95% progression rate as first ISC students join JMU sophomore year

20 Foundation Diploma students matriculate to James Madison University degrees this August.
August 10, 2011

International students at the James Madison University ISC

At the end of the first year of the Foundation Diploma at James Madison University International Study Center, 20 students completed the program successfully - an impressive 95% progression rate to a degree.

We are proud to see the first Foundation Diploma students matriculate to their sophomore year at James Madison University this August. At the beginning of the fall semester at James Madison University, these new sophomores will be taking their seats with a special sense of celebration and accomplishment. The students reached fully qualified JMU sophomore status by completing their freshman year at the ISC, while also taking courses in English language, American culture and study skills. The ISC provides these additional courses to prepare international students for an American university degree.

Two cohorts of students – who completed the Foundation Diploma in the 2011 spring and summer semesters – will matriculate to a university degree. The ISC staff warmly congratulates the new sophomores who come from China, Japan, Saudi Arabia, Vietnam and Mali, and extends hearty wishes for their good luck and continued success on their chosen undergraduate major:

Undergraduate major




Accounting



Biology


Business





Finance

Hospitality Management

International Affairs

Marketing

Science


Studio Art

Matriculating students

Yichen Bao
Jiaqi Hu (pictured above, center)
Haonan Li
Mengjiao Wang
Yuting He (pictured above, right)
Yao Yao

Oumar Sacko
Fan Zhang

Hussein Khayat
Xie Tao
Ziyang Huo
Runhua Tian
Yunpeng Zhang

Reem Aljamid

Xiao Tang

Weili Qian

Long Thai Bui

Phat Cam Trieu
Takuto Noji

Weiwei Xu (pictured above, left) 

Comments from the matriculating students:

Asked about his chances for success during his sophomore year, Oumar Sacko from Mali said, "After those two wonderful semesters at the ISC, now I feel a lot more confident than when I had my first class." Oumar completed the 2- semester Foundation Diploma in Spring 2011.

Yuting He from China talks about the advantages of the Foundation Diploma: "Study Group helped me improve my English, and at the same time I took my James Madison University courses for freshman year. So it was good for me as an international student." Yuting completed the 3-semester Foundation Diploma in Summer 2011.

Comments from International Study Center faculty:

"I am extremely proud of the achievements of all 20 students - their dedication to their studies has readied them for enrollment as full-time James Madison University students. As the first group to progress to the sophomore year at JMU, they have established a high standard for future ISC students," said Adam Copeland, ISC Center Director. "The newly matriculated sophomores will make significant contributions to the richness and diversity of the JMU learning community due to their own gifts plus the experiences provided by the ISC."

ISC English Instructor, John Niblett, is confident that "given their devotion to learning, their keen ability to assimilate into American culture and their newly gained confidence, all matriculating students will excel at their chosen majors and graduate with a James Madison University degree to become successful alumni!"

On September 22, 2011, the ISC is planning a special matriculation ceremony to celebrate the achievements of the students who have completed their Foundation Diploma and are progressing to the second year of their bachelor's degree at James Madison University.

Learn about bachelor’s degree choices after the Foundation Diploma.