Application to the ITA Institute
All international students who wish to become graduate teaching assistants and who are required to submit to Graduate Admissions evidence of English proficiency (for example, TOEFL or IELTS scores) must successfully complete the Institute and demonstrate before a panel fo faculty and undergraduate students their ability to comprehend and convey the information needed to be an effective teacher.
To be eligible for the ITA Institute, applicants must
- Have international student status
- Be admitted to UNL Graduate Studies
- Score a 45 or higher on the SPEAK Test or Test of Spoken English (TSE)
- Be recommended by their department chair/head, graduate chair, or TA supervisor
Application
ITA Institute applications can be completed and submitted online by a department representative. Applications will not be accepted from students. For information on submitting online applications, contact .
Waivers
Waivers from attending the Institute can be granted by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs. A student will be granted a waiver if he/she 1) receives a 60 on the SPEAK Test or TSE AND 2) receives a recommendation based on a final panel presentation AND 3) either a) has successful teaching experience at a U.S. college or university; b) is enrolled in a college teaching-related, department sponsored course that is equivalent to the Institute; OR c) is a graduate of a U.S. university. Waivers may also be granted by the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs for other reasons.
Requests for a waiver must be submitted in writing by the student's academic department chair or graduate chair to the Senior Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs.
Download the ITA Institute Waiver Form (PDF).
