Central Pacific College
Short-Term English Program (STEP)
Welcome to Central Pacific College!

1221 Kapiolani Blvd, Suite 740
Honolulu, Hawaii 96814
info@cpchawaii.edu
Ph: (808) 791-7800
Fax: (808) 791-7804

Short Term English Program (STEP)
Student Handbook
VisionTo transform people's lives through English language learning for self-realization.
MissionTo provide high-quality English language teaching for multicultural communication among all learners.

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Table of Contents
Central 2022-2023 Overarching………………………………………………………………3
CPC Principle of Ethics…………………………………………………………………..…...3
Short-Term English Program (STEP)…………………………………………………………4
Can-Do Goals per Level………………………………………………………………………4
Short Term English Program Guidelines………………………………………………………5
Attendance Policy ……………………………………………………………………………..5
Daily Student Participation……………………………………………………………………5
Homework……………………………………………………………..………………………6
Weekly Assessments…………………………………………………..………………………6
Changing Class Levels…………………………………………………………………..…….9Making Up Classes……………………………………………………………………………9Exit Surveys……………………………………………………………………………………9Student Code of Conduct………………………………………………………………………9
Dismissal Policy………………………………………………………………………………11
Food and Drink……………..…………………………………………………………………11
Progress Report……………………………………………………………………………….11
Certificates…………………………………………………………………………………….11
Children Policy (Students with Children)…………………………………………………….11
Student Complaint Policy and Procedure…………………………………………………….11
Natural Disasters……………..……………………………………………………………….12
Refund and Cancellation Policy………………………………………………………………12
Financial Aid…………………..……………………………………………………………...12
Job Placement Assistance……………..………………………………………………………12Student Safety Tips………………..…………………………………………………………..12
Other CPC Programs………………………………………………………………………….13
Emergency Contact Information………………………………………………………………13

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Central Pacific College 2022-2023 School Goals
A. To provide high quality English-language educational programs at reasonably competitive prices.
B. To familiarize English language learners with a recognized framework of linguistic skills known as the
Global Scale of English (GSE) so that they can take control of their learning at an individual pace in a programat CPC.
C. To empower English language learners with strategic communicative skills for academic, professional, or
personal purposes.
D. To diversify our student population through increased efforts to recruit English language learners fromvarious learning backgrounds and academic purposes.
E. To provide English language learners with qualified instructors who have the education, training andteaching experience to develop, guide, enhance, and assess students' language and cultural competence.
F. To provide English language learners with activities to practice English and become aware of local
celebrations, traditions, and attractions.

CPC Principles of Ethics*Adapted from the ACCET PRINCIPLES OF ETHICS• Integrity is a central, indispensable, and defining characteristic of Central Pacific College. It isdemonstrated by striving to uphold the following principles of professional ethics:• To provide programs of study that are educationally sound, up to date, of high quality and integrity, andvisibly effective.
• To prevent and do not tolerate discrimination on the basis of age, race, ethnic origin, gender, sexual
orientation, or religion.
• To maintain fair, ethical, and clear advertising, admission, and enrollment campaigns by accurately
representing the institution and its services to all people.
• To provide effective student services that recognize individual differences and promote high student
retention, enrollment completion, and personal success.
• To demonstrate the benefits of Central Pacific College educational language programs through satisfied
students.
• To ensure proper and ethical administration of all financial aspects of the institution.
• To embrace voluntary self-regulation through an accreditation process supervised by ACCET.
• To demonstrate a commitment to the people of Hawaii by promoting local community involvement andoutings in Honolulu.
• To increase the effectiveness of Central Pacific College educational programs by providing essential
intercultural skills to support students' cultural adaptation.
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Short-Term English Program (STEP) 1 to 12 weeks
The Short-Term English Program (STEP) is a sixteen-hour per week program for temporary part-timestudents. They do not hold an F-1 student visa. This eight-level program mirrors the EPP and enhances thestudents' communicative skills and grammar use. Classes are Monday through Thursday (four lessons per
day).
CPC Placement Test Score Chart

True Beginner
Beginner
High Beginner
Low Intermediate
Intermediate
Low Advanced
Advanced
Proficiency

Multiple Choice
Cut Scores(2 skills andgrammar)Form A/B/C
0-15
0-29
30-47
48-60
61-74
75-84
85-100100

