Important Dates 2023-2024

Fall 1 Session: August-October

Always check the Financial Aid Calendar for payment dates.

Required Orientation (New Students).............................................Wednesday-Friday, August 16-19
Classes Begin, Fall 1 Session.................................................................................Monday, August 21
LABOR DAY -- NO CLASSES (University offices will be closed)..........................Monday, September 4
Midterm Grade Check, Fall 1 Session................................................................Friday, September 15
Final Exams, Fall 1 Session.................................................................Monday-Tuesday, October 9-10
Fall Break...........................................................................................Thursday-Friday, October 19-20

Fall 2 Session: October-December

Required Orientation (New Students)................................................Thursday-Friday, October 12-13
Classes Begin, Fall 2 Session................................................................................Monday, October 16
Midterm Grade Check, Fall 2 Session..................................................................Friday, November 10
Thanksgiving Break, no classes...................................................Wednesday-Friday, November 22-24
Final Exams, Fall 2 Session............................................................Monday-Tuesday, December 11-12
First Day to Travel............................................................................................Thursday, December 14

Spring 1 Session: January-March

Required Orientation (New Students).............................................Wednesday-Friday, January 10-12
MLK Day, no classes.............................................................................................Monday, January 15
Classes Begin, Spring 1 Session........................................................................... Tuesday, January 16
Midterm Grade Check, Spring 1 Session.................................................................Friday, February 9
Final Exams, Spring 1 Session.................................................................Monday-Tuesday, March 4-5

Spring 2 Session: March-May

Required Orientation (New Students)..................................................Thursday-Friday, March 14-15
Classes Begin, Spring 2 Session..............................................................................Monday, March 18
Designated Holiday, no classes..................................................................................Friday, March 29 Midterm Grade Check, Spring 2 Session.......................................................................Friday, April 12
Final Exams, Spring 2 Session.....................................................................Monday-Tuesday, May 6-7
First Day to Travel........................................................................................................Thursday, May 9

Summer Session: June-July

Required Orientation (New Students).........................................................Thursday-Friday, June 6-7
Classes Begin, Summer Session................................................................................Monday, June 10
Independence Day, no classes.....................................................................................Thursday, July 4
Midterm Grade Check, Summer Session.........................................................................Friday, July 5
Final Exams, Summer Session..................................................................Monday-Tuesday, July 29-30
First Day to Travel....................................................................................................Thursday, August 1

How to Pay

Paying your bill on time is important. Southeast offers a variety of payment options, so find the option that best suits you! Can’t pay your account in full by the due date? Don’t worry, we have an Installment Payment Plan (IPP). You can see your bill and payment options with SEMO-Pay on the student portal.

Remember, wire payments can take extra time, so plan ahead and pay early! Make sure to pay your bill on time, or you may be charged late fees or cancelled from your classes.

Read about Payment Options, Due Dates, Payment Plans, and International Payments on the Student Financial Services webpage.

Academic Advising

Every IEP student has an academic advisor who can answer questions and give advice. Find your academic advisor in SupportNET.

IEP Mission

The Intensive English Programs support the internationalization goals of Southeast Missouri State University by preparing English language learners for success in undergraduate or graduate study through high quality instruction in the English language and cultural activities. The Intensive English Programs emphasize the linguistic skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills necessary to succeed at an American university.

IEP Terms

IEP PROGRAM / LEVEL DESCRIPTIONS

Conditional Admission

Completion of level 5 courses with a grade of C or better will satisfy the English langauge requirement for conditional admission to an undergraduate (bachelor's) degree program at Southeast Missouri State University.

Students are eligible to begin the Graduate Conditional Admission Program (Grad CAP) if they:

• have a bachelor’s degree, and
• have completed the undergraduate IEP program of study, or have a TOEFL iBT of 61 or an IELTS Academic score of 5.5 or greater, or by departmental permission.

Completion of Grad CAP courses with a 3.0 average and no grade below C will satisfy the English language requirement for students with conditional admission to a graduate (master’s) degree program at Southeast Missouri State University. 

Example IEP Student Schedule

IEP Grades

Homework is required. Homework helps you learn, and it is an important part of your IEP grade. You should complete all homework on time.

