English-Only Policy The NICE Program has a strict English-only policy. You can help yourself and your classmates to improve your English conversation skills by always speaking English during all program hours.
Please speak only English in class. Also, look for opportunities to speak English outside of class.
Student Evaluations & Transcripts Teachers complete an evaluation of each student at the end of the session. Students are evaluated throughout the three weeks in two categories: A. Performance and B. Attendance:
A. Performance: Students are assessed in these four categories (total: 0-100%), and must receive a total score of 70% or higher to receive a certificate and must complete a final project:
Speaks only English during program hours. 25%
Participates and cooperates in class. 25%
Is prepared for class. 25%
Completes a final speaking project. 25%
B. Attendance: NICE has a strict attendance policy. Students are allowed up to six hours of absences. If a student is absent or late, and misses more than six hours for any reason, the student will not receive a certificate. Absences should only be for reasons of illness or emergency. But whether an absence is excused or unexcused, the same six-hour rule applies. Students with multiple unexcused absences may be asked to leave the program.
C. Certificate: Students who meet both the attendance and performance requirements receive a University of Hawaiʻi Certificate of Completion at the graduation ceremony.
D. Transcripts (grade reports) to schools: NICE is a non-credit program and cannot issue credit for participation. However, some institutions choose to give their own institutional credit for their students’ participation in the program. We are happy to provide a copy of students’ transcripts to institutions upon request. Institutional representatives should fill out the Grades Request Form and email it to the NICE Program. Students must sign the grades release section on the program application form, giving permission for us to share their grades with their home universities. We will then send pdf copies of the transcripts within five business days of the program’s completion to the students' home institutions or designated representativs.
Classroom Behavior and Courtesy Students are expected to show courtesy to teachers, classmates, and people in the community. Students who do not display appropriate behavior or courtesy will need to meet with their teacher about their actions. If immediate improvement is not shown, they will next meet with the Academic Coordinator.
If students continue to display these inappropriate actions, they will meet with the Director of International Programs who will determine if these individuals are allowed to continue in the program.