2004-06 IUPUI Campus Bulletin

Placement Testing

All beginning undergraduate students who have not yet successfully completed one college-level English composition course (W131), or whose programs require math are required to take placement tests in reading, writing, and mathematics prior to enrolling for the first semester at IUPUI. Some applicants may be directed by the Office of Admissions to complete placement tests before the office will finalize an admission decision. The placement test results indicate the students’ level of preparedness and the proper or recommended course placement in writing and mathematics.

Placement tests (English, reading, mathematics, and foreign language) are administered by the Testing Center from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday through Friday, and 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday. Students are responsible for scheduling the tests by calling the Office of Orientation Services at (317) 274-4240 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Ideally, placement tests should be scheduled at least two weeks prior to Orientation and Registration to ensure that the students’ placement test results will be available for advising purposes.

The three placement tests take approximately two and a half hours to complete. (For more information on placement testing, see the placement testing brochures issued by the Testing Center.) Placement test results are given to the students at Orientation. If students have not taken the placement tests or their results are not available, they are limited to a restricted list of courses that do not require placement tests. The UC student manual lists those courses.

Students who have successfully completed college-level work in English (with a grade of C or above in W131) and mathematics (a grade of C or above in MATH 111 or equivalent courses) are exempt from taking placement tests. Students may call the Orientation Office at (317) 274-4240 to determine whether they are exempt from any or all of the placement tests. English test scores are good for two years, and mathematics placement scores are good for one year from the test date.

In addition, there are placement tests for foreign languages (French, Spanish, and German), and chemistry. Students who plan to take these subjects in their first semester should be tested prior to registration. The foreign language placement test, currently given to students who want to continue in a language previously studied, is scheduled through the Office of Orientation Services at (317) 274-4240. The chemistry placement test is scheduled and administered through the Department of Chemistry. Call (317) 274-6872 for more information about the chemistry placement test.

Testing for Students Whose Native Language Is Not English/English as a Second Language (ESL) Placement Testing

All new students—graduate and undergraduate—whose native language is not English are required to take the ESL placement test prior to registration. This test is administered by the English as a Second Language Program. All international students from non–English speaking countries as well as U.S. permanent residents and others referred by the Admissions Office take the ESL test in lieu of the English writing test that native speakers of English are required to take. Those who need to further develop their English skills will be assigned to appropriate ESL classes. These courses are required and should be completed as soon as possible. This requirement has been established in recognition of the vital importance of language competency to the academic success of students.

The intermediate courses—ENG G009 and G010—and the advanced courses—G011 and G012—focus on fundamental language skills. This sequence is designed to improve reading and grammar skills as well as listening comprehension and speaking proficiency. Credits from these courses do not count toward IUPUI degrees; however, grades awarded will be included in the student’s grade point average.

Undergraduate ESL students are also placed in an appropriate ESL section of the IUPUI writing courses, ENG W001 or W131. These courses carry the same credit and the same requirements as the regular Department of English sections. ESL W131 fulfills part of the communication core requirement focusing on writing skills for undergraduate students. The credit from this course counts toward IUPUI undergraduate degrees, providing that students receive a grade of C or better. A few undergraduate programs accept a grade of C–.

Graduate ESL students who need to improve writing skills are placed in G013, which focuses on the special writing demands of graduate-level classes. Those who need to improve listening and speaking skills are placed in G020, which focuses on the verbal and aural skills required in professional settings.

All new international students should contact the Office of International Affairs at (317) 274-7294 to register for the ESL placement test. For more information about the ESL Program, call (317) 274-2188 or visit the Web site.

Accommodations for Placement Testing

Students who because of disabilities need special equipment, extended time, or tests taken in separate rooms—whether for placement testing, orientation, or for actual classes—must contact Adaptive Educational Services (AES) before or at the same time they schedule placement tests. Since registering with AES and providing them with documentation takes time, as does the arrangement of services, students must contact AES [(317) 274-3241] or go to Cavanaugh Hall, CA 001E, as soon as possible before classes start.

Cost for Placement Testing and External Tests

The IUPUI Testing Center administers tests and psychometric instruments for counseling and student development. The IUPUI placement tests (English, reading, and mathematics) are free. However, students who change their placement test reservations less than 24 hours in advance or who fail to attend their scheduled test dates will be assessed $5 for each rescheduling. The foreign language placement test costs $12.00.

In addition to the tests mentioned above, the Testing Center administers the (institutional) SAT, ACT, CLEP, DANTES, MAT, LSAT, PRAXIS, interest inventories (e.g., Strong Interest Inventory, Myers-Briggs Type Indicator), learning style indicators (e.g., Merkler Style Preference Indicator), and diagnostic academic skills tests. For more information on external tests (including examination fees), contact:

Testing Center
Union Building
Suite G003
620 Union Drive
Indianapolis, IN 46202-5168
(317) 274-2620

Orientation—New Student Connections

University College, in conjunction with all the undergraduate schools, requires all new students to attend an orientation, advising, and registration program called Connections. During Connections, students receive an overview of campus resources, review their placement score results, receive information about the school/program in which they are interested, receive survival hints for the first six weeks, and meet with an advisor. Usually, students register immediately following their advising session, provided that their placement scores are available. E-mail accounts are set up during orientation sessions. Students can also go to computer centers and obtain e-mail accounts online.

In addition to tuition, students pay a new student enrollment fee. All orientation sessions—offered days, evenings, or Saturdays—require a reservation. Especially since some sessions are restricted to students interested in a particular school or program, students should contact (317) 274-4240 to make a reservation prior to orientation.