Class grades use the university system. The grades are real and will show on your transcript, but they are not included in your overall university GPA. You can look at the last letter to see your letter grade.

ND = Non-Degree

Completing IEP

Are you conditionally admitted to a SEMO undergraduate (bachelor) program? You may begin the program after you pass level 5 (minimum grade C in all classes). In some cases, you can begin taking university classes while you finish level 5 (bridge). Your academic advisor can explain if bridging is possible for you.

Are you conditionally admitted to a SEMO graduate (master) degree? Are you conditionally admitted to a SEMO graduate (master) degree? You may begin the program after you pass the Grad CAP courses (average grade B with no grade below C). Bridging is not possible for graduate students.

IEP Attendance

You must attend class every day. Attending class is the best way to learn English. Missing class is disrespectful to your teachers and classmates.

Arrive before class time and stay until the end of class. If you expect to miss more than 10 minutes of class, you should tell your teacher before the class time, or you will be counted absent. Ask if it is possible to complete work from class – each teacher has a policy for late work. Be sure you understand the rules on the syllabus.

Students who have attendance below 90% will receive a notice from the IEP office. Students who have attendance below 80% may be placed on probation.

If you have a long illness or required religious activity, talk to your teacher as soon as possible.

IEP Level Placement

We want you to take classes at the right level—not too easy, and not too difficult. When you begin the IEP, you will take 3 placement tests:

• CaMLA – a computer test that measures listening, reading, grammar, and vocabulary
• OPI – an interview with IEP teachers to measure speaking
• IEP Writing Exam – a test to measure writing

After you take these tests, the IEP teachers will look at all the scores and make your class schedule. Your levels might be different in different classes.

During the first days of class, your teachers will give diagnostic tests. If you think your level is too low, you should attend on the first day and do your best on the diagnostic exam. These tests help us learn about your abilities to see if you should move to a higher level. Do not be absent! You cannot make up the diagnostic after test day. The Director will look at your scores to decide if your schedule should change.

IEP Level Promotions

IEP grades have two parts: Coursework and Learning Outcome Assessments.

Teachers grade coursework to show how much progress you are making toward course learning outcomes. SLO Assessment grades show you how many of the learning outcomes you achieved in the class. Coursework and SLO assessment grades are combined to find the overall grade for each class. Students who earn 70% or better on their overall course grade (including Coursework items and SLO Assessment items) will move to the next IEP level.

At the end of each term, you can try the placement exams again. If you earn A, B, or C in your classes and score high on the placement exams, you may move up more than one level.

Student Complaints

We want all students to have a good experience in the IEP. If you have any problems or concerns, we want to help.

1. If you have a question or problem with your class, grade, or teacher, try to talk to your IEP teacher first.
2. Then, if the problem is not fixed, talk to the IEP Director. The Director might meet with you, your teacher, or both of you together.
3. If you do not feel comfortable talking to the Director, or if the problem is not fixed after talking to the Director, complete the IEP Student Complaint Form online. You will get an answer by email in 1-5 days.

Academic Honesty

The Southeast Missouri University policy is applied in the IEP with the dual goals of fairness and education about university norms. Plagiarism and other forms of cheating will result in a grade of 0% for the assignment. Cheating again in any way may result in an F for the class. Very serious or repeated violations may result in removal from the program.

Always read the class syllabus to learn about requirements and penalties. Find details about academic dishonesty in the Southeast Academic Dishonesty Policy.

Plagiarism includes:

• Presenting the exact words of a source without quotation marks; or
• Presenting information, images, judgments, ideas, or facts summarized from a source without giving credit.

• Gets or tries to get information about the exam before the test;
• Copies another student's work or allows others to copy assignments or tests;
• Works in a group when she/he has been told to work individually; or
• Uses information during a test that the teacher does not approve.

• produce language for them,
• change English words or sentences (for example, but automatically fixing vocabulary and grammar mistakes), or
• translate words from one language to another language (except single words from online dictionaries).

