Progression Requirements

IAP Overview 

The undergraduate International Accelerator Program (IAP) is a non-degree program for international students lacking the required English proficiency to be admissible to degree programs at American University (AU). The program is comprised of two distinct tracks: The Extended Accelerator Program track and the Academic Accelerator Program track. Students are placed in a curricular program track based on their English language proficiency level. The Extended Accelerator track is a four-term program during which students earn a minimum of 24 credits transferable to an undergraduate degree. The Academic Accelerator is a three-term program during which students earn a minimum of 24 credits transferable to an undergraduate degree. Within the Academic Accelerator, students with higher language proficiency are placed in the Advanced Academic Accelerator sub-track. Students in all tracks must comply with minimum F-1 visa course enrollment requirements while in the IAP.

• Students are not allowed to take any 400 level courses while enrolled in IAP.
• Students may take a 300 level course only in their last semester of IAP and with their Student Service Advisor’s approval.

Pass fail is only permitted for 0 credit as long as it does not exceed 17.5 credits.

Curricular Tracks Within International Accelerator

Extended Accelerator Program (EAP):

The Extended Accelerator Program (EAP) is a four-term program which requires successful completion of at least 24 academic credits transferable to a bachelor’s degree at American University. Students may complete the program in as few as three terms. Should students require the full four terms to complete requirements for successful progression (defined below), students may enroll in a reduced course load in their final term if that term is summer and with approval from ISSS and IAP.

Curriculum: Extended Accelerator Program Track

Required Courses

1. Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA 064)
2. American University Experience 1 (“AUx1”, CORE 196)
3. English for Academic Purposes (ELTA 070)
4. Critical Reading Skills (ELTA 072)
5. Quantitative Literacy 1 course (as designated by Math department)
6. Academic Writing Skills (ELTA 101)
7. Culture of US Higher Education (ELTA 160)
8. Intercultural Understanding (ELTA 130)
9. College Writing (WRT 100)

Elective Courses

Electives to be selected with Academic Advising, as articulated in the Accelerator curriculum; at least one course.

Students admitted to EAP must earn grade of “B-” or better in all ELTA courses, and “C” or better in all other Required Courses. All students must complete remedial coursework in each term. Courses that satisfy the remedial standard are Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA-064) and ELTA 160. While in the program, students will earn credits towards the AU Core Curriculum by completing American University Experience 1 and Quantitative Literacy 1, and starting the Writing 1 sequence.

Academic Accelerator Program (AAP):

The Academic Accelerator Program (AAP) is a 3-term program which requires successful completion of at least 24 academic credits transferable to a bachelor’s degree at American University. The Academic Accelerator Program has an Advanced sub-track, differentiated by the writing courses in which students enroll. In the Advanced sub-track (AAAP), students may complete the AU Writing requirement prior to progression. Requirements for enrollment in WRT 101 are stipulated below. Students may complete either the AAP track or AAAP sub-track in as few as two terms. Should students require the full three terms to complete requirements for successful progression (defined below), students may enroll in a reduced course load in their final term if that term is summer and with approval from ISSS and IAP.

Curriculum: Academic Accelerator Program Track

Required Courses

1. Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA 064)
2. American University Experience 1 (“AUx1”, CORE 196)
3. Academic Writing Skills (ELTA 101)
4. Quantitative Literacy 1 course (as designated by Math department)
5. Culture of US Higher Education (ELTA 160)
6. Intercultural Understanding (ELTA 130)
7. College Writing (WRT 100)

Elective Courses

Electives to be selected with Academic advising, as articulated in the Accelerator curriculum; at least one course.

Curriculum: Advanced Academic Accelerator Program Sub-Track

Required Courses

1. Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA 064)
2. American University Experience I (“AUx1”, CORE 196)
3. Quantitative Literacy I course (as designated by Math department)
4. Intercultural Understanding (ELTA 130)
5. College Writing (WRT 100)

Elective Courses

Electives to be selected with Academic Advising, as articulated in the Accelerator curriculum; at least one course. Students must attempt to take WRT 101 in the term following successful completion of WRT 100, unless that term is summer.

Students admitted to AAP or AAAP must earn grade of “B-” or better in all ELTA courses, and “C” or better in all other Required Courses. All students must complete remedial coursework in each term. Courses that satisfy the remedial standard are Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA 064) and ELTA 160. While in the program, students will earn credits towards the AU Core Curriculum by completing American University Experience I and Quantitative Literacy 1, and starting the Writing 1 sequence.

