Student Handbook

Spring 2018

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Dear Student,

Welcome to HOFT Institute! Our goal is to provide quality English instruction with a schedule that fits

your lifestyle and academic goals. We hope you will have a rewarding educational and cultural

experience here in Austin, Texas, and in the United States.

We have a fun semester planned and hope that you will take advantage of opportunities to learn about

Austin and the United States. Some of the events and activities include potluck dinners, clubs, field trips,

and parties. We hope you will join the fun!

Everyone at HOFT is interested in your academic and personal success. If you are having a problem with

any of your classes or with any personal issues (like getting a driver’s license or renting an apartment),

please let us know and we will be happy to help you! Remember, you are not alone!

Good luck with your classes, and enjoy making new friends!

Sincerely,

HOFT Institute Faculty and Staff

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Table of Contents Page No.

Mission Statement and Company History 3 HOFT Management Team, Staff and Faculty 3 Services and Hours of Operation 3 Schedule, Program Levels and Clock Hours 4 Important Spring 2018 Dates 4 COURSES & OBJECTIVES:

• Levels 0-3 5

• Levels 4-5 6

HOFT GENERAL POLICIES:

• F-1 Regulations, Attendance, Grading and Student Progress 7

• Grading Scale, Class Change Policy and Plagiarism Policy 8

• Cell Phone Policy and Smoking/Alcohol/Drugs Policy 9

• Cancellation and Refund Policy 9

• Termination Policy 9

• Transfer-Out Policy 10

• Vacation/Leave of Absence Policy 10

• Grievance Policy 11

• Notice to Students: ACCET Complaint Procedure 12

GENERAL INFORMATION:

• Health Information & Medical Insurance 13

• Housing & Other Support 14

• Getting to School 15

• Texas ID and Driver’s License/Bank Accounts 16

• Austin Outdoors 17

• Austin Activities 18

• Texas Activities 19

• Austin Restaurants 20

• Grocery Stores and More Restaurants 21

• Consulates 22

• TOEFL Information 23

• Travel Advisory: F-1 Students 24

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Mission

Provide the best educational services to our clients within a global, cross-cultural framework and a positive professional environment for our associates.

Company History

HOFT Institute has been serving the academic needs of the Austin, Texas community since 1980.

Management Team

Hussain Malik President & CEO

Anjum Malik Senior Vice President

Wendy Wei Chief Financial Officer

Amrin Malik Chief Operating Officer

Erin Taylor ESL Academic Director

Staff & Faculty

Katie Winstanley Associate Academic Director & Student Advisor

Brian Bean ESL Instructor/Senior Teacher

Marta Pelrine-Bacon ESL Instructor/Senior Teacher

Gala Arendell ESL Instructor

Adrienne Carson ESL Instructor

Mariah Lane ESL Instructor

Alexis Garcia ESL Instructor

Patrick Cardenas ESL Instructor

Our Services Friendly atmosphere Computer/Listening Lab Study rooms Regular social activities Doctor recommendations

College advising One-on-one tutoring Test Prep classes Partner schools Lawyer recommendations

Hours of Operation

Monday – Thursday 8:30 am – 9:00 pm Friday 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Saturday 11:00 am – 3:00 pm Sunday 12:00 pm – 8:00 pm

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Program Levels/Clock Hours

HOFT offers 6 levels of instruction in 4 core class – Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking and Grammar

Each level contains 4 core classes, each 4.5 hrs/wk/class = 18 hours per week per level

A term is defined by 15 weeks = 270 hours per term per level

18 hours per week per level X 6 levels, 0-5 = 108 hours per week / program

270 hours per term per level X 6 levels, 0-5 = 1620 hours per term /program

Important Spring 2018 Dates

• Monday, Jan 8: Start of classes

• Monday, Jan 15: MLK Jr Day Holiday (no classes)

• Mon-Thurs, Feb 5-8: Week 5 exams

• Mon-Thurs, March 5-8: Week 9 exams

• Friday-Sunday, March 9-18: Spring break (no classes)

• Tuesday, February 27: Due date for payment plans

• Monday, March 26: Last day to enroll in classes

• Weds-Thurs, April 25-26: Final exams

• Thursday, April 26 at 1:30: Completion Ceremony

--“Conversation Partners” are available after class. All student are invited to participate at no extra cost!

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COURSE LEVELS AND OBJECTIVES

Overall, the curriculum leans strongly towards English for Academic Purposes because the majority of our students intend to begin or continue with higher education

in the USA. The curriculum is text-based; that is, the required texts selected for each component of each level contain the language and skills to be taught at that

level. Instructors adjust the pace and content of each component at each level to help all students attain the course objectives.