IEP Probation and Suspension

Students who do not make satisfactory academic progress are subject to probation or suspension from the Intensive English Program. Satisfactory Academic Progress is

• maintaining 2.0 GPA each 8-week session
• not exceeding the maximum number of times a course/level may be repeated
  • English Foundations: 2 repeats (3 total attempts)
  • LS, RV, WG Levels 1-4: 2 repeats (3 total attempts)
  • Grad CAP: 1 repeat (2 total attempts)

Students who are suspended may appeal the decision using instructions in the emailed suspension notice.

Midterm Grade Reports

You can see your grade at any time in the online gradebook. In addition, after 4 weeks (after 8 weeks in Grad CAP), your teacher will give you a midterm grade report. This will give you information about your progress so far. If you are happy with your grade, you should continue your hard work! If you are not doing well, you should change how you study. Talk to your teacher or IEP advisor to make a good study plan and learn how you can improve your grades.

Final Grade Reports

You can see your final grades in the online gradebook, the SEMO portal, and SupportNET. If you have any questions about your grades, please contact your teacher. If you have questions about your schedule for the next term, please contact the IEP Director.

IEP Academic Support

Students can improve their English, make friends, and learn about U.S. culture through the IEP's free activities. When available, schedules are posted in IEP classrooms.

IEP Tutoring Lab

Students can practice English skills through games and activities or get help with their IEP homework. 

IEP Library

The Intensive English Programs' library has novels, magazines, comic books, and more. Students can easily find materials for their reading level.

Coffee Hour

Each week, students meet to practice English in an informal setting.

Conversation Partners

IEP students meet with a volunteer from the U.S. each week to practice English and to learn about different cultures.

Maintaining an Active SEVIS Record

The IEP Director monitors enrollment requirements to make sure all students complete the requirements of their legal status. Students are required to maintain all other requirements, including address reporting, keeping important documents.

IEP students with student visas may not work while they study Foundations and levels 1-5. Grad CAP students may work on campus up to 20 hours per week during the term, and full-time during annual vacation and term breaks. 

Learn all about legal status requirements in the online orientation and on the International Student Services webpage.

What is Southeast SupportNET?

At Southeast, you have a support network to help guide you on your path to success! By using Southeast SupportNET, you can connect with the correct resources and people when you need them.

SupportNET

• Receive notifications from your instructors, advisor and other Southeast personnel (sent to your Southeast email account)
• View your connections through "My Success Network" and see other services available to Southeast students across campus
• Request Help (General, Financial, or by Course)
• View your Dashboard and Messages to keep yourself on track
• Schedule an appointment with your advisor or others. Stay focused and remember, assistance is just a phone call or email away!

How will SupportNET Impact me?

• Faculty may use SupportNET to give you feedback on your academic performance throughout the term.
• Faculty can raise flags when they are concerned about your academic performance and give kudos to acknowledge when you’ve done great work or shown improvement. You will be notified via email if one of your instructors gives you any of these feedback items
• Your academic advisor and other support staff working with you will know about your faculty’s feedback and are here to support you.
• Faculty/advisors/staff can issue referrals if they think you’d benefit from a Southeast resource.
• Your flags, kudos, and referrals cannot be viewed by other students and can only be seen by individuals with the appropriate permission.

How will I use SupportNet?

• Take action if you get a flag or referral.
• Celebrate if you get a kudos – stay focused and keep up the good work!
• Schedule appointments with advisors/faculty/staff who have set up this feature.
• Request help on a variety of topics. This feature is available on your dashboard (left-hand side) once you have logged into SupportNET.
• Subscribe to receive text messages in addition to emails

Instructions can be found by clicking on the "phone" icon on your Profile page within SupportNET.

Check Email Preferences Box to receive text messages

Southeast App

Download the official Southeast app:

• Campus Directory
• Grades
• Schedules
• Campus Shuttle Tracker
• Campus Maps
• Events Calendar, including Engage in 8 for Fall semester events

Parking Services

1401 N. Sprigg Street
(573) 651-2310 | Parking

Parking Information:

• All vehicles that park on campus must display a University Parking permit.
• Parking permits are valid from August until the following August. The permit you purchase for the spring semester will be valid for summer sessions. A new permit is required in August for the new academic year.
• Students with disabilities may park in disabled parking spaces with the display of a parking permit in addition to a state-issued disabled license plate or disabled hang tag.
• If a student has purchased a decal but drives a car without the decal, a temporary permit is available from Parking Services. This permit is free.
• Students who purchase a new vehicle or trade a current vehicle should remove the old parking permit and bring it to Parking Services to receive a replacement permit. There is no charge for a replacement when the original permit is returned.

