How and when do I sign up for Native Speaker sessions?

You register for Native Speaker sessions online during your course registration. You select a Native Speaker session right after you enroll in your language course.

Where can I find the schedule for Native Speaker sessions?

You can see the schedule for Native Speaker sessions on the portal. All sessions start with NS and then the letters and numbers for your course, for example NSSP101(no spaces between letters and numbers) for elementary Spanish SP 101. You can search for native speaker sessions of all languages and levels that way. For your convenience there are printed booklets in the LRC and also at the Registrar's Office.

I have to change my schedule and I will have a conflict with my Native Speaker Session?

You can change your Native Speaker session online during the drop/add period.

How do I enroll in a Native Speaker session for an advanced level course with a higher numbers than 301/302?

NSSP301, NSSP302, NSFR301, NSFR302, NSGR301, NSGR302 etc. indicate advanced native speaker sessions for students in all advanced level courses of the respective language. So if you enroll for example in Modern Spanish-American Literature, course SP 365 A, you enroll in a native speaker section NSSP301 or NSSP302.

What do I do if am taking two advanced courses of the same language?

If you are enrolling in two advanced courses of the same language, you only need to enroll in one native speaker session when you enroll in the first course. The grade as well as any absences will count toward both language courses.

How many native speaker sessions do I have to take if I enroll in two courses of a different language?

You have to enroll in one native speaker session for each language you are enrolling in.

When are native speaker sessions held?

Native speaker sessions are held whenever classes are in session from the first day of classes up until and including the very last day of classes.

Do I have to attend the same native speaker sessions every week?

Yes, you are expected to attend the same session each week (the one you have signed up for.) It is not acceptable to ‘float' to another native speaker session.

What happens if I miss my native speaker session?

Attendance at Native Speaker sessions is mandatory. Missed native speaker sessions can be made up during the week they were missed. Only students with scheduled native speaker sessions on Thursdays and Fridays are permitted to make up missed sessions on Monday and Tuesday of the week following the absence.

What happens if I don't make up the missed session in time?

Absences are recorded every week. You will not be allowed to make up the missed session later than Friday of the week of the missed session (Tuesday of the following week for Thursday and Friday sessions). There is no penalty for your first absence however further absences will affect your Native Speaker and/or language grade.

Can I make up a missed session with another Native Speaker?

Missed sessions have to be made up with your regularly assigned native speaker, however you are permitted to make up two missed sessions per semester with a different native speaker. Although you may attend additional make up sessions with a different speaker, they will not count toward removing an absence.

How do I schedule a make up session?

You can simply ask your native speaker, come to the LRC or call the LRC and we will help you find a session that fits into your schedule.

I have been sick and missing my classes. What should I do?

You should communicate with the Office of the Dean of the College about your situation. The dean will notify your professors and your native speaker that your absences are documented. If you have documented absences for which your native speaker has received notice by Office of the Dean of the College, you will be allowed additional time to make up those absences. Please go to the LRC to schedule make up sessions.

I was sick and missed a session. Does it count?

Yes, it counts as an absence unless your native speaker receives information from the Office of the Dean of the College, that your absence was documented. Documented absences also have to be made up but we allow you more time to do so. In any case, please communicate with your native speaker.

I was excused because of participation in a sports event or college event. Do I have to make the missed session up?

Yes. If you missed your native speaker session because you were excused from your other classes due to participation in a special event (sport, debate, etc.) you are nevertheless expected to make up the native speaker session either in advance or later that week.

How is the Native Speaker session graded?

Your Native Speaker session will count 10 % of the final grade for your language course. Your grade will be based on:

• oral ability
• progress
• participation
• preparation
• attendance

What are the penalties for absences not made up?

• 1 absence: no penalty
• 2 absences: drop one grade (B to B-)
• 3 absences: drop two grades (B to C+)
• 4 absences: drop three grades (B to C)
• 5 absences: automatic grade of E for Native Speaker session
• 6 absences: automatic grade of F for Modern Language course

If you still have questions, please come to the LRC, email or call. We are here to assist you.