Level 0 - Comprehensive

Objective: By the end of this level, students can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a

concrete type; can introduce themselves and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where they live, people they know and things

they have; can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

Level 1 Objectives: By the end of this level, the student can:

Listening and Speaking: understand simple information and questions about family, people, homes, work, and hobbies; understand what people say to him/her

in simple, everyday conversation, if they speak clearly and give him/her help; understand short conversations about family, hobbies, and daily life, provided that

people speak clearly and slowly; understand short, clear, simple messages at the airport, railway station, etc. For example, “The train for London leaves at 4:30.”

understand the main information in announcements if people talk clearly. For example, weather reports, etc; ask people how they feel in different situations. For

example, “Are you hungry?” “Are you okay?” and say how he/she feels; ask and answer simple questions about home and country, work and free time, likes and

dislikes; ask and answer simple questions about a past event, for example, the time and place of a party, who was at the party, and what happened there; make

and accept invitations or refuse invitations politely; make and accept apologies; describe self, family, and other people; describe his/her education and

present or last job; describe hobbies and interests; describe his/her home and where he/she lives; describe what he/she did on the weekend or on his/her last holiday;

talk about his/her plans for the weekend or his/her next holiday

Reading: understand short, simple texts containing familiar vocabulary, including international words; find the most important information in advertisements,

information leaflets, web pages, catalogues, timetables, etc.; understand the main points in short, simple news items and descriptions if she/he already knows

something about the subject. For example, news about sports or famous people; understand short simple messages from friends. For example, emails, web chats,

postcards or short letters

Writing: write a simple message, for example, to make or change an invitation or appointment to meet; write a short message to friends giving personal news or

to ask them a question. For example, a text message or a postcard; complete a questionnaire with info about his/her educational background, job, interests and

skills; write about things and people he or she knows well using simple language. For example: descriptions of friends, what happened during the day

Grammar: understand and use adjectives–comparative– use of than and definite article, adjectives–superlative–use of definite article, adverbial phrases of time,

place and frequency–including word order, adverbs of frequency, articles–with countable and uncountable nouns, much/many, future time (will and going to),

gerunds, going to, imperatives, modals–can/could, have to, should, past continuous, past simple, phrasal verbs–common, possessives–use of ‘s, s’, prepositional

phrases (place, time and movement), prepositions of time: on/in/at, present continuous, present continuous for future, present perfect, questions, verb +

ing/infinitive: like/want-would like, wh-questions in past, zero and 1st conditional

Level 2 Objectives: By the end of this level, the student can:

Listening and Speaking: understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar, everyday subjects, provided there is an opportunity to get repetition or

clarification sometimes; understand the main points of discussion on familiar topics in everyday situations when people speak clearly but he/she sometimes needs

help in understanding details; can follow clearly spoken, straightforward short talks on familiar topics; understand simple technical information, such as

operating instructions for familiar types of equipment; start, maintain, and close simple face-to-face conversations on topics that are familiar or of personal

interest; give or seek personal opinions in an informal discussion with friends, agreeing or disagreeing politely; have simple telephone conversations with people

he/she knows; ask or and follow detailed directions; ask someone to clarify or elaborate what they have just said; repeat back part of what someone has said to

confirm that they understand each other; when student can’t think of a word, he/she can use a word meaning something similar and invite “correction” from the

person he/she is talking to; ask for confirmation that a form is correct and correct some basic mistakes if she/he has time

Reading: understand main points in straightforward factual texts on subjects of personal or professional interest well enough to talk about them afterwards; find

and understand the information he/she needs in brochures, leaflets, and other short tests relating to his/her interests; understand the main points in short

newspaper and magazine articles about current and familiar topics; understand private letters about events, feelings, and wishes well enough to write back

Writing: write short comprehensible connected texts on familiar subjects; write simple texts about experiences or events, for example, about a trip, describing

her/his feelings and reactions; write emails, faxes or text messages to friends or colleagues, relating news and giving or asking for simple information; write a short

formal letter asking for or giving simple information

Grammar: understand and use adverbs, a broader range of intensifiers such as too and enough, comparatives and superlatives, complex question tags, conditionals,

2nd and 3rd, connecting words expressing cause and effect, contrast, etc., future continuous, modals: must/can’t deduction, might/ may, will, probably, should

have/might have, must/have to, past continuous, past perfect, past simple, past tense responses, phrasal verbs, extended, present perfect continuous, present

perfect/past simple, reported speech (range of tenses), simple passive, wh- questions in the past, will and be going to, for prediction

Level 3 Objectives: By the end of this level, the student can:

Listening and Speaking: understand the main points of clear standard speech on familiar, everyday subjects, provided there is an opportunity to get repetition or

clarification sometimes; understand the main points of discussion on familiar topics in everyday situations when people speak clearly but he/she sometimes needs

help in understanding details; follow clearly spoken, straightforward short talks on familiar topics; understand simple technical information, such as operating

instructions for familiar types of equipment; start, maintain, and close simple face-to-face conversations on topics that are familiar or of personal interest; give or

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seek personal opinions in an informal discussion with friends, ageing and disagreeing politely; have simple telephone conversations with people he or she

knows; ask for and follow detailed directions; give descriptions on a variety of familiar subjects related to his or her interests; talk in detail about his or her

experiences, feelings, and reactions; briefly explain and justify his or her opinions; give a short prepared presentation on a very familiar area (e.g., “My country”)

and answer clear questions.