For information on parking locations, take a look at the campus map.

Transportation

Shuttle Service

The University provides a shuttle system with services to both the main and River campuses. The shuttles run Monday - Friday from 7:30 a.m. - 2 a.m. and Saturday - Sunday from 11 a.m. - 2 a.m. All University shuttles are accessible for people with disabilities. View the Shuttle Tracker in the Southeast app or your browser, or learn about shuttle routes online.

W.I.N.G.S. Shuttle

“W.I.N.G.S” provides transportation to popular places in Cape Girardeau, like movie theatres, the shopping mall and Walmart. This service begins the first Thursday of the fall semester and continues weekly when classes are in session. For W.I.N.G.S. Shuttle schedules and destinations, visit the transit site.

Public Transportation

Cape Girardeau Transit Authority

(573) 335-5533

• Free buses run Monday - Friday, 8 a.m.-4 p.m.
• Taxis run Monday - Thursday 5 p.m.-midnight, and Friday 5 a.m. - Sunday 2 p.m.
• For routes and fares, visit the CTA website

Office of Student Conduct

University Center 422
(573) 651-2264 | Student Conduct

The Office of Student Conduct helps students understand the rules of Southeast Missouri State University. They make sure students are treated fairly.

Know your rights and responsibilities as a student! Read the Responsible Redhawk Guide, Student Code of Conduct, Resident Handbook, University Smoking Policy and other important information for students.

More campus information

Some Rules:

• No alcohol on campus - You must be 21 years old to drink alcohol in Missouri (off campus).
• No weapons, chemicals, or fireworks on campus.
• Do not cover or damage any smoke detectors.
• If a University employee asks to see your Student ID, you must show them. You must obey campus police.
• Southeast is a tobacco-free campus. No smoking on campus.

Southeast Email

Office.semo.edu is the home to your email and all the resources of Microsoft365, including email and OneDrive. Enter your email address, which is your SE Key followed by @semo.edu, and the same password that you use for your SE Key.

Example: SE Key = jsmith7s
Email Address = jsmith7s@semo.edu

You must check Southeast email every day. It will have important information from teachers and Southeast offices.  

Information Technology

SEMO IT
IT Help Desk:
(573) 651-HELP (4357)
helpdesk@semo.edu

If you ever have any further questions or you are having any technology problems you can always reach out to our IT Help Desk!

• Memorial Hall Room 107; Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm
• Towers Complex; Sunday - Thursday 5pm - 9pm
• Kent Library; Sunday - Thursday 3pm - 9pm

Activating Your Southeast (SE) Key

1. Go to the Southeast Portal (portal.semo.edu)
2. Click "SE Key Activation/Change My Password"
3. Enter your Southeast ID number (S0xxxxxxx) — refer to your Admission Letter — and enter your PIN (personal identification number). Your PIN is the two-digit day and year of your birthday.
   • Example: If your birthday is August 01, 1998, you PIN is 0198.
4. Click "Sign In." Create your password based on the password rules.
5. Re-enter your new password in the "Confirm Password" box.
6. Check the box regarding reading and accepting the usage policies.
7. Click "Activate SE Key.“

University Police

1401 N. Sprigg Street
(573) 651-2215 | DPS
Open 24 hours a day

The Department of Public Safety (DPS) serves as the police agency on campus at Southeast. DPS provides 24-hour assistance, including emergency help and crime prevention programs. Southeast Missouri State University has one of the safest college campuses in the United States. Like any place, it is important to make good choices to stay safe at Southeast.

