Decision Making in a University Pathway Program

• In Event: Marriott Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Culture and Assessment in Higher Education

Abstract

Increasing numbers of universities offer pathway programs as an alternative admission route for international students. Students can satisfy the university’s English proficiency requirements by successfully completing a pathway program rather than providing a TOEFL or IELTS score. The admissions decision in this context is complex: Pathway program faculty and staff use multiple sources of evidence to evaluate their students’ language proficiency and make an admissions recommendation. This case study investigates the evidence-based decision-making process in a university pathway program. The presentation examines factors and processes that influence how evidence is used to make this high-stakes decision.

Author

• Ashley Green, Rutgers University