Reading: understand the main points in straightforward factual texts on subjects of personal or professional interest well enough to talk about them after; find

and understand the information needed in brochures, leaflets, and other short tests relating to his or her interests; understand the main points in short newspaper

and magazine articles about current and familiar topics; understand private letters about events, feelings, and wishes well enough to write back

Writing: write short comprehensible connected texts on familiar subjects; write simple texts about experiences or events, for example about a trip, describing her

or his feelings and reactions; write emails, faxes or text messages to friends or colleagues, relating news and giving or asking for simple information; write a short

formal letter asking for or giving simple information

Grammar: demonstrate basic understanding of simple present tense and present progressive, frequency adverbs, past time, using time clauses, using used to,

future time with be going to and will, present perfect tense, past perfect tense, asking and answering yes/no questions and information questions with where, why,

when, what time, how come, what…for, how about, what about, nouns and pronouns, prepositions of time, possessive nouns and pronouns, reflexive pronouns,

use of other, another, the other, modal auxiliaries: can, could, may, might, maybe, may/can, should/ought to, must, must not, have to, connecting ideas with and,

but, or, so, because, although

Level 4 Objectives: By the end of this level, the student can:

Listening and Speaking: understand the main ideas of complex speech on concrete and abstract topics delivered in a standard dialect, including technical

discussions in his or her field of specialization; understand in detail what is said in standard spoken language; with some effort, catch much of what is said

around her/him, but may find it difficult to understand a discussion between several speakers who do not modify their language in any way; follow TV drama and

the majority of films in standard dialect; understand TV news about current affairs, documentaries, interviews, talk shows, etc; take an active part in

conversation, expressing clearly his or her points of view, ideas or feelings naturally with effective turn-taking; evaluate advantages and disadvantages, and

participate in reaching a decision in formal or informal discussion; sustain his or her opinions in discussion by providing relevant explanations, arguments,

and comments; use the telephone to find out detailed information, provided the other person speaks clearly, and ask follow-up questions to check that he or she

has understood a point fully; give clear, detailed descriptions on a wide range of subjects related to his or her fields of interest; develop a clear argument, linking

his or her ideas logically and expanding and supporting his or her points with appropriate examples; present a topical issue in a critical manner and weigh up the

advantages and disadvantages of various options; summarize information and arguments from a number of sources, such as articles or reports, discussions,

interviews, presentations, etc.; can summarize orally the plot and sequence of events in a film or play

Reading: read with a large degree of independence, using dictionaries and other reference sources selectively when necessary; understand articles, reports and

reviews in which the writers express specific points of view (e.g., political commentary, critiques of exhibitions, plays, films, etc.); rapidly grasp the content and

the significance of news, articles and reports on topics connected with his or her interests or job, and decide if a closer reading is worthwhile; understand the main

points in formal and informal letters relating to personal and professional interests, with the occasional use of a dictionary

Writing: write at length about topical issues, even though complex concepts may be oversimplified and can correct many of his or her mistakes in the process; write

clear, detailed descriptions on a variety of subjects related to her or his field of interest; express news, views and feelings in correspondence, and respond to those

of the other person; write standard formal letters requesting or communicating relevant information, following a template

Grammar: demonstrate understanding of adjectives and adverbs, future continuous, future perfect, future perfect continuous, mixed conditionals, modals:

can’t have, needn’t have, modals of deduction and speculation, narrative tenses, passives, past perfect, past perfect continuous, phrasal verbs, extended,

relative clauses, reported speech, will and be going to, for prediction, wish, would expressing habits in the past

Level 5 Objectives: by the end of this level, the student can:

Listening and Speaking: understand enough to follow extended speech on abstract and complex topics of academic or vocational relevance; follow extended

discussion even when it is not clearly structured and when relationships are not only implied and not signaled explicitly; follow must lectures, discussions, and

debates both within and outside his or her field; understand complex technical information, such as instructions for operating equipment and specifications for

products and services he or she knows about; express herself/himself fluently and appropriately, adopting a level of formality appropriate to the circumstances and

her or his relationship to the person she or he is talking to; keep up with animated discussions on abstract and complex topics with a number of speakers and can

participate effectively even when people start talking simultaneously; understand and exchange complex, detailed information on topics with which he or she is not

personally familiar, pinpointing key areas where further explanation or clarification is needed; give clear, well-structured descriptions of complex subjects; develop

an argument systematically in well-structured speech, highlighting significant points, and concluding appropriately; give a clear well-structured presentation on a

complex subject in his or her field, expanding and supporting points of view with appropriate reasons and examples; put together information from different sources

and relate it in a coherent summary; summarize orally long, demanding texts

Reading: understand in detail a wide range of lengthy, complex texts likely to be encountered in social, professional or academic life, though he or she may want

time to re-read them; understand complex texts where stated opinions and implied points of view are discussed; understand lengthy, complex manuals, instructions,

regulations and contracts in her or his field; understand formal letters connected or unconnected to his or her field if he or she can occasionally check with a

dictionary

Writing: write clear, well-structured texts on complex topics in appropriate style with good grammatical control; present points of view in a paper, developing an

argument, highlighting most important points, and supporting reasoning with examples; express him-or herself clearly and appropriately in personal correspondence,

describing experiences, feelings and reactions in depth

Grammar: demonstrate understanding of future tense (revision), inversion with negative adverbials, mixed conditionals in past, present and future, modals in the

past, narrative tenses for experience, incl. passive, all passive forms, phrasal verbs, especially splitting, and wish/if only regrets

