Location: van den Berg Hall, Rooms 201 and 203
Phone: (845) 257-3595; WhatsApp: (845) 419-8129
E-mail: esl@newpaltz.edu
Web Address: www.newpaltz.edu/esl

Mission Statement

The Haggerty English Language Program delivers high-quality English language instruction to speakers of other languages. Our student-centered curriculum is designed to educate non-native English speakers both linguistically and culturally to be successful in an American university. By promoting cross-cultural encounters, outreach, and participation, we contribute to the diverse multicultural character of the campus and community.

Vision Statement

We in the Haggerty English Language Program seek to educate students to be active and engaged global citizens of the 21st century, respectful of every culture, religion, and ethnicity.

What We Do

  • We provide an intensive English as a Second Language (ESL) Program, a unit in the Center for International Programs at the State University of New York, New Paltz.
  • We offer instruction during the academic year and one session in the summer.
  • We assess English language proficiency and place students according to level in a full-time program of study to improve their English language skills and prepare them to take academic coursework.
  • We provide orientation, one-on-one mentoring, advising, and tutoring services.
  • We sponsor English language-building activities and trips.
  • We actively support ESL student participation in SUNY New Paltz and community events in order to foster a more enriching experience for international students in the U.S.A.
  • We offer an Academic Purposes level which allows students to enroll in academic and ESL courses for credit, helping conditionally admitted Pathway Program students to better transition into their undergraduate or graduate degree-granting program.

The Haggerty English Language Program (HELP) is a proud member of UCIEP (University and College Intensive English Programs), NAFSA: Association of International Educators, and TESOL International Association and has been recognized for its high professional standards and quality English language instruction.

Proudly serving the global population and the communities of
Poughkeepsie, Kingston, Newburgh, and Middletown in the Hudson Valley.

Pathway Program

Overview

The Haggerty English Language Program is proud to offer an on-campus pathway program to international students seeking undergraduate degrees at SUNY New Paltz, as well as to international students conditionally admitted to The Culinary Institute of America (CIA).

Through the HELP Pathway Program, conditionally admitted students will:

  • be issued an I-20 from SUNY New Paltz.
    - SUNY New Paltz students will be issued a Pathway I-20. It will indicate that the student is not yet proficient in English and that they will be tested for proficiency upon arrival. 
    - CIA students will be issued a Language Training I-20. It will indicate that the student is studying English Language at SUNY New Paltz, with a note indicating their intention to begin their studies at the CIA upon completion of the program.
  • meet their English language requirement for admission upon completion of the program.
  • be better prepared for the rigor of university coursework in the U.S.
  • earn university credits while in the highest level of the program (undergraduates only).
  • receive advising from a dedicated advisor and direct coaching from faculty.
  • receive a certificate upon completion of the program.
  • begin their academic coursework when they reach the highest level of the program.

Visit Pathway Program online to learn how to get started.

What does "conditional admission" mean?

Students may be granted admission to SUNY New Paltz or the Culinary Institute of America even without the minimum English proficiency requirement for direct admission, if they meet the academic requirements. They can matriculate and begin full-time academic studies once they complete the highest level of the Pathway Program.

Learn More

Consult the Pathway Program website for additional details about the program, including information about English proficiency test scores, application deadlines, program levels and duration, Pathway courses, dates and cost of the program, and instructions for newly admitted students.

Intensive English Program

Overview

The Intensive English Program is designed to help general English language learners to improve all of the major language skill sets, including: 

  • Listening and Speaking
  • Reading and Writing 
  • Grammar

Each semester includes selected topics that may focus on culture (such as language through American pop culture), focused skills (such as pronunciation), or English for specific purposes (such as Business English).

Learn More

Visit the Intensive English Program website for information about English proficiency test scores, application deadlines, orientation, courses, program levels and duration, and dates and cost of the program.

Levels and Duration

Students enrolled in the Haggerty English Language Program, whether for Intensive English or the Pathway Program, will start in one of the following levels depending on placement: 

  • Level 1 – Beginner
  • Level 2 – Intermediate
  • Level 3 – Advanced 
  • Level 4 – Academic Purposes 

A level can be completed in one 16-week semester (Fall/August start or Spring/January start). Students may be able to complete a level by enrolling in our intensive 5-Week Summer Session.

Students have completed the Pathway Program and meet our English language proficiency requirements for admission to undergraduate or graduate programs upon completion of Level 4 – Academic Purposes.

Students in the Intensive English Program are not required to complete Level 4 – Academic Purposes. All students will receive a certificate of completion indicating the highest level they have finished.

The total time in the program will depend upon the student’s initial placement level and other factors. 

Dates and Costs

See 2024 Calendar Year for available information about HELP's academic course fees, acceptable payment methods, information about special group programs, and notes about academic and living expenses.

