Inaugural CU Denver Information Fair for ESL Students
Event Successfully Showcases Schools & Colleges
Nov 8, 2017
“What kind of jobs require a degree in public administration?” “Exactly what is conditional admission?” “I have two more Levels to go at the ESL Academy; when should I start applying to CU Denver?”. These questions, and many more from international students, engaged University of Colorado Denver school/college representatives at the inaugural CU Denver Information Fair at the ESL Academy. Designed to connect ESL students in Denver in direct discussions with staff from the university’s schools/colleges, the event was attended by more than 80 students.
ESL students asking questions at College of Engineering & Applied Science table.
“It was an opportunity to expose international students to a variety of different options in education; that’s important,” said Erica Lefeave, Communications and Outreach Manager, College of Engineering and Applied Science. “I was able to explain the ways that a degree in engineering or computer science can lead to a range of choices for your future career.”
Prospective degree-seeking students from the ESL Academy, regional Intensive English Programs, and local community colleges were invited to the fair to join in learning more about general as well as specific academic programs; breakout sessions with a Graduate and Undergraduate focus were also made available.
“I think it’s always good to familiarize international students from diverse global regions with the breadth of programs at CU Denver,” commented Rachael Kuroiwa, Manager of Admissions and Outreach, College of Architecture and Planning. “There was interest in the bachelor’s degree in architecture – CAP is the only school of architecture and urban design in Colorado.”
Colleagues from Architecture & Urban Design, Arts & Media, Business, Engineering, Education & Human Development, Liberal Arts & Sciences, Public Affairs, and Public Health set up tables and distributed their materials. International Admissions and International Student & Scholar Services, Office of International Affairs, answered questions about enrollment and visas and immigration for sponsored as well as privately-funded students.
“The Information Fair was a great opportunity to interact with our current students enrolled in the ESL Academy and provide them with the programmatic information they were seeking, all the while helping them navigate the varying admissions processes and requirements here at CU Denver,”
said Dan Hussey, Assistant Director of Academic Services, Business School. “It was a pleasure being able to connect with this talented student population and I look forward to the next opportunity to do so.”
Recent statistics highlight the strong connection between the ESL Academy and CU Denver’s main campus and the collaborative approach to fostering student success. The average summer term GPA of ESL Academy students was 3.30; and 50% of the Fall 2017 international freshman at CU Denver were graduates of the ESL Academy.
As the fair drew to a close, ESL Academy Director Marcel Bolintiam thanked the school/college participants and provided a tour of the ESL Academy. “Your involvement has a positive influence on ESL students’ decision-making when it comes to defining a major and choosing CU Denver.”
