OPELA - Information for Post-Grad UTS Online students

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• Why do I need to complete OPELA?

  The English Language Policy (the policy) sets out the framework for English language proficiency requirements and support at UTS. This is in addition to the Admissions and Recognition of Prior Learning Policy, which outlines the English language admissions standards. OPELA helps identify students who need help to develop their academic language to ensure that students meet the English language proficiency requirements for their course.

  All students are required to complete an online post-enrolment language screening task. You may think that your academic language is sufficient for university study. However, we still require you to complete OPELA. It is only by screening all students that we can identify those who need language support. By completing OPELA you are helping us provide academic language and literacy support to students who may need it.   

• When is OPELA available to UTS Online students?

  Students will be informed about OPELA during their orientation week and will be able to access OPELA from their Canvas dashboard. 

• Do I need to prepare for OPELA?

  No, you do not need to prepare for OPELA. OPELA is not a test, there are no preparation materials aside from the short practice exercises before each component of the OPELA task.

• My first language is English. Do I still need to do OPELA?

  Yes, you still have to do OPELA. OPELA focuses on your level of Academic English language, not your level of everyday English language. 

• Is my OPELA “result” included in my academic record?

  No, OPELA provides a form of feedback for you to use rather than a “result”. Your OPELA information is not included in your academic record and will not appear on your official Academic Transcript or your Australian Higher Education Graduation Statement (AHEGS). 

• I have a disability which means I may not be able to undertake OPELA, or it may impact my OPELA result. What should I do?

  Please register with the UTS Accessibility Service.  Accessibility Services will then be able to refer students to the appropriate alternative arrangements. 

• What happens once I have completed OPELA?

  Your result and feedback will be available to you at My Student Admin within 24 hours of completing OPELA. If your result from OPELA is 'Basic Proficiency', you will be invited to attend our 'Language strategies for success' workshops.

• What does the feedback I receive mean?

  The feedback provides you with a snapshot of your current academic proficiency as follows:

  • • Basic Proficiency: This suggests that you will need to spend a significant amount of time improving your Academic English throughout your degree. You will be invited to attend our 'Language strategies for success' workshops. These workshops are free and run in week three of each study period and are designed to help you with your academic language. 

  • • Intermediate proficiency: While it is likely students will be able to meet the demands of their course, they should further develop their language skills by accessing the language development activities, resources and services that are available. UTS HELPS is a great resource for students, and we highly recommend contacting them to assist with your studies.

  • • Good proficiency: Students have good foundations in academic language for university study. However, they should continue to further develop their language skills during their course. 

• What happens if I do not complete OPELA?

  Language screening tasks are compulsory for all commencing students. If you do not complete OPELA, a sanction will be applied to prevent you from accessing your subject results and transcript in My Student Admin. 

• I have received a Basic proficiency in OPELA. What do I do next?

  You will receive an email from academic.language@uts.edu.au directing you to your language development workshop, “Language Strategies for Success”. The workshop will appear on your canvas dashboard one week after completing OPELA and will contain information on how and when to attend. 

• When will the academic language workshops be held?

  There are two two-hour workshops. These workshops run in Week 3 of each study period but cannot be attended together in the same session. This means you complete the first workshop in your first study period and then the second workshop in your second or third study period. 

• What happens if I do not attend the academic language workshop?

  The workshops are not compulsory to attend.

• How can I remove my OPELA sanction?

  To remove your sanction, complete the OPELA task and email us at  OPELA@uts.edu.au