Applies to:	Original Policy Date:	Date of Last Review:	Approved by:
Full-time international graduate students	March 15, 2021	December 2024	John Z. Kiss, Provost and Senior VP for Academic Affairs

Policy Owner: Office of Graduate Programs

Policy Purpose

The purpose of this policy is to ensure that international graduate students employed as Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs) possess sufficient English language proficiency to effectively perform their duties as Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs).

Policy Scope

This policy applies to all full-time international graduate students who are non-native English speakers and are seeking employment as a Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) at the Florida Institute of Technology.

Policy Statement

Florida Tech recognizes the immense value and importance of diverse perspectives, cultural experiences, and global insights significantly enrich the university’s research endeavors, classroom discussions, and overall campus environment. The university is committed to providing graduate students with teaching and research assistantship opportunities.

International graduate students who are non-native English speakers and are seeking employment at Florida Tech must demonstrate both written and spoken English language proficiency before being appointed as Graduate Student Assistants (GSAs). Candidates interested in a GSA position, including Teaching Assistants (TAs) or Research Assistants (RAs), must adhere to specific academic requirements outlined by their respective academic units. Graduate students must review the academic guideline on GSA Employment and Contracts for TA and RA employment requirements at Florida Tech.

This policy describes the English language requirements for GSA employment with the goal of ensuring effective communication in academic settings and maintain the quality of instruction and research, as well as creating an environment where international graduate students can thrive in their roles as GSAs and make the most of their valuable skills and knowledge.

Procedures/Guidelines

Language Proficiency Examination:

In addition to specific academic unit requirements for service as a GSA, international students considered for a Research Assistant (RA) appointment must meet the graduate admission language requirements as described in English Language Proficiency.

For a Teaching Assistant (TA) appointment, students whose first language is not English must pass one of the following English tests with the required minimum score, obtained no more than two years prior to attending Florida Tech:

• Internet-based TOEFL (iBT): 100
• International English Language Testing System (IELTS): 7.0
• Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 70
• Cambridge English Advanced: 193 (Grade of B)
• Duolingo English Test: 120
• Embassy English: Level C1

Speaking Proficiency Assessment for Teaching Assistantship:

International graduate students who are non-native English speakers who meet the language target in an English proficiency examination as outlined above are also required to pass the Florida Tech’s International Proficient Speaking Assessment (IPSA) to serve as a graduate teaching assistant. IPSA is administered by a language professional at the School of Arts and Communications at Florida Tech.

Exemptions:

See English Language Proficiency for exemptions for international graduate students who studied at an institution where English is the primary language of instruction.

Conditional Appointments for Research Assistants:

International graduate students who do not meet the minimum language requirements may be granted a conditional appointment as a Research Assistant (RA), subject to approval by the Office of Graduate Programs. The RA contract may not be renewed unless the student achieves a required minimum test score as described in English Language Proficiency.

Conditional Appointments for Teaching Assistants:

Conditional appointments for Teaching Assistant (TA) positions are not permitted. The prospective TA who does not initially meet the language requirements described in this policy may retake an English proficiency test or IPSA to seek employment as a Teaching Assistant (TA). If an IPSA score is marginal, the student may be recommended to take additional tutoring throughout the semester to improve their language skills for maximum impact in the classroom.

Definitions

Teaching Assistant (TA): A graduate student employed to assist in teaching undergraduate courses, leading discussion sections, or conducting laboratory sessions.

Research Assistant (RA): A graduate student employed to assist faculty members in conducting funded research projects.

Non-native English Speaker: An individual whose first language is not English and who has not been raised in an English-speaking country.

Compliance Reference

Florida Tech Graduate Student Assistant (GSA) Employment and Contracts

Responsibilities

The Office of the Provost implements the policy and develops procedures for its communication, review, and update.

The Office of Graduate Programs is responsible for ensuring compliance with this policy and evaluation and approval of exemption requests.