Meeting the GE English Language Requirement
Students whose native or primary language is not English must demonstrate English speaking proficiency before holding a teaching-related GE appointment.
Native/primary language is defined as: A language you used as a primary language in your childhood, rather than learning it as a foreign language.
This requirement is separate from the English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirement for admission. Even if you satisfy the admission requirement through a degree from an approved English-speaking country or receive an ELP exception, you must still meet the GE English language requirement before holding a teaching-related GE appointment.
The following test scores are accepted to fulfill this requirement:
Test | Minimum score |
|---|---|
TOEFL Speaking Section | 26 or higher on the 0-30 scale OR 5 or higher on the new 1-6 scale |
IELTS Academic Module Speaking Band | 7.0 or higher |
Duolingo English Test (DET) Speaking Subscore | 130 or higher |
SPEAK Test Administered on Campus
Students who do not submit a qualifying TOEFL, IELTS, or DET score must complete the SPEAK test administered by the University of Oregon prior to the start of their GE appointment.
The cost of the SPEAK test (currently $35) is waived for those who have GE appointments during the academic year in which they take the test, in accordance with the UO-GTFF Collective Bargaining Agreement, Appendix B.
Fall 2025 SPEAK Test Information
LOCATION: Remote via Zoom
TIME: Various timeslots available. Tests take approximately 30 minutes.
HOW TO SIGN UP: Email Alicia Going (argoing@uoregon.edu) before September 16 to schedule an individual appointment.
More details about the SPEAK test, including a practice test
Language Support Courses
GEs who score below 50 on the SPEAK Test will be required to complete a language support course offered specifically for GEs. The course is offered Fall term only.
Fall 2026 course information:
GRST 610
US Teaching Culture & Communication
4 credits
Schedule: TBD
View the Full Policy on Assignment of Non-Native English Speaking Graduate Employees