If you have questions about part-time study, refund policies, or other payment issues, please e-mail esl@newpaltz.edu or call +1-845-257-3595.

Frequently Asked Questions

ESL011. ESL Elementary Grammar. 4 Credits.

A single skill module for beginning English as a Second Language students. Language structures appropriate to the students' level and needs will be introduced and practiced in communicative situations. This module will be combined with others to form a complete program of language acquisition based on the students' assessed needs.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL012. ESL Elementary Reading and Writing. 6 Credits.

Provides students the opportunity to develop their vocabulary, reading speed, and general comprehension. The writing assignments focus on description, information, and narration. Classroom practice is based on using good sentence and paragraph form, punctuation and grammar to give students the foundation for academic writing. This class meets two days a week for a total of six academic hours.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL013. ESL Elementary Listening and Speaking. 6 Credits.

Provides students the opportunity to develop oral and aural comprehension. Students will work on building vocabulary and improving listening and speaking skills and pronunciation. The class will also spend time in the language lab with audio and videotapes. Every student will practice spoken English in each class meeting. The exercises will focus on the language needed to communicate with Americans and to succeed in the classroom. This class meets two days a week for a total of six academic hours.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL014. ESL Elementary ESL Topics. 3 Credits.

Builds upon topics and skills learned in the other Elementary classes. It is designed to help students to integrate what they have learned in other classes and better understand and use conversational English. Additional work is provided in terms of vocabulary development and extra time in the Language Learning Center classroom, if available. Students may receive some instruction of the basic skills in the computer lab if computer literacy is a concern. Topics might include current events or service learning. The class meets two days a week for a total of three academic hours.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL021. ESL Intermediate Grammar. 4 Credits.

A single skill module for ESL students with some English language proficiency as assessed by the ESL placement battery. Language structures appropriate to the students' level and needs will be analyzed and practiced in communicative contexts. The module will be combined with others to form a complete program of language acquisition based on the students' assessed needs.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL022. ESL Intermediate Reading and Writing. 6 Credits.

An integrated skills course for ESL students with some English language proficiency. Topics for written interpersonal communication as well as those related to academic disciplines will be addressed. This module will be combined with others to form a complete program of language acquisition based on the students' assessed needs.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL023. ESL Intermediate Listening and Speaking. 6 Credits.

An integrated oral/aural communication skills course for ESL students with some language proficiency. Topics for spoken interpersonal communication as well as those related to academic disciplines will be addressed. This module will be combined with others to form a complete program of language acquisition based on the students' assessed needs.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL024. ESL Intermediate Current Events. 1-3 Credits.

An integrated skills course for ESL students with some English language proficiency. With the assistance of educational technology, including audio and visual equipment, students will strengthen the skills being developed in their other ESL classes. This module will be combined with others to form a complete program of language acquisition based on the students' assessed needs.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL031. ESL Advanced Grammar. 4 Credits.

Students have an opportunity to practice and learn more complex grammar structures in writing and speaking. Some emphasis is put on speaking in order to give more practice of the advanced grammar structures.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL032. ESL Advanced Reading and Writing. 6 Credits.

An integrated skills course for ESL students with considerable English language proficiency as assessed by the ESL placement test battery. This course will concentrate on developing the reading and writing skills necessary for participating in college-level academic classes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL033. ESL Advanced Listening and Speaking. 6 Credits.

An integrated oral/aural communication skills course for ESL students with considerable language proficiency as assessed by the ESL placement test battery. This course will concentrate on developing the listening and speaking skills necessary for participating in college-level academic classes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL034. ESL Advanced Current Events. 3 Credits.

An integrated skills course for ESL students with considerable English language proficiency. With the assistance of educational technology, including audio and video equipment, students will strengthen the language skills being developed in their other ESL and academic classes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL036. ESL Orient Col Life USA. 1-3 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May not be repeated for credit

ESL050. IBS-SP Business Certificate. 0 Credits.

Institute for International Business with International Business School of Sao Paolo Business Certificate.

May be repeated for credit

ESL093. ESL Selected Topic. 12 Credits.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL141. ESL Grammar For Acad Prp. 4 Credits.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL142. ESL Reading/Writn AC Prp. 6 Credits.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL143. ESL Lsttn/Speakng AC Prp. 4 Credits.

Attributes:

  • Liberal Arts

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL144. Business English. 3 Credits.

This course provides English instruction through the use of business content. Reading and listening text will provide students general background knowledge in business topics such as management, production, and marketing. Writing and speaking skills will be developed through professional communication practices.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit

ESL193. ESL Selected Topic. 1-6 Credits.

Selected topics courses are regularly scheduled courses that focus on a particular topic of interest. Descriptions are printed in the Schedule of Classes each semester. Selected topics courses may be used as elective credit and may be repeated for credit, provided that the topic of the course changes.

Restrictions:

  • Must have the following level: ESL
May be repeated for credit