GSE Ranges
for
CPC Levels(4 skills)

CEFR
Equivalency(4 skills anddomains)

10-20
10-30
25-45
40-55
50-65
60-75
75-85
75- or higher

A1A1
A1 – A2A2 – B1
B1 – B2
B2
B2 – C1
B2 – C1

Can-do Goals per Level
Each level has specific goals that students should meet. These are benchmarks that will allow them to succeed inan academic and professional setting.
True Beginner Level - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level familiarizes learners with new sounds, simple vocabulary, and basic concepts of English grammar.
Beginner Level - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level provides learners with the foundational skills needed to participate in basic English conversation.
High Beginner - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level encourages learners to expand the development of basic conversation and grammar skills further.
Low Intermediate - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level emphasizes the use of practical grammar and conversational structures needed to participate ineveryday discussions.
Intermediate - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level focuses on enhancing and improving students' use of complex grammar and conversation structures.
Low Advanced - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level focuses on developing students' critical thinking skills via interaction with complex grammar
structures and high-interest discussion topics.
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Advanced - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level focuses on communicative fluency through the development of academic vocabulary and writing
skills.

Proficiency - Grammar Use and Integrated Skills
This level develops proficiency through high-level test-taking strategies and academic task-based
activities.

Short Term English Program Guidelines
STEP Assessment and Advancement
All STEP students are assessed with the following criteria:
Grading for STEP Students
Participation: 20%
Homework: 5%
Weekly Assessments: 20%
Students who enroll at CPC for 5 weeks or more will take an Exit
Test.
Schedule an appointment to take the test during the last week ofyour enrollment. Exit test 55%

STEP Certificates of Participation can be provided upon request. STEP students who do not attend classes by
80% or who do not get 80% of a combined score will not receive a Certificate of Participation.

Attendance Policy
Students must attend all classes (a minimum of 80% cumulative attendance per quarter and across all quarters).
● Instructors will take attendance at the start of every class and will follow the guidelines below:
o 9:00-9:10: Present
o 9:06-9:10: Tardy/Late (Being late three times counts as one absence ).
o 9:10 < : Absent● Students who leave their classroom for twenty-five minutes or more will be marked as absent for theentire class. Students will not be allowed to enter the class twenty-five minutes after it has started.

Daily Student Participation
An important part of the learning process is participating in pair and group activities, asking questions, andcontributing your opinion on different discussion topics. For each class, EPP students are given an excellent (2),good (1), or no (0) participation grade.
5Participation Score
0
▪
▪
1
▪

▪
2

▪

▪
▪

Scoring Guidelines
Student is absent.
Student makes no effort to participate in class.
Student makes an adequate amount of effort to participate in classby occasionally engaging in class/pair discussions, asking
questions, putting forth opinions on a given topic and completingin class assignments/projects.
Student uses English for an adequate amount (at least 50-60%) ofclass time.
Student makes a substantive effort to actively contribute to classand group discussions by asking questions, putting forth opinions
that engage other students to think critically, and completing inclass assignments/projects.
Homework for the day has to be presented at the beginning of theclass.
Student uses English for a large majority (at least 80%) of classtime.

Homework
All STE students must do daily homework to earn credit for their grades. If there is no homework assigned,
all students can review what they studied in class and bring questions to the class. Your instructor will check
whether you did your homework or not. If you did, you get the homework point for the day. If there was no
homework, the instructors will ask you and confirm that you reviewed the previous class.

Weekly Assessments
All students will complete a Weekly Assessment. It is very important for the students to reflect on how
they did during the week. Instructors will choose two goals for that week that they want their students to focus
on. The goals are connected to the unit and set goals for the week (based on the syllabus). Then students will
choose two things they learned or improved on. They will also give examples using the item they learned.
Based on how the instructor thinks a student does on the goals and exemplifying what they’ve learned, will
determine the score that a student gets (see criteria below the chart). Check your syllabus for more details.

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Weekly Assessment
Term: __________________
Name: _______________________Class/Instructor: _______________________

Date: __________________
Week: _________For Instructors only: Please type or write your two goals below for the week
Weekly Goal #1:
How did the student do?

____/25

Weekly Goal #2:
How did the student do?

