Mission Statement
Improve English language skills of students at the University of Minnesota, helping them develop cultural understanding and the communication, critical thinking, and academic skills needed to be successful in academic, professional, and social settings.
Help internationalize the University of Minnesota by providing native speakers of other languages access to the University, serving as a resource to University programs and faculty who work with multilingual students, and fostering greater understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity.
Support the ESL profession by offering training opportunities for ESL teachers, providing continued development for ESL professionals, and contributing to the field through presentations, publications, and collaboration on research in second-language teaching and learning.
The Minnesota English Language Program is committed to the guiding principles of the University of Minnesota and contributes to the larger mission of the University. (See also College of Continuing and Professional Studies Core Values and UMN Regents Policy on International Education and Engagement.)
Accreditations
MELP’s Intensive English Program is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2021 through August 2031 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the US Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the United States. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, cea-accredit.org.
CEA Standards
CEA Complaint Policy
All campuses of the University of Minnesota operate with the accreditation of the Higher Learning Commission. The Twin Cities campus has been accredited continuously since 1913.
The University of Minnesota’s programs are reviewed by the Higher Learning Commission through an exhaustive review process every ten years. The U of M is currently accredited through 2025–26.
Affiliations
The Minnesota English Language Program also belongs to UCIEP, “an independent consortium of university and college-administered intensive English programs in the United States. Founded in 1967, UCIEP's purpose is to advance professional standards and quality instruction in intensive English programs at universities and colleges in the United States.” Like other member programs, MELP is committed to offering high quality English language instruction from professional and highly qualified instructors. MELP adheres to UCIEP guidelines to maintain its affiliation.
The Minnesota English Language Program is a member of English USA, the largest association of intensive English programs specifically serving programs in the United States. This affiliation supports MELP instructors and staff in the program’s mission to improve the English language skills of its students. To maintain its membership in English USA, MELP must uphold the high standards of the organization.
Contact Information
Phone: 612-624-1503 or 1-800-234-6564 Email: esl@umn.edu
Visit: Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m; closed on Fridays
Virtual Front Desk Hours (Central Daylight Time)
Wednesdays, 8:30–10:30 a.m.
Fridays, 8:30–11:30 a.m.
Reach the virtual front desk by clicking the link above or scanning the QR code.