In 1987, the University Senate adopted a policy to ensure that
competence in English would not be an obstacle in communication
between graduate student teaching assistants/instructors and the
undergraduate students with whom they have direct contact.
Purdue University Policy on Oral English Competency
for Non-native English Speakers Employed as
Graduate
Teaching Assistants/Instructors
Purdue University benefits from the knowledge and talents of
non-native English speaking graduate assistants/instructors in many
of its instructional programs. These persons, typically the most
accomplished graduates of their home countries, bring an essential
diversity of culture to the campus and thus enrich our total
academic environment. These benefits cannot be realized, however, if
there is a language barrier between instructors.
Purdue University requires, therefore, that any person whose
first language is not English, and who holds or is a candidate for
appointment as a graduate teaching assistant/instructor, demonstrate
adequate English proficiency before being assigned duties involving
direct instruction of students.
The Oral English Proficiency Program (OEPP):
- certifies the oral English proficiency of TAs whose first
language is not English;
- provides oral English proficiency screening services to all
departments employing non-native English speaking TAs;
- offers English as a second language instruction to prospective
TAs; and
- monitors department compliance with university policy through
payroll verification.
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