____/25

Additional Comments (if any):
Instructions (for students): Please choose two (2) things you learned this week in class or improved on. Writewhat you learned (or improved on) in complete sentences. Also, write at least 1 example for each thing you
choose.
1. What did you learn?

For Instructor use only_____/25

For Instructor use only_____/25

2. What did you learn?

7For Instructor use only Total: _____/100

Criteria
Goal One

Break down:
Very well
Well
AlmostBarelyNeeds more time
Didn’t do/not present

Total Points
Goal Two

Points
25
20
15
10
5
0
/25

Break down:
Very well
Well
AlmostBarelyNeeds more time
Didn’t do/not present

Points
25
20
15
10
5
0

Total Points
First thing the student learned

Total points
Second thing the student learned

Total points
Cumulative Points:/25
Showed ______ Understanding or
improvement
Excellent
Close to excellent
Average
Less than average
Little to nodidn’t do/not present

Points
25
20
15
10
5
0
/25

Showed ______ Understanding or
improvement
Excellent
Close to excellent
Average
Less than average
Little to nodidn’t do/not present

Points
25
20
15
10
5
0
/25
/100

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Changing Class Levels
Because STEP students typically stay for shorter periods, they may or may not continue their studies from one
term to another. If they do, they will remain at the same class level. Exceptions may be considered if teachers
make a strong recommendation and the Director of Studies approves. Students may take the Achievement test
if they wish to do so.

Changing levels for new students● Incoming students who receive a placement score putting them between levels (for example, High
Beginner and Low Intermediate) will be placed in either level depending on their level of confidence.
● If they think that the level is too challenging, they may request to move to the lower level within thefirst week of classes. The students may consult with the Director of Studies who will then review theirplacement test scores.
● Students who achieve a 'solid' placement test score (for example, an average equivalent to Low
Intermediate) will be advised to remain in the level and to consult with the instructor(s) for additional
assistance and to boost their self-esteem.
Changing levels for continuing students● STEP students may ask their current instructor permission to change levels during the first week of a
new term. The instructor will notify the Director of Studies, who will consult with the student's
previous instructors. Please consult with the Director of Studies for further information.
Students may change their class time depending on availability. They may only change their class once perterm. Classes are offered depending on enrollment.

Making Up Classes
In some instances, classes may be canceled due to unforeseen circumstances. Students will be given the option
to do an extra activity or have an additional day added to their enrollment.

Exit Surveys
All completing students must take an exit survey before leaving CPC. The exit survey will allow the student toevaluate such areas as curriculum, instructors, facilities, student services, housing (if applicable), andadministrative staff. The office assistant will notify the completing student of the dates/times that are available
for taking the exit survey.

Student Code of Conduct
Students are expected to follow these guidelines of appropriate student behavior. Students are also prohibitedfrom any of the conduct listed below. Depending on the severity of the violation, students will be subjected to thefollowing procedures:
If a student violates any of the rules, they will be subjected to the following:
1. A verbal warning and counseling by the Director of Studies
2. A written warning issued by the Director of Studies
3. Dismissal from school
Attendance
CPC offers sixteen hours of class per week to international visitors who wish to study English in the Short-Term
Program. Students should attend class regularly and bring all necessary materials (i.e., textbooks, writing utensils, etc.) to9class every day. Instructors will take daily attendance at the beginning of class. Students must maintain at least 80%
attendance per term and cumulatively across all terms in order to make good progress.
Participation
Active participation in class is assessed by regularly completing class assignments and homework. Your teachers will
determine your involvement daily, and this will serve as part of your total course grade.
Respect
Respectful and appropriate behavior is expected toward classmates, teachers, and staff. Bullying or harassment(physical/verbal) in class or on school premises towards anyone will not be tolerated. Students who are caught doing so
will be automatically dismissed from CPC and will have their I-20 terminated.
English Only
To enhance the students' learning experience while studying at CPC, they are asked to follow the English Only Policy:* Students must speak English Only during class and in the lounge. If a student speaks another language in class,he/she will be asked to speak only English.
Course Materials.
All students are required to purchase and have the appropriate course materials and to bring them to class.
Copying Materials
Students are not allowed to make copies of their textbooks or exams for themselves or their peers. Copying textbooks
and other copyrighted material are against the law. Any student caught copying material (or in possession of copiedmaterial) violates the Student Code of Conduct and will be subjected to the full range of consequences.
Cheating and Plagiarism
In American schools, there are strict rules about cheating and plagiarism that may be different in your home country:●

Cheating includes giving or receiving answers on assignments and tests, submitting someone else's work as yourown, or using notes, books, or dictionaries for a test when these are prohibited.