Progression Plan for the International Accelerator Program

The Progression Plan is the guiding principle for the courses of action taken for students as they progress from one program level to another. Students are expected to meet academic standards enumerated and detailed below.

General Standards

1. For the general purposes of university degree and program requirements, students will be governed by the catalog year in effect for the academic year in which they are admitted to the IAP program rather than the catalog year in effect at the point of formal admission to a degree program, provided that they successfully maintained continuous enrollment between these two points.
2. The maximum credit load per term should not exceed 17.5 credits, including non-transferable credits.
3. Upon successful completion of the International Accelerator curriculum, students may transfer into an undergraduate degree program if they meet the progression standards set below and obtain the minimum GPA standards for the degree program.
4. Students must maintain compliance with AU’s Undergraduate Academic Regulations including AU’s Academic Integrity Code.
5. Students must maintain compliance with AU’s Student Conduct Code.
6. Students on academic probation must satisfy all conditions of their probation before they will be considered for progression.

Attendance and Visa Requirements

1. Regular class attendance for all IAP students consistent with requirements stated on course syllabi is required to ensure students meet the goals of the program. Students who receive grades of “FX” or “ZX” may be administratively separated.
2. F-1 students are required to maintain good academic standing and immigration status in every term to stay in the program. They must enroll for a minimum of 12 credits and attend classes as required by the Department of Homeland Security. Failure to meet the F-1 visa enrollment and attendance requirements may lead to loss of immigration status and deportation. Full details of visa requirements can be found in the AU Catalog.
3. Students must complete their program in consecutive terms. Depending on their start date, a summer term may be included in the program and therefore a full course of study may be required, unless it is the final term with approved reduced course load in consultation with ISSS.

Language Proficiency Placement

Upon arrival on campus, all admitted IAP students have the option to take an English proficiency test. This test is administered for curricular track placement and to develop individualized academic support for student success as needed.

Standards for Transfer from IAP to Degree Seeking Status

1. Completion of an appropriately designated Quantitative Literacy I course with a grade of “C” or better.
2. Completion of WRT 100 with a grade of “C” or higher.
3. Completion of all ELTA courses with a grade of “B-” higher.
4. Grade of “P” in Live, Learn, Grow (ELTA-064) as stipulated in #2 in “Progression Plan Options,” below.
5. Grade of “C” or higher in American University Experience I (“AUx1”, CORE 196)
6. Completion of a minimum of 24 credits and maintenance of minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA is needed for a student to be guaranteed matriculation to AU.

Progression Plan Options

1. Students who fail to achieve the above standards are permitted to retake any ELTA course one time in the next term. Students who are not successful in achieving the minimum grades required for Q1, WRT 100, ELTA prefix courses and AUx1 are required to reattempt the course(s) in the following term. All other courses are governed by the existing rules and regulations (see regulation 4.3). Students may repeat a maximum of five courses while at American University (see regulation 4.3.3).
   • a. Students who fail to earn a 2.0 and complete 80% of their attempted credits are subject to warning, probation, or dismissal (see regulation 5.7)
   • b. Retaking course(s) in the next term will only be considered if the student is able to raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum 2.0 in the next term while enrolled in a minimum full-time course load (no fewer than 12 credits). Retaking course(s) in a final term will only be considered if the student is able to fulfill progression requirements by completing remaining required coursework and/or raise their cumulative GPA to a minimum of 2.0 during that term while enrolled in a minimum full-time course load.

2. Designated remedial courses (ELTA 064 and ELTA 160): Students who do not successfully pass the designated remedial course required for their program on the first attempt are required to repeat the course in accordance with AU academic regulation 4.3.

3. In accordance with AU academic regulation 4.3.4, “students are responsible for determining any academic or financial implications for repeating courses. In the context of this policy, passing a course includes meeting any stipulations needed to satisfy a University or major or minor requirement. Grades for each attempt are computed in the overall cumulative GPA, but only the highest grade and the credit associated with that grade counts toward the major GPA requirements.”

4. Petitions to appeal administrative separation or additional term requirements as a result of the failure to meet progression standards as defined above must be submitted in writing by the student within 48 hours from the day grades are due. Petitions will be reviewed by the IAP Appeal committee. All decisions will be final. Information about the appeal process can be found here.