ELI joins CHEP

At the dedication of Du Pont Hall on September 22, ELI students joined others in bearing the flags of more than 100 nations. The presentation of the flag celebrated the role that Pierre S. DuPont played in establishing the University's junior year abroad program, the first program of its kind in the world.

The English Language Institute has moved.

The Institute still occupies the historic greystone which graces the far end of campus on West Main Street. But following the faculty's unanimous vote in December 2001 to join the College of Human Services,Education and Public Policy (CHEP), the Institute has found a new administrative home.

The move coincides with the reorganization of the university's international programs and marks a reintegration of ELI faculty into a university college. A part of the College of Arts and Sciences until 1990, the Institute subsequently spent more than 10 years in the office of International Programs and Special Sessions.

"We're pleased that the English Language Institute has become a part of our college," said Acting Dean Tim Barnekov, citing the Institute's national leadership among intensive English programs.

One of the University of Delaware's seven colleges, CHEP houses the departments of Consumer Studies; Hotel, Restaurant and Institutional Management; Individual and Family Studies; the School of Education; the School of Urban Affairs and Public Policy; and a number of institutes and centers focusing on research and public policy.

"It's a good fit," said ELI director, Scott Stevens. "CHEP is more focused on international initiatives than other colleges in the university, and this will offer the institute more collaborative opportunities."

One of the first of these collaborations began in July when Stevens was named coordinator of the School of Education's master's program in English as a second language and bilingual education. Students in the master's program will have the opportunity to work with ELI faculty in the Institute's instructional program for limited English proficient children in the Christina School District, the Institute's intensive English program and its tutoring and self-access learning centers. ELI faculty will, in turn, teach some of the graduate courses and mentor graduate students in their teaching practica.

"It's a very useful complement to our master's program," said Barnekov. "And, of course, ELI's contacts will be helpful as we work to increase intercultural and international experiences for CHEP students, faculty and staff."

ELI faculty appreciate the camaraderie that has already been extended to them by their colleagues in CHEP.

"As an academic unit, we were a bit isolated from other faculty on campus," said Barbara Morris. "Now there's a different perception. We're invited to CHEP symposiums and colloquia and included in receptions. It's great to be adopted!"