The CELCIS curriculum prepares non-native English speakers to use English effectively in their university study or careers. The classes emphasize a holistic approach to language learning. Whenever possible, students participate in activities that simulate those that they will experience in their future academic or professional environments.

The CELCIS curriculum has four proficiency levels: Elementary, Intermediate, Pre-Advanced and Advanced. Each level is comprised of four hours of instruction per day, five days a week. The instruction is divided into three classes. At the Elementary level, students take one hour a day of Speaking & Listening and Reading, and two hours a day of Writing & Grammar. At the Intermediate, Pre-Advanced and Advanced levels, students take one hour a day of Speaking & Listening, Grammar & Communication, and two hours a day of Reading & Writing.It is possible during semesters/sessions with exceptionally low enrollment that some classes may combine two different levels.

At the end of each semester (Fall & Winter) and session (Spring & Summer), students receive a detailed progress report about their work in each class. Western Michigan University uses CELCIS progress reports along with TOEFL scores* to determine prospective students language proficiency for admission.

CELCIS instructors determine a students readiness for university level work by assessing his/her ability to perform the tasks that are described in the CELCIS "Criteria for University Recommendation" (see pages 2-3). These criteria take into consideration "product-oriented" tasks that are similar to tasks that will be assigned and evaluated in university classes as well as "process-oriented" tasks that students need to master to be able to perform the "product-oriented" tasks. The CELCIS curriculum describes how these tasks will be introduced, practiced, and mastered.

*Advanced level students of CELCIS must pass all of their classes with a grade of "C" or better for admission to WMU. (They do not need to take the TOEFL unless they are applying to a graduate program that requires a TOEFL score of more than 500).

*Pre-Advanced level students who meet the criteria for a CELCIS recommendation can qualify their English for admission with a CELCIS recommendation and a 480 TOEFL score (except for graduate programs requiring a TOEFL score of more than 500).