Potential Students
The Multicultural Center is the first stop for most students whose first language is not English. We can help you match your needs and goals with the programs Richland offers. If you want to improve your English skills for your job or for general purposes, the non credit program is for you.
To get started, just come by the Multicultural Center , or call us at 972.238.6900. If your goal is a college degree or certificate, the credit program is for you. Richland College is one of the few community colleges in the country that offer English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) as a credit program. Here is why:
ESOL is needed:
Students who immigrate to the United States or come here to study do not always have the English skills required for U.S. College or workplace success. Even U.S. high school graduates whose first language is not English do not always have the skills to satisfy Texas ' requirements. As a result, up to 50% drop out of college!
ESOL is focused:
Academic ESOL develops the speech communication, reading, writing and grammar skills that Richland faculty and research have identified as skills for college success. New and continuing students' skills are measured carefully, so each student can be confident of taking only the ESOL classes needed.
ESOL works:
Students who take ESOL are the most successful Richland students, according to college research. They make better grades in college classes and are more likely to stay in school.
If you want to enroll in the credit program, just follow these simple steps:
- Obtain an application at the Admissions Office (T170) or print an application from the Richland website.
- Complete the application and turn it in at the Admissions Office. Admission usually takes only a few minutes.
- Take your admission documents to the Multicultural Center , where you will meet with an advisor to:
- Talk about your goals
- Schedule an orientation session
- Decide what kind of skills testing you need and receive a referral for those tests
- Use your test scores to decide what classes you will begin with and enroll in those classes
- Pay for your classes at the Cashier's office or visit Financial Aid if you want help with paying for classes.