1.1: Overview of the Pathways Program

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General Overview

The Pathways Program promotes and supports student academic success during the transition from the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) to degree study at Portland State University (PSU). The Pathways Program:

creates a positive connection with students’ academic departments.
reviews important PSU policies and guidelines governing degree study.
improves students’ understanding of PSU and major expectations.
promotes academic success by transferring skills among disciplines.
supports students academically and culturally as they begin their academic classes at PSU.

All international students, who intend to earn an undergraduate degree (bachelor’s or post-baccalaureate) at Portland State University and who have not earned the required scores on an English language proficiency test, are required to participate in the Pathways Program. Completion of the Pathways Program satisfies PSU’s English language proficiency requirement. A language proficiency test score is not required of students who complete the program. Students are expected to earn a 2.7 grade point average (GPA) in their level 4 and 5 classes, including the Pathways seminars, to officially meet the university’s language proficiency requirement.
Students who do not complete the Pathways Program will be required to submit a language proficiency test score to be able to move to degree study at PSU. Students who earn the required language proficiency test score while in the Pathways Program will be able to begin full-time academic study in the next term and will be waived from required participation in the program. For more information about PSU’s English language proficiency requirements, refer to the information provided by PSU International Admissions.

While Pathways students will follow a general academic program, each student’s path and academic plan will be unique and based upon his/her individual circumstances and goals.