●

Plagiarism is copying from a book or other sources and submitting it as your work. Plagiarism or cheating on
exams will result in automatic dismissal from school.

Cleanliness
CPC wants its campus to look as clean as possible. All students must clean up any messes they have made and disposeof it properly.
Cell Phones
Using a cell phone to make or receive phone calls, to text, and to surf the internet
during class time is prohibited. If your phone has access to the internet, you may use it only for class-related activities,
such as consulting a dictionary.
Smoking
Smoking inside the building is illegal. It is also unlawful to smoke in front of the entrance to CPC. Electronic cigarettesmoking is also banned from school property.
Belongings
Please take your belongings home every day. If you choose to leave your belongings at CPC, please store them in thebins in the student lounge. CPC is not responsible for lost or damaged items.
Bulletin Board
It is your responsibility to stay informed. Please check the bulletin board daily so as not to miss any importantannouncements and activities.

10Dismissal Policy
A student can be dismissed from school for the following violations:● Violation of the student code of conduct● Violation of the attendance policy● If they become a risk to students, teachers, and staff

Food and Drink
Students may drink tea, coffee, or water in the classroom. However, it is prohibited to eat in the school duringclass hours. Please eat in the lounge before or after classes or during breaks.

Progress Report
Students may receive a Progress Report at the end of their complete enrollment. They may request an additional copy of
their Progress Report by the Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). Students can refer to §99.10, §99.11,
and §99.12 of the FERPA for more information.

Certificates
STEP students who get a passing score and complete their enrollment with 80% attendance may request a Certificate ofParticipation a week before leaving. There is a fee for the Certificate.

Children Policy (Students with Children)
Any CPC students who have children are allowed to bring them to CPC with previous authorization fromthe Director of Studies/Managing Director. You must notify CPC ahead of time if you plan to bring your children to
CPC. You may bring your children to CPC if there is an emergency or situation when you have no other alternative.
CPC staff cannot supervise children while you are in class. Therefore, CPC is NOT responsible or liable foranything that may occur with your child(ren).

Student Complaint Policy and Procedure
Students who have questions/concerns about their classes or the program may consult directly with their instructors. The
students or instructors should fill out an Academic Difficulty Form. The instructor will inform the Director of Studies
immediately of the grievance/concern/feedback. The Director of Studies will address the issue as needed. If the Director ofStudies is unable to reach a satisfactory resolution, the Managing Director will be consulted and assist in making the final
decision.
Central Pacific College is recognized by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) as
meeting and maintaining set standards of quality. It is the mutual goal of ACCET and CPC to ensure that educational
programs of quality are provided. When problems arise, students should make every attempt to find a fair and reasonable
solution through CPC's internal complaint procedure, which is required by ACCET, requiring the submission of a written
complaint. Note that ACCET will process complaints that involve ACCET standards and policies and, therefore, are within
the scope of the accrediting agency.
If a student has exercised the institution's formal student complaint procedure, and the problem(s) have not been resolved,
the student has the right and is encouraged to take the following steps:
1. Complaints should be submitted in writing and mailed or emailed to the ACCET office. Complaints received by phone
will be documented, but the complainant will be requested to submit the complaint in writing.
2. The letter of complaint must contain the following:a) Name and location of the school,b) A detailed description of the alleged problem(s),11c) The approximate date(s) that the problem(s) occurred,d) The name and titles/positions of all individual(s) involved in the problem(s), including faculty, staff, and otherstudents,e) What was previously done to resolve the complaint, along with evidence demonstrating that the school's complaint
procedure was followed before contacting ACCET,
f) The name, email address, telephone number, and mailing address of the complaint. If the complainant specificallyrequests that anonymity be maintained, ACCET will not reveal his or her name to CPC, and,g) The status of the complainant with the school (e.g., current student, former student, etc.).
3. In addition to the letter of complaint, copies of any relevant supporting documentation should be forwarded to ACCET(e.g. student's enrollment agreement, syllabus or course outline, correspondence between the student and the institution).
4.Send to ACCETCHAIR, COMPLAINT REVIEW COMMITTEE
1722 N Street NW
Washington, DC 20036
Telephone: (202) 955-1113
Fax: (202) 955-1118
Email: complaints@accet.org
Website: www.accet.org
Note: Complainants will receive an acknowledgement of receipt within 15 days.

