Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the application fee? Is this fee mandatory? Is this fee refundable if I do not get a Visa?

The application fee is $275 USD. This fee covers the SEVIS fee and shipping costs. The application fee is mandatory and is not refundable.

 How far in advance should I apply to be enrolled in CIEP?

You should apply 1-2 months in advance. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to be enrolled within our program. We require 3-4 weeks for the acceptance and mailing process.

APPLYING TO CIEP:

How long can I study in CIEP?

The CIEP invites students to study in its program by sending them an immigration status document (I-20). This document is not a visa. It shows your eligibility for a visa and to be an F1 (full-time) student at the University of Northern Iowa. The initial length of time on the I-20 depends on several factors, including your ability to support yourself financially or receive support for your studies while in the United States.

How much is the application fee? Is this fee mandatory? Is this fee refundable if I do not get a Visa?

The application fee is $275 USD. This fee covers the SEVIS fee and shipping costs. The application fee is mandatory and is not refundable.

 How far in advance should I apply to be enrolled in CIEP?

You should apply 1-2 months in advance. The earlier you apply, the more likely you are to be enrolled within our program. We require 3-4 weeks for the acceptance and mailing process.

CIEP LEVEL PLACEMENT:

How are students placed into a level? When do students take the placement exam?

 New students take a placement exam the week before classes begin and are placed in a level according to their English skills.

What does the placement exam cover? How long is the placement exam? Should I study for it?

The placement exam is a 3-hour exam that has five parts: writing, grammar, listening, reading and a 5-7 minute interview. You do not need to study for this test, just prepare yourself as well as possible for reading and writing entirely in English.

What if I am not satisfied with his/her placement in CIEP after the placement exam?

You may complete a “Change Level Request Form” and give it to the office staff. The director and the student’s instructors will decide if a level change is appropriate and make an answer in writing.

STUDYING AT CIEP:

What curriculum is offered by the CIEP?

The CIEP teaches classes in three different skill areas: Reading, Listening/Speaking and Writing. More information on each class can be seen here.

Does CIEP offer a TOEFL test?

CIEP offers the Institutional TOEFL every 8 weeks. We offer only the paper version of the test. The results of the test are used for UNI admission only. The Academic Learning Center on UNI’s campus offers the iBT (internet-based) TOEFL test. For more information about the iBT, call (319) 273-6023.

How many days per week are CIEP classes? What is the class schedule?

CIEP classes take place Monday through Friday. You will be expected to attend classes every day that they are held. During the academic year, classes are usually held from 11 am to Noon and then from 1 – 4 pm. During the summer, classes are held from 9 am – Noon and then from 1 – 2 pm.

How long will it take me to finish CIEP?

In order to graduate from CIEP, you must pass level 7 of every class. You can only move up one level per session. If you enter the program at level B, this will take you one and a half years, if you pass every class. If you enter the program at level 3, it will take you one year, if you pass every class in every level.

LIVING AT UNI:

How far in advance should I apply for a room in the Residence Halls on campus?

     As soon as you have been accepted by CIEP/UNI, you should submit a housing contract. Receiving a room can take several weeks, depending on the time of year. The best time to contract for a room is in the summer. New resident applicants must submit a $200 prepayment and a one-time non-refundable $25 application fee with this contract (check or money order payable to University of Northern Iowa or with a credit card if contracting online). The $200 prepayment will be applied to the student’s first university bill after residency has begun.

What type of clothing should I pack? What kind of weather does Cedar Falls have?

      Because Iowa is located in the Midwest, we experience a wide range of temperatures.  In the Spring and Summer months (April – September), you should plan to have short-sleeve shirts and other clothing items of a light material. Temperatures during these months can range between 55 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. You may also want to have a light jacket and an umbrella for rainy days. For the Fall and Winter months (October – March), you should plan to have lots of heavy clothing, including a thick coat. Temperatures during these months can range between -15 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit. We experience rain and snow frequently throughout the year, but have plenty of sunny days, as well! Most students on UNI’s campus dress in informal clothing, including t-shirts, denim jeans, cotton sweatshirts and leather athletic shoes.

What are the University Fees? Are these fees mandatory?

The University Fees are paid by all UNI students and pay for services such as Rod Library and the Wellness and Recreation Center. These fees are mandatory for all students.

Can students work on campus? How many hours can they work? What is the average wage for a student worker? What will my work schedule be like?

Students are allowed to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week. Generally, you will make minimum wage, but you may make more or less, depending on your job. In most cases, you will be able to create your own work schedule based around your classes and activities schedules. You may have to work evening and night hours, depending on your job. You will not receive extra pay for working outside of normal University hours.

ACADEMIC POLICIES:

What happens if I am late to class?  What happens if I miss my classes?

Arriving to class on time is an important part of being a successful CIEP student.  Not going to class may result in a lower grade, or a failing grade.  Students who miss more than 80% of classes in a course will be put on academic probation.  If the student does not improve their performance, they may be dismissed from the CIEP.  For more information on this policy see the CIEP student handbook Appendix F.

What is Academic Probation?

Academic probation is a time when you academic progress and success are supervised by the CIEP Director. During this time, you must work to improve your grades and/or attendance. If you do not successfully leave academic probation, you will no longer be enrolled in the CIEP.  There are three reasons you are put on academic probation: 1) low attendance, 2) poor performance, or 3) repeating the same class. In all cases, you will receive a Notice of Academic Probation (see Appendix F in the CIEP Student Handbook).

What is plagiarism?  What happens I cheat and/or plagiarize in a class?

Plagiarism is presenting someone else’s work as your own. Any ideas or materials taken from another source (student, website, book, friend, etc.) for either written or oral use and presented by you for evaluation purposes must be acknowledged and cited. Anytime you do not cite a source, your teacher will assume that the words written are your original ideas. When using ideas or words from other sources to complete an assignment, you must cite where you found them. Your teacher will help you learn the correct way to cite and credit sources, but you can ask for help, too.  Please note the plagiarism is an act of academic dishonesty and a serious offense in the U.S. academic environment. Penalties for plagiarism can be severe. If you are found to commit plagiarism, you will be penalized depending on the circumstances.  Please refer to Notice of Plagiarism/Cheating in appendix I  in the CIEP Student Handbook for examples of plagiarism and penalties.

What is the Orientation Program?  What happens if I don’t complete it?

The orientation program is a three-day event that helps new students to become familiar with the CIEP program and the UNI campus.  During this time, students will learn how to access their grades and university bills on MyUNIverse.  They will also take the placement test for classes, visit the health center, take a campus tour, and meet the director and CIEP staff.  This orientation program is mandatory for all new students.  If a student does not complete the orientation program, he or she will not be able to go to class.  It is important that students arrive on time to complete the entire orientation program and begin classes right away.

What should I do if I have a problem with a class, teacher, or grade?

We hope your experience at the CIEP is rewarding and trouble-free.  However, problems can happen and we want to help you solve them as quickly as possible.  If your problem is about your class grade, please speak to the instructor first.  You may have to make an appointment to speak to the instructor outside of class.  If, at any time, your problem is not resolved to your satisfaction or involves something personal that you cannot discuss with your instructor or the office staff, you may complete a Formal Student Grievance found in appendix K of the student handbook.  Copies of this grievance form are also available in the main office.

Do I have to study at CIEP every session to remain a student or can I take a vacation session?

Students are able to take a vacation session after they are a student for four consecutive 8-week sessions.  If a student studies in CIEP for four sessions, he or she will be able to skip a session to travel or go back home and then return to CIEP without having to renew immigration status documents.