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ESL Program Mission Statement

  • Mission

    Gannon University's English as a Second Language Program prepares non-native speakers to achieve the language competency necessary to succeed in an English language medium of instruction at the post-secondary level. The program guides students in their cultural adjustment to the United States by developing and strengthening their language ability, academic skills, and intercultural competence. Through its academic programming, as well as specialized services provided to English language learners, the program supports the University's mission by its commitment to excellence in teaching, scholarship and service.

    Goals

    • Create a professional, respectful, and warm learning environment
    • Increase and strengthen students’ English language skills and abilities
    • Be students’ home-away-from-home
    • Foster the development of cultural competence
    • Facilitate engagement with the GU campus and Erie community
    • Introduce and guide students in their cultural and academic adjustment to the US
    • Invite, encourage, and facilitate critical and independent thinking
    • Engage and support the profession by being members and contributors to the TESOL field