Natural Disasters
If CPC must cancel classes due to the possible danger of natural disasters or other unforeseen circumstances, classes will
have to be canceled. In such an event, teachers and staff will provide students with possible ways to study on their own.

Refund and Cancellation Policy
Students may request a refund at any time during the program. Students must cancel their enrollment before the start ofthe program to receive a full refund. If a student is expelled from CPC, they may still receive a refund.

Financial Aid
CPC currently does not offer financial aid assistance to students.

Job Placement Assistance
CPC currently does not offer placement assistance to students.

Student Safety Tips
Although Hawaii is one of the safest states in the United States, please be aware that it may NOT be as safe as where youcome from. Here are a few tips that can keep your property and person safe.
●
●
●
●
●
●

Be aware of your surroundings: Avoid going alone to areas that are unfamiliar or have few people around. Avoid
going out late at night by yourself.
Do not leave bags and things unattended: Thieves will often take the opportunity to steal things that are left
alone.
Do not leave purses, shopping bags, suitcases, cell phones or valuables visible in vehicles: Thieves will often
break into cars if they see such valuables.
Lock your cell phone with a PIN or biometric lock: Cell phones contain valuable information that thieves canuse.
Be cautious of who you trust: Although most people from Hawaii are friendly and trustworthy, many criminals
target tourists due to their naivete.
If you need help in an emergency, call 911: This number is used for crime, fire, and medical emergencies.

12Other English Programs
English Proficiency Program (EPP) 32 months in total
The English Proficiency Program is a twenty-hour per week program for international students with an F1 student visa.
This program develops students' communicative skills and grammar use with the purpose of mastering the English
language for academic purposes. Classes are Monday through Friday (four lessons a day). The eight levels are True
Beginner, Beginner, High Beginner, Low Intermediate, Intermediate, Low Advanced, Advanced, and Proficiency.

Conversation Program (CP) 24 months in total
The Conversation Program (CP) is an eighteen-hour per week program for international students who have an F-1
student visa. This four-level program enhances students' fluency and conversational/public speaking skills. Classes are
Monday to Thursday (four lessons per day).

TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) 24 weeks
The TOEIC program is a twenty-hour per week program designed for students who have completed the Low
Intermediate level. This course provides students with an overview of the exam and the necessary strategies and practiceneeded to take the TOEIC exam successfully.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) 24 weeks
The TOEFL program is a twenty-hour per week program designed for students who have completed the Low
Intermediate level. This course provides students with an overview of the exam and the necessary strategies and practiceneeded to take the TOEFL exam successfully.

Club Keiki Seasonal Program 1-5 weeks
The Club Keiki program is a seasonal children's program held in the spring and summer. Children enrolled in thisprogram are engaged in four hours of activities in the morning and two and a half hours of study in the afternoon.
Students may register for one week in the spring and a maximum of five weeks in the summer.

Emergency Contact Information
Please contact Central Pacific College if you need assistance.
1221 Kapiolani Boulevard, Suite 740
Honolulu, HI 96814
Phone(808) 791-7800
Fax(808) 791-7804
Emailinfo@cpchawaii.edu
CPC Student Services
Students who require assistance in finding suitable housing or seek counseling for a personal problem may consult with theadministrative staff.
Housing(808) 791-7800
Advising(808) 791-7800
Community Resources
Emergency Dispatch
911
Hawaii Immigrant Justice Center(808) 536-8826
Hawaii Poison Center(808) 941-4411
Health Center (Waikiki)(808) 922-4787
Health Center (Diamond Head)(808) 733-9281
Help Line …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………….. 211
Legal Aid Society(808) 536-4302
Mental Health Access(808) 832-3100
Mental Health America of Hawaii(808) 521-1846
National Suicide Hotline (24 hours)(800) 273-8255

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Suicide/Crisis Center (24 hours)(808) 832-3100

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