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General Policies F1 Regulations

Students may remain in the United States as long as they follow these steps: ● Maintain at least 80% attendance ● Never work off-campus ● Keep copies of their immigration documents in a safe place ● Attend only the school listed on their current I-20 (House of Tutors) ● If necessary, extend their I-20 at least thirty days before the expiration date ● Maintain a valid passport at all times ● Report changes of address to the ESL Program Coordinator office within 10 days of the changes ● Remain in good standing at the House of Tutors

Attendance Policy Attendance percentages are checked every two weeks. If a student falls below the required 80%, the student will receive letters stating the consequences of continued absences.

Letter #1 Reminder Letter #2 Warning Letter #3 Academic Probation

If the student violates academic probation their I-20 will be terminated.

Students studying while on an I-20 visa who do not meet the minimum benchmarks for attendance performance will have their I-20 terminated.

All students who do not meet the minimum benchmarks for attendance will not receive a Certificate of Completion.

If a student does not fulfill his or her attendance requirements, their final grade is affected.

Although attendance is not calculated directly into grades, the participation percentage of the grade is directly impacted by attendance. If a student fails to attend class, they will not receive any participation points. In addition, any work missed due to absences will directly impact a student's grade.

Grading / Student Progress ● Students will receive a grade for each class they are enrolled in. ● Students will be graded according to the Grading Scale found below. ● Student progress reports are distributed after the five-week and ten-week period. Progress reports inform

students of grades and attendance to that point in time, giving them the opportunity to improve before the end of the semester. Students are encouraged to use this information to ask questions of their teachers on how to improve before the end of the term.

● Students will be eligible to advance to the next level if they have a minimum 80% average in the class OR a 70-79% average with teacher recommendation

● Students not meeting the grade requirements for the term will repeat the level. If they are not able to pass the level the second time, they will be placed on academic probation. At this point, the ESL Academic Director will work with the student and at least one of the student’s teachers to develop a learning plan that the student must agree to. The learning plan will clearly state what the student must do to stay in class.

● A student may not exceed three (3) years of study in the ESL program ● The process for appealing placement, grades, probation, or any academic concerns is on pg. 17.

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Grading Scale Grammar/Reading Writing/Listening & Speaking* Electives

10% participation 10% participation 10% participation

20% quizzes 20% presentations, essays and projects 20% quizzes, presentations, essays or projects

30% homework 30% homework 30% homework

40% exams 40% exams 40% exams

*Writing 5 has a special grading scale, which is explained in the syllabus.

Class Change Policy

A student is not allowed to move up a level until he or she has passed the final exam for the current level. The student must score 80% on the exam to transfer to a higher level. If the grade is between 70 and 79%, the student can possibly move up but only with the Academic Director and teachers’ approval. Such decisions are presumed final. The student can, however, come to the ESL office to discuss the transfer. If there is any question about the student’s level and ability, the ESL office may give the student an additional oral and/or written exam to determine if the student is qualified to move. Class changes are allowed only in the first week after students have enrolled in classes, after this period class

changes can only be made per teachers’ recommendation.

● For core classes (Reading, Writing, Listening/Speaking, Grammar) - discuss changing class with your current teacher. A student will only be moved up if the teachers who have taught the student in that subject agree the student will be successful at the next level.

● For elective classes, get a Class Change form from your teacher. Fill out the elective class you are enrolled in and the class you want to take instead. Give the form to your teacher, who will sign it and give it to the student coordinator. You will be contacted before the next class meeting to confirm you have been moved to the new class.

When students change classes, they are expected to return the used textbook issued for the first class, and they are

given a new textbook for the new class.

Plagiarism Policy Plagiarism is the unauthorized use or close imitation of the language and thoughts of another author and the representation of them as one's own original work. Plagiarism means using the words and ideas of another person as if they were your own. This includes both using the exact words or the ideas of another. Students are responsible for understanding what plagiarism involves and how it can be avoided. If a student is

suspected of plagiarizing material, the teacher will confer with him/her privately about the matter, presenting

evidence. The student may respond to that evidence. In cases where doubt still exists, the matter will be presented

to ESL Administration for consideration and final determination. Plagiarism will result in failing the assignment. A

second offense will result in dismissal from the course with a failing grade, which may affect the student’s visa

status. A third offense will result in expulsion from the School.

A = 90 – 100 B = 80 – 89 C = 70 – 79 D = 60 – 69 F = 50 – 0

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Cell Phone Use

Please turn your cell phone off during class in order to avoid distraction. If you are waiting for an important call, let the teacher know and turn your phone to silent. When the call comes, please step outside the class before answering.

