Where do I sign up for Native Speaker sessions?
In the Language Lab, fourth floor Alumni during Language Lab hours.

When should I sign up for Native Speaker sessions?

Fall semester
As soon as possible during the first week of regular classes. You will have most classes to choose from if you come early. Native speaker sessions start the Monday after the beginning of regular classes.

Spring semester
Come to the language lab as soon as you are have had your appointment with the registrar (in December.) Native speaker sessions start the first day of courses and absences are counted at the same time.

How do I sign up for native speaker sessions?
During the first week of the fall semester come to the Language Lab with your schedule. The Language Lab staff will help you find a session that fits into your schedule. Write the information down in your schedule. This is your native speaker for the year. Russian will be arranged with your professor.

When are native speaker sessions held?
Native speaker sessions are held whenever classes are in session. The only exception is the first week of the fall semester, which is needed for sign-up.

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.

• 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

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 or come to the language lab or call the lab and we will help you find a session that fits into your schedule.

I was sick and missed a session. Does it count?
Yes, it counts as an absence unless we receive information from the Office of the Dean of the College, that your absence was excused. Excused absences also have to be made up but we allow you more time to do so. In any case, please communicate with us.

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 the director of the native speaker program if your absences are excused. If you have excused absences for which we have received notice by Office of the Dean of the College, you will be allowed additional time to make up those excused absences. Please see the language lab director to schedule make up sessions. Prolonged excused absences will be handled on an individual basis. Please contact the language lab director as soon as possible.

I was excused because of participation in a sports event or vollege 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 20 % 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

Where can I get more information?
E-mail, call, or come to the language lab. We are here to assist you.