Pre-University Program

Purpose

When international students first enter a North American university, many are often surprised by the gap between the academic English language skills expected of them compared to their own general English language skills. Combined with a new environment and differences in culture, international students may feel overwhelmed and under-prepared, which can lead to academic struggles.

Fairleigh Dickinson University’s Pre-University Program (PUP) focuses on helping international students overcome these obstacles. International students who meet the University’s admission standards, but who require additional training in academic English and learning skills, are placed in the PUP. The strategic assistance and positive and supportive learning environment prepare students for academic success as they gain full entry to the degree program of their choice.

Program Highlights

  • One-term course of study, offered three times in the academic year, with start and end times that correspond with the University’s academic calendar: 15 weeks in Fall and Spring semesters; 10 weeks in Summer semester
  • Three courses that offer breadth and depth for student development (see Courses below)
  • Opportunities to address the most common causes of difficulties that international students encounter:
    • adjusting to university learning in a North American culture and meeting university-level expectations, including a focus on study skills and learning strategies
    • learning relevant background knowledge, technical terminology, and academic and professional communication skills, including leading and participating in presentations and discussions  
    • improving academic English language skills   
    • developing research and thinking skills necessary to prepare academic essays and assignments, which includes accessing credible sources, reading and analyzing information; using sources effectively; following the MLA stylesheet
  • Small classes, which ensure students receive highly individualized attention to meet their unique needs
  • Access to the Academic Writing Center,  which offers additional support through tutoring and workshops: e.g., improving academic reading and writing; developing advanced academic English language skills; using the FDU library and doing research; understanding specific academic content; delivering effective presentations; managing group assignments. This support is free to all students enrolled at FDU.

In one semester, students may take courses (see list below) that could earn up to 11 credits toward the undergraduate degree program of their choice.

Courses

PUP Courses

Course  name Hours per week

                                                               Credits earned
EPS 0099 Academic Writing Skills 6.0 4.5 (non-academic credits*)
EPS 0199 Workshop in Academic Skills 3.0 1.5 (non-academic credits*)

*Courses with “non-academic credits” require a Pass, which means each course appears on the transcript, but results do not affect a student’s Grade Point Average (GPA). EPS 0099 and 0199 are concurrent and interconnected.

Degree Program Courses

Course  name Hours per week

                                                               Credits earned
EGTG 2201 Applied Calculus 3.0 3
DSCI 1234 Business Math 3.0 3
MATH 1105 College Algebra 3.0 4
INFO 1101 Computer Concepts & Technology 3.0 3
MIS 1045 Software Applications in Business 3.0 3
UNIV 1000 Freshman Seminar 1.0  1
Course Descriptions

  • This course provides the fundamentals of university and professional writing helping students become effective learners and skilled writers throughout their studies at FDU. The course emphasizes critical thinking and academic writing, focusing on strategies for comprehension, analysis, organization, and language use to enhance academic communication. Students explore how academic writers structure, develop, and support their arguments, while also practicing persuasive writing, which involves finding and integrating relevant evidence. Students also learn to incorporate information from reliable sources using techniques like summarizing, paraphrasing, and proper citation. Additionally, students engage in presentations, oral and written activities, pair work, discussions and debates, and gain an introduction to Canadian society and interviewing skills.

  • Students will learn MLA format, including general format, first page formatting, in-text citations, quotations, and proper format for the works cited page in a computer lab setting. Learners will write paragraphs, essays, summaries, and create PowerPoint presentations. Students will work both individually, pairs and in groups to complete assignments. Visual examples, such as a sample MLA-formatted first page, are provided to help students understand and apply these principles throughout their writing. Students will be given instructional support as they acquire the new content knowledge.