Smoking/Alcohol/Drugs

HOFT is a NO smoke/alcohol/drug environment, including smokeless tobacco and non-tobacco products. Please use the designated smoking area under the trees in the front of the building.

Cancellation and Refund Policy ESL

1. The following fees are NON-REFUNDABLE (up to a maximum of $500): $100 application fee, $250 transfer

deposit, $250 change of status / reinstatement fee, $55 course material fees for each course, $50 postage/shipping

costs, and $100 payment plan fee.

2. Refunds are determined based on the student’s last day of attendance.

3. The first 4 weeks of tuition of a student’s first planned study period is not refundable.

4. After a student's first planned study period, a prorated refund is available until the midpoint of the planned study

period.

5. No refund is possible after 50% of the student’s planned study period has passed.

6. If no written or verbal notice of withdrawal is given, the student will be automatically withdrawn after an absence

of a maximum of thirty (30) calendar days (not including any scheduled breaks of the institution, such as national

holidays or breaks between semesters), and refunds will be given to the student or the student’s chosen

representative.

7. All refunds will be made within forty-five (45) calendar days of the Date of Determination (the day the student

says s/he is leaving the program or the day the school terminates or withdraws the student), and are prorated in

whole-week units.

TUTORING

Tutoring packages expire 1 year from the date of purchase, or 4 months after the last tutoring session, whichever comes later.

All funds are not transferrable. Remaining credit, minus any free credit given may be refunded if requested in writing before

expiration date.

NON ESL TEST PREP

Refund is available only before first class day. After first class day, no refunds will be issued for any test prep classes. Subject

the rules of State of Texas refund policy.

All refunds will be in the form of check and will be issued in 45 days.

All refunds must be filled with Refund Request Form by department head.

Termination Policy A student who falls below the 80% attendance requirement and is placed on Attendance Probation (after receiving a Reminder letter and a Warning letter) and who violates the requirements in the probation arrangement can be terminated. Students who are terminated are given time to find an alternative program and to transfer out. F-1 Students who qualify for a vacation must pay a vacation deposit before their I-20 can be registered for the vacation semester.

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Transfer-Out Policy In-status Students (as defined below) are eligible to transfer to another institution provided they meet all of the following requirements. To transfer, the Student must:

1. have completed a minimum of one complete semester (academic period; at House of Tutors, currently 15 weeks), unless prior written approval has been obtained from ESL Administration OR the student has been accepted to an academic course of study (i.e. not ESL) at a college or university;

2. notify ESL Administration, in writing, of their intent to transfer. Notification must include desired transfer-out date;

3. submit acceptance verification for the transfer-in school; and 4. provide a transfer-in form for the transfer-in school.

Out-of-status students (as defined below) are eligible to transfer to another institution provided they meet all of the following requirements. To transfer, the Student must:

1. notify ESL Administration, in writing, of their intent to transfer. Notification must include desired transfer-out date;

2. submit acceptance verification for the transfer-in school; 3. provide a transfer-in form for the transfer-in school; 4. fulfill all financial obligations to HOFT.

Note: Transfers may take several business days to go through.

Vacation/Leave of Absence Policy A vacation is defined as a semester during which a qualifying F-1 Student is not required to enroll in classes (excluding designated school holidays and weekends). Prior to beginning a vacation, a qualifying student must have fulfilled the following requirements:

1. Complete two (2) full, consecutive semesters 2. Maintain valid F-1 status, per school and USCIS policies 3. Fulfill all outstanding financial obligations 4. Notify ESL Administration of intent to take vacation, including:

1. Intended begin and end dates for the vacation (including next intended enrollment date) 2. General plans (i.e. travel domestically and/or internationally, etc.)

5. Pay a registration deposit for the following semester, to be credited toward the next enrolled semester's tuition. (The registration deposit reserves a seat in classes for the next term of enrollment.)

Per USCIS (United States Customs & Immigration Service): A leave of absence is limited to 60 calendar days in any 12-month period or one-half the published program length (1 year is the published program length), whichever is shorter.

Multiple vacation periods may be permitted upon ESL Administration approval if the total days of vacation do not exceed these parameters.

In the case of a medical leave of absence, the student must present a verifiable doctor’s diagnosis/letter stating the condition and expected length of leave needed. This should be presented before the leave of absence is to occur. A determination will be made by the ESL staff and management. HOFT will consider leave not to extend beyond 50% of the term for which the student is enrolled.

In all cases, an extended absence whether it be for a leave of absence or vacation may require retesting upon reentry into the program.

If you plan to leave the United States and then return to continue studying at HOFT, the third page of your I-20 MUST be signed or you may not be able to re-enter the country. Talk to the ESL Program Coordinator if you have questions.

After completing your studies at HOFT, you have 60 days to leave the United States or transfer to another school.

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Grievance Policy

It is the goal of HOFT to resolve complaints promptly. The student with the complaint must begin the grievance

resolution process within two weeks of the occurrence of the event(s) that caused the grievance.

