Communications
I trust all is well as we make final preparations for the upcoming term. Here are some things to consider as you do so.
1. GDL Hours of operation for the Winter 2024 term are as follows:
| Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday | 9:00 AM - 9:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Saturday | 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM |
| Sunday | 6:00 PM - 9:00 PM |
2. So we can keep better track of your work orders, we ask that you complete the linked form on the homepage whenever possible. You name it; we do it!
3. Reservations for any one of the three laboratories can be made using 25Live. As a reminder
a. CGL 123 is a seminar/conference room with an expansive table and adjoining chairs.
b. CGL 126 is a desktop laboratory created with language learning in mind. When making reservations for this room, you automatically receive adjoining testing rooms CGL 124 and CGL 125 for your convenience. This room has a central console which can control all desktop computers and permits maximum local sharing of screens/audio/video. This room has a central distribution system.
c. CGL 134 is a multi-purpose room that can be configured in many ways. The room is equipped with the central console, fourteen wireless laptops, and two project rooms. When you reserve CGL 134, you automatically reserve adjoining project rooms CGL 127 and CGL 128. This room also has a central distribution system for local screen sharing and viewing.
4. So you are aware, the GDL offers to members of the University Community private accounts to Mango Languages. According to the Mango Languages site, more than 70 languages are offered, and it is the "highest-rated language-learning app" available. Alumni use it to keep up their language(s) studied at W&L, students use it to explore the realm of language learning, and faculty assign it to prepare students for travel and study abroad to countries where the language has yet to be studied. If you are interested in getting an account, reach out to the GDL
5. For the academic year 2023-2024, the multiple language-learning program will be in full swing offering more than six different languages to students in elementary and middle schools in Lexington, Buena Vista, and Rockbridge County. This is a volunteer program where W&L students can share what they have learned (language and culture), be a part of community service, and gain