Safety Tips

• Lock all doors to rooms and apartments
• Don't leave notes on the door to show no one is home
• Ask for identification when letting in repair or service professionals
• Keep blinds and curtains closed at night
• Always have keys ready when approaching a vehicle, residence hall, room or apartment
• Avoid dark areas
• Walk in groups whenever possible
• If being followed or you feel unsafe while walking, go to one of the emergency call boxes on campus and push the button to contact DPS. You can stop to talk to the police or keep walking
• Look inside a vehicle before entering
• Put the number for campus police in your mobile phone contact list
• Never leave property (phone, iPad, laptop) in a public place
• Do not carry a lot of cash or valuable items
• Do not walk alone at night. Walk with a friend or take the shuttle. Between 8:00 p.m. and midnight, you may call for a Security Escort: (573) 651-2215 and someone will walk with you
• If you are in danger, call the Department of Public Safety (campus police) or the Cape Girardeau Police: 911 or (573) 335-6621
• If you're not sure how to get the help you need, ask the staff of the Office of International Education and Services. We're here to help you!

Campus Health Clinic: A Service of Mercy Hospital Southeast

Crisp Hall 101
(573) 651-2270 | Clinic

Through a partnership with Mercy Hospital Southeast, Registered Nurses, Licensed Practical Nurses and Nurse Practitioners provide health treatment including physical exams, laboratory services, immunizations and allergy shots, medical procedures, prescription services, special equipment needs (ice packs/crutches); well women exams and assessment and treatment of illness/injuries for Southeast Missouri State University students, faculty, and staff.

Appointment Phone Number:
573-651-2270

Bring your student ID and insurance card with you to every appointment.

Regular Hours

8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Closed 12-12:30 p.m. daily for lunch
CLOSED Saturday and Sunday and when the University is closed.

*For medical emergencies, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tuberculosis (TB) Test

Crisp Hall 101
(573) 651-2270 | TB Testing

Missouri law requires all students attending Southeast Missouri State University to complete a Tuberculosis (TB) Screening/Test. During International Student Orientation, you will visit the Campus Clinic to receive the required TB Test. More Information

Meningitis and Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR)

Meningitis vaccination is required for students living on campus. The Mumps, Measles, Rubella (MMR) vaccine is highly recommended for all students. Students may e-mail their Meningitis documentation to the Office of Residence Life or bring it with them to present during the check-in event. Students may also choose to receive the MMR vaccination at the Campus Clinic on during International student orientation.

Student Health Insurance

International students are required to have active health insurance through the University. Your insurance will be LewerMark Student Insurance and your plan includes coverage for medical services and prescriptions. Your student account will be billed each semester for the cost of health insurance. 

The LewerMark website has a lot of great information. You can view the website in your language by choosing the language from the drop-down box in the upperright corner of the main page.

The insurance does not pay for everything. You WILL have to pay for services not covered by the insurance.

Steps to Create LewerMark Login:

1. Go to lewermark.com/semo
2. Click on "Student Login"
3. Fill in with Student ID and Password. Use your date of birth as your password for the first time you log in, then you will be directed to "My Account Information"
4. Change your password and click "Confirm.“ Pick a password question and answer. This is used as a security question if you forget your password. Fill in your email address (Southeast email) and click "Update"

Access Your ID Card

When you visit the Campus Clinic or hospital, you will need to show your LewerMark insurance card. You are responsible for printing your own card. If you do not show the card, you will have to pay. Please carry your insurance card with you at ALL TIMES. To access your health insurance card, you must first log in, then follow these steps:

1. Login to your account at www.lewermark.com/semo.
2. Go to the "Print ID Card" Box at the bottom of the page
3. Follow the directions closely on the next page
4. If you have any issues, click the orange "online chat" icon in the bottom right corner and a Lewermark representative will be happy to assist.

Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility

Crisp Hall 201-202
(573) 986-6191 | Behavioral Health and Accessibility

The Center for Behavioral Health and Accessibility ensures student success by providing Behavioral Health Services, Disability Services, Alcohol & Drug Ed, & Violence Prevention Services.

Counseling Counselors help with:

• Relationships
• Sexuality
• Stress, Depression, Anxiety
• Decision Making
• Loss
• Life Changes/Transitions

Individual counseling is provided at no cost to students enrolled in the current semester.

Appointment Phone Number:
(573) 986-6191

Regular Hours
8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Monday - Friday
CLOSED Saturday and Sunday and when the University is closed.

Culture Shock

Culture shock is a feeling of confusion, doubt, or nervousness caused by being in a place (such as a foreign country) that is very different from what you are used to. 