In the event of an academic grievance, such as complaints about a placement, class, grades, assignments or class

work, the student is encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Discuss the concern with the instructor of the class. If a student is uncomfortable going to the instructor,

they can talk with the ESL Program Coordinator and Student Advisor for assistance;

2. If a satisfactory resolution is not reached with the instructor, set up a meeting with the ESL Academic

Director;

3. If the director is not able to satisfactorily resolve the issue, it will be brought to the management team for

advisement and final decision.

In the event of a non-academic grievance, the student is encouraged to take the following steps:

1. The concern should be submitted to the ESL Program Coordinator and Student Advisor;

2. If no resolution occurs and the student wants to pursue the matter further, the student should contact the

ESL Academic Director;

3. If the director is unable to resolve the issue, the student’s grievance will be brought to the attention of the

president of House of Tutors, who will work with all the parties involved towards a resolution.

In the event a concern is not resolved satisfactorily, please follow the ACCET Complaint Procedure found on the

next page of this document.

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NOTICE TO STUDENTS: ACCET COMPLAINT PROCEDURE

This institution is recognized by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) as meeting and

maintaining certain standards of quality. It is the mutual goal of ACCET and the institution to ensure that educational

training programs of quality are provided. When problems arise, students should make every attempt to find a fair

and reasonable solution through the institution’s internal complaint procedure, which is required of ACCET

accredited institutions and frequently requires the submission of a written complaint. Refer to the institution’s

written complaint procedure which is published in the institution’s catalog or otherwise available from the

institution, upon request. Note that ACCET will process complaints which involve ACCET standards and policies and,

therefore, are within the scope of the accrediting agency.

In the event that a student has exercised the institution's formal student complaint procedure, and the problem(s)

have not been resolved, the student has the right and is encouraged to take the following steps:

1. Complaints should be submitted in writing and mailed, or emailed to the ACCET office. Complaints received

by phone will be documented, but the complainant will be requested to submit the complaint in writing.

2. The letter of complaint must contain the following:

a) Name and location of the ACCET institution;

b) A detailed description of the alleged problem(s);

c) The approximate date(s) that the problem(s) occurred;

d) The names and titles/positions of all individual(s) involved in the problem(s), including faculty, staff,

and/or other students;

e) What was previously done to resolve the complaint, along with evidence demonstrating that the

institution's complaint procedure was followed prior to contacting ACCET;

f) The name, email address, telephone number, and mailing address of the complainant. If the

complainant specifically requests that anonymity be maintained, ACCET will not reveal his or her

name to the institution involved; and

g) The status of the complainant with the institution (e.g. current student, former student, etc.).

3. In addition to the letter of complaint, copies of any relevant supporting documentation should be forwarded

to ACCET (e.g. student’s enrollment agreement, syllabus or course outline, correspondence between the

student and the institution).

4. SEND TO: ACCET CHAIR, COMPLAINT REVIEW COMMITTEE

1722 N Street, NW Washington, DC 20036 Telephone: (202) 955-1113 Fax: (202) 955-1118 or (202) 955-5306

Email: complaints@accet.org Website: www.accet.org

Note: Complainants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 15 days.

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General Information

Health Information

Hospitals and Clinics:

Brackenridge Hospital 601 E 15th Street 512-324-7000

People’s Community Clinic 2909 N IH-35 512-478-8942

St. David’s Hospital 919 E 32nd St. 512-476-7111

Seton Medical Center

Northwest: 11113 Research Blvd. 512-324-6000

Central: 1201 W 38th St. 512-323-1000

Pro Med Medical Care Center 3801 S Lamar Blvd 512-447-9661

South Austin Hospital 901 W Ben White Blvd 512-447-2211

IN CASE OF EMERGENCY— DIAL 9-1-1

Medical Insurance

The cost of medical care in the United States can be very expensive!

It is highly recommended that you purchase medical insurance!

For information about buying medical insurance, please see the Student Advisor.

14

Housing & Accommodation

15

Getting to School

Parking

House of Tutors parking is reserved for faculty and staff. The House of Tutors has a few parking spots available off 24th street and in the HOFT Parking Lot for a semester fee. Please see the front desk to ask about them. There are also local parking garages with semester rates. Here is a map with nearby parking.

Carpooling

If other students live near you, try carpooling to school. It will be easier to find parking and will save money on gas!

Bus

Use Austin’s Capital Metro bus system to come to school! Bus schedules and maps are available at http://www.capmetro.org.

Bike

Austin is one of the most bike-friendly cities in the US. Find a safe way to bike to school by visiting www.ci.austin.tx.us/bicycle/bikemap.htm.

16

Texas ID and Driver’s License

Eligibility requirements: You must be at least 18 years old and have proof of name, date of birth, passport, visa, vehicle registration and original copies of proof of liability insurance. For more information, visit http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/.

You will also need to bring your I-20 and an enrollment letter to the Driver License Office. Please see the ESL Program Director or Student Services Coordinator for an enrollment letter.

