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Communications Resources
A Student Guide to Program Expectations
Metropolitan College is proud of the diversity of its student population and is committed to educating undergraduate and graduate students in an environment that welcomes students from all backgrounds and cultures. At the same time, faculty members are committed to evaluating student work in a manner that is consistent with the high normative standards of university education.
It is a common and unfortunate misconception to believe that excellence in a field of study, such as mathematics or computer programming, can be achieved without proficiency in English, even if mathematical symbols and formal syntax are the same regardless of native language. In fact, the contrary is often true: a subtle change in the English formulation translates into a different formula or syntax construct, and may lead to serious errors. While it is the duty of educators to develop and nurture students’ English knowledge and skills while ensuring their mastery of the professional terminology, responsibility must also lie with the student. Open communication must be maintained within the classroom and assistance must be sought if a student feels that he or she is in need of further tutoring.
In an effort to ensure future success, both academically and professionally, no student, regardless of nationality, will be granted a Metropolitan College degree if he or she cannot produce clearly written work such as research papers, business correspondence, critical analyses of issues or problems, well organized business plans, or other documents normally expected in the field. Metropolitan College believes that all students should be evaluated critically and consistently based not only on what they have to say, but how they say it.
At the undergraduate level, Metropolitan College has revised its English Composition requirements to assure a higher standard of proficiency in written communications. As part of course requirements, students must demonstrate their mastery of writing and spoken English.
At the graduate level, this challenge and responsibility is equally important. University faculty recognizes that Boston University has a large population of international students, many of whom are not English speaking. They also recognize that many graduate students who are native English speaking may not have had an undergraduate education (e.g. studio art, music performance, mathematics, or engineering) that demanded extensive written work. Knowledge of the English language is central to success both in graduate studies and a professional career. Understanding lecture material, taking part in class discussion, efficiently distilling knowledge from the large body of professional literature, articulating ideas for a project or a management approach, justifying a strategy or business plan – all depend on the ability to communicate, orally and in writing, clearly and concisely. Toward this end, each department or graduate program will develop its own diagnostic means of evaluating student writing and make remedial assistance available to all students who are not producing work at a satisfactory level.
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