucmo.edu)
Amber Scroggs, Instructor (scroggs@ucmo.edu)
ELI Mission Statement
UCM's English Language Institute (ELI), with its CEA-accredited Intensive English Program, teaches a broad range of language skills to successfully prepare students to pursue undergraduate and graduate degrees at US institutions of higher education. The ELI also creates diverse, dynamic short-term language and culture programs and provides English language training for a variety of professional fields.
English Language Programs
Intensive English Program
The program features courses in reading, writing, grammar, communication skills, American culture, and test-taking skills offered in 8-week sessions. Eligible students may participate in ELIPS pathway program with concurrent IEP and academic enrollment.
Professional English
The English Language Institute offers customized teacher training programs and face-to-face and online Aviation English programs.
Special Programs
The English Language Institute offers short-term programs and camps including American Culture Exploration Immersion Program (ACE), Missouriana Program, Newcomer Program, and build your own program.
Intensive English Program (IEP)
The University of Central Missouri is accredited by the Commission of English Language Program Accreditation through December 2025 and agrees to uphold CEA standards. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs in the U.S. For further information about accreditation, contact CEA at 1001 North Fairfax St., Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (707) 665-3400.
Information for Current Students
Message from the ELI Director
JOIN the ELI Conversation Partner Program (CPP)
Would you like to participate in the CPP?
This is a great way to make new friends from the US. For more information about the
program and
how to apply, email the Conversation Partner Program Team at iep@ucmo.edu. Come join
the fun!
JOIN English Café
Advising
All current students must meet with the ELI Director, Ms. Valerie Heming, to discuss their transition plan from IEP to an academic program. Please email her for an advising appointment. You can reach her at vheming@ucmo.edu.
Information for Future Students
F-1 and Full-time J-1 students
There are nine levels in the IEP. One level is typically completed in one eight-week session. All students who enter the U.S. with an I-20 or a DS-2019 issued by UCM must be enrolled as full-time students in the IEP until successfully completing the program.
Full-time enrollment in the IEP is 12 credit hours. Students should report the the English Language Institute upon arrival and complete New International Student Orientation.
TOEFL Waiver Program
The IEP offers a TOEFL Waiver Program. Students at the advanced level who have successfully completed the final level of the IEP are eligible to move directly into their academic program without taking the TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic test to demonstrate proficiency.
*Please Note: Admission into the Intensive English Program as an IEP-Only student does not guarantee admission into an academic program at UCM.
Apply to IEP
If you wish to attend UCM’s IEP to improve your English skills, please follow this application process.
Apply here for one of the following:
Intensive English Program Only
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document). You may also email the director with these documents attached.
IEP to Bachelor’s Degree (Conditional Admission to Undergraduate School)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document), and your high school transcripts.
IEP to Master’s Degree (Conditional Admission to Graduate School)
You will need to upload a copy of your passport, proof of finances, and a declaration
of financial support (please link to declaration document), and your college transcripts.
Apply to ELI
If you are interested in applying for a short-term program, special training, workshops, and/or an online course, please contact the ELI Director, Ms. Valerie Heming at iep@ucmo.edu.
Questions? Contact Us.
Contact
Valerie Heming
Director, English Language Institute
Elliott Student Union 302
Tel: (660) 543-8131