Fees: $25*

Driver License Office: 5805 N. Lamar Blvd.

512-424-2000

After receiving your Driver License, please follow traffic laws as traffic violations are very costly. Do NOT drink and drive. Watch out for pedestrians and cyclists. In general, please be careful when driving!

*Subject to change. Please refer to the Texas Department of Public Safety website at: http://www.txdps.state.tx.us/.

Bank Account

There are several banks within walking distance of House of Tutors:

Bank of America

Chase

University Federal Credit Union

Wachovia

Wells Fargo

United Heritage Credit Union

To open a bank account, most banks require two forms of ID (passport/visa/student ID), some money to deposit immediately, current US address, and foreign address. They will often ask for a Social Security number, so explain that you are an international student and do not have one.

17

Austin Outdoors

Austin, the capital of Texas, is a beautiful city full of exciting things to do and see. Located in beautiful Texas Hill Country and surrounded by several lakes and rivers, Austin is the place to enjoy the great outdoors!

For more information, please visit:

« www.ci.austin.tx.us/parks

« www.wildtexas.com

« www.texascampgrounds.com

There are many beautiful state parks in and around

Austin for outdoor activities. Austin has thirty miles of

urban “Hike and Bike” trails for bike riding, running, and

walking.

Taking a stroll around Town Lake is a must do activity

for all visitors and Austinites alike. For hiking or

mountain biking, the Greenbelt Trails offer the best

opportunity right in the center of the city.

18

Austin Activities

“Live Music Capital of the World”

Austin is a city that attracts many creative people. It has a large community for both the

visual and performing arts. There are 33 art galleries, museums, and theatres!

Check out www.austin360.com and www.austinchronicle.com for fun events in Austin.

19

Texas Activities

San Antonio is about 1.5 hours away from Austin by car.

Area attractions include:

· The River Walk (shopping and restaurants)

· The Alamo (famous historical landmark)

· Market Square

· The San Antonio Zoo

· Sea World

· Six Flags Fiesta

· San Antonio Cultural Center

Go to www.sanantoniocvb.com for more information

Dallas is about 3 hours north of Austin by car.

Areas to visit include:

· Deep Ellum (trendy neighborhood with shopping, music, restaurants)

· Arts District

· Lower Greenville (entertainment district)

· Six Flags Over Texas Amusement Park

· Mesquite Rodeo (April-September)

Go to www.dallascvb.com/visitors for more information

Houston is about 2.5 hours away from Austin by car.

Places to visit include:

· NASA Space Center

· The Galleria (shopping)

· Museum District

· Theater District (home to performing arts: opera, ballet, and orchestra)

· Texas Livestock Show and Rodeo (February & March)

· Professional Sports: Rockets (Basketball), Astros (Baseball),

Texans (Football), Dynamo (Soccer)

Go to www.visithoustontexas.com/home for more information.

20

Austin Restaurants

"GOOD EATS" IN AUSTIN These are just a few of the great restaurants in Austin:

Iron Cactus

Tex-Mex

2004 S. 1st St.

Chuy’s

Tex-Mex

1728 Barton Springs Rd.

Polvo’s

Mexican

2004 S. 1st St.

Thai Tara

Thai

601 W. 6th St.

Titaya’s Thai Cuisine

Thai

5501 N. Lamar Blvd.

Thai Passion

Thai

620 Congress Ave.

Phara’s

Lebanese/Middle Eastern

111 E. North Loop Blvd.

Marakesh Café

Middle Eastern

901 Congress Ave.

Aster’s

Ethiopian

2804 N I-35

The Clay Pit

Indian

1601 Guadalupe

Shalimar

Indian

9310 N. Lamar Blvd.

Swad

Indian/Vegetarian

9515 N. Lamar Blvd.

South Congress Café

American

1600 South Congress Ave.

Perla’s

Seafood

1400 South Congress Ave.

Magnolia’s Cafe

American/Open 24 hrs!

2304 Lake Austin Blvd.

1920 South Congress Ave.

Korea House

Korean

2700 W. Anderson Ln.

Uchi

Japanese, Sushi & Seafood

801 S. Lamar Blvd.

DK Sushi & Seoul Market

Sushi

5610 N. Lamar Blvd.

Din Ho

Chinese Barbecue

8557 Research Blvd.

Shanghai

Dim Sum

6718 Middle Fiskville Rd.

Hoa Hoa

Vietnamese

2025 Guadalupe

Hula Hut

Tex-Mex

3825 Lake Austin Blvd.

Mozart’s

Coffee Shop

3826 Lake Austin Blvd.

Abel’s on the Lake

American

3826 Lake Austin Blvd.

Hoover’s

Southern

2002 Manor Rd.

Threadgill’s

Southern

301 W. Riverside Dr.

Trulucks

Seafood

400 Colorado St.

21

Ramen Fukuya

Japanese Noodle

and Grill

Guadalupe

Kismet Café

Mediterranean

411 W. 24th

Kerbey Lane Café

Everything! Open

24 hrs!