About Culture Shock

Many students experience sadness, loneliness, anxiety, difficulty concentrating, homesickness, negative views of the U.S, and a desire to ONLY be around people from their own country. Learn more about culture shock in online orientation. 

Tips

• Be patient
• See this experience as an adventure
• Use your sense of humor. Laugh a little!
• Deal with stress as it arises. Don't let it build up
• Ask for help! It is good to ask for help

Southeast Slang

• Cardiac, Cardiac Hill — the steep hill above Towers. The football team used to run up the hill and they complained that they might have a heart attack.
• DPS — Department of Public Safety, campus police
• Flex — money on your ID card as part of your meal plan. This money does not continue at the end of the semester.
• Freshman — first-year student
• Gum Tree — a tree at the top of Cardiac Hill where many students place used chewing gum
• HD — Hall Director, someone who works in a residence hall (dorm) and supervises the entire building
• Homecoming — a weekend of parties and events to support an important American football game
• IV — International Village
• Intramurals — sports leagues for students
• Junior — third-year student
• Mascot — a person, animal, or item that represents a college, especially during athletic events Meal
• Plan — allows you to buy food with your Southeast ID; it might be for 5, 10, 15 or 19 meals each week.
• Portal — A website where you can find your Southeast email, class schedule, grades, bill, campus news, and more.
• RA — Resident Advisor, a student who works in a residence hall (dorm) to organize activities, answer questions, and help solve problems.
• Rec — Student-Recreation Center
• Res Life — Residence Life, the office in Towers that provides housing for students
• Rowdy — Rowdy the Redhawk is Southeast’s mascot
• Senior — fourth-year student
• Sophomore — second-year student Southeast,
• SEMO — Southeast Missouri State University
• SupportNET — a website where you can connect with people and services that can help you succeed
• Terraces — grassy area east of Academic Hall near Pacific and Normal Streets
• UC — University Center
• W.I.N.G.S. — safe and convenient off-campus shuttle service

Practice English

Overall Skills

• English Zone – grammar, vocabulary, spelling, writing, and more!

Listening and Speaking

News and Radio

• National Public Radio
• VOA News

Listening Skills and Practice

• Randall’s ESL Cyber Listening Lab – Listening practice for all levels
• TED Talks – Listening practice for higher levels
• TEDEd – Videos for higher levels
• Breaking English News – Listen to news at different speeds
• ManyThings – Listen and repeat podcasts
• Elllo – Listening activities for all levels

Speaking Skills and Practice

• Speaking English Activities – A variety of activities for all levels
• Three Tips to Improve Your Public Speaking Skills from voice of America News

Pronunciation

• Rachel’s English – Videos for all levels
• American Accent – Pronunciation explanations for higher levels
• English Club Pronunciation – Articles and audio for all levels
• ManyThings American English Pronunciation – Games with audio 
• Sounds of English – pictures and audio for all levels

Reading and Vocabulary

Reading Skills and Practice

• Extensive Reading Central – Reading practice for all levels
• Free Graded Readers – Practice reading and understanding quickly, for all levels

Dictionaries

• Cambridge Learner’s Dictionary – definitions and examples for intermediate learners
• Merriam-Websters Learner’s Dictionary – grammar, definitions, word of the day, vocabulary lists, and more
• Oxford Learner’s Dictionary – grammar, definitions, vocabulary lists, and more
• Vocabulary.com – definitions, example sentences, games, and lists for intermediate-advanced learners

Vocabulary Lists

• Dolch Sight Words – for beginners
• Academic Word Lists – for intermediate-advanced learners
• Language Guide – general vocabulary for beginning learners, with audio
• New General Service List – most common daily vocabulary words for all levels

Writing and Grammar

Grammar Practice

• Dave’s ESL Café – explanations and examples
• English Club – explanations, examples, and activities 
• Grammar Bytes – explanations, activities, and videos

Writing Skills and Practice

• Purdue University Online Writing Lab – grammar explanations, and writing practice

Sign up for a Conversation Partner to get extra practice and meet new friends! The best way to improve your skills is to practice! Try using English outside of class.

Find more information on the IEP website:

• Forms
• Resources
• Contact Information