3704 Kerbey Lane

2606 Guadalupe

Bert’s BBQ

Barbeque

907 W. 24th

Trudy’s

Tex-Mex

409 W. 30th St.

Madam Mam’s

Thai/Noodles

2510 Guadalupe

Coco’s Cafe

Asian/Tea

1910 Guadalupe

Fricanos Soup/Salad/Sandwiches

2405 Nueces

Sushi Nichi

Japanese/Sushi

705-B W. 24th St.

Toastie’s

Sandwiches/Wraps

2408 San Gabriel

Freedmen’s

Barbeque

2402 San Gabriel

Abels

American

2313 Rio Grande

22

Consulates

Bolivia

16646 Clay Rd

Houston, TX 77084

Tel: 713-977-2344

Brazil

1233 West Loop South, Suite

#1150

Houston, TX 77027

Tel: 713-961-3063

http://www.brazilhouston.org/

Mexico

200 East Sixth St., Suite #200

Austin, TX 78701

Tel: (512) 478-2866

http://www.mexonline.com/consu

late.htm

India

1990 Post Oak Blvd, Suite #600

Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 713-626-2148/2149

http://www.cgihouston.org/

Japan

909 Fannin Street, Suite #3000

Houston, TX 77010

Tel: 713-652-2977

http://www.houston.us.emb-

japan.go.jp/

South Korea

1990 Post Oak Blvd, Suite #1250

Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 713-961-0186

http://www.koreahouston.org/

Peru

5177 Richmond Avenue, Suite

#695

Houston, TX 77056

Tel: 713-355-9517 or 713-355-

9438

http://www.consuladoperu.com/

23

TOEFL

House of Tutors administers the Institutional TOEFL twice a semester.

Cost: The Institutional TOEFL costs $75. Please see the ESL Program Director or Student Services

Coordinator to sign up and pay for the Institutional TOEFL.

Pricing and schedules for the iBT (Internet Based TOEFL) are set by the Educational Testing Service.

Students can register and pay for the iBT TOEFL at http://www.ets.org/toefl.

TOEFL Preparation Course

Intensive iBT TOEFL Prep+ Program

18 Hours of class/week

4 classes

Lab fee & Learning Materials

2 Practice ITP TOEFL Test

1-on-1 TOEFL tutoring is also available.

Please see the ESL Student Services Coordinator for more information.

Partner Schools

House of Tutors is a partner with a number of colleges and universities throughout the United States. Please check the website

under Partner Schools for a list of schools. This list changes as new partnerships are formed.

The website will indicate what the partnership agreement is, including whether the school waives the TOEFL score or accepts the

Institutional TOEFL, based on performance at House of Tutors. Please see one of the student advisors to find out more about

how to apply to a school that waives the TOEFL score.

24

Travel Advisory for F-1 Students

What do I need to travel abroad?

• Contact your country’s Consulate to determine what travel precautions they suggest.

• Contact the U.S. Department of State website to view travel advisories: http://travel.state.gov

• Make sure your Visa and Passport will be valid when you return to the US and you have a recent signature on the third page of your I-20 (within the last year)

• Speak to the ESL Program Coordinator if you have any concerns about travel or if you are not maintaining your F-1 status.

What documents do I need to take with me when I travel?

• Passport, Visa, I-94 Card (this is usually stapled into your passport)

• I-20 signed for travel by the ESL Program Coordinator within the last year

In addition, we recommend that you carry:

• Letter of Enrollment (obtained from the ESL Program Coordinator)

• SEVIS Fee Receipt

• Proof of financial support (a personal bank statement, sponsor letter)

Do I need to renew my visa if I travel abroad?

If your F-1 visa has expired, you will have to apply for a new visa to re-enter the U.S.

• Please speak with the ESL Program Coordinator before you leave the U.S. to apply for a visa renewal.

What if I travel to Mexico, Canada or the Caribbean?

If you plan to travel to a country that is contiguous* to the U.S. (but not Cuba!) and you intend to stay there less than 30 days and will not apply for a new U.S. visa, you may re-enter the U.S. on an expired visa stamp (this regulation is known as Automatic Visa Revalidation).

* - Saint Pierre, Miquelon, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Bermuda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Jamaica, The Windward and Leeward Islands, Trinidad, Martinique, or other British, French or Netherlands territories or possessions in, or bordering, the Caribbean Sea.

How does Automatic Visa Revalidation** work?

When traveling to a contiguous* country, keep your I-94 card with you upon exiting the U.S. Tell the immigration official at the port of exit (border) that you intend to stay outside the U.S. for less than 30 days and that your U.S. visa is expired. Make sure to have your I-20 signed by the ESL Program Coordinator before you travel and present that document along with your valid passport, I-94, and expired visa to re-enter the U.S.

Automatic Visa Revalidation is not guaranteed.

**Please note that citizens of Iran, Syria, Libya, Sudan, North Korea, and Cuba will not be allowed to re-enter the U.S. with an expired U.S. visa stamp, even if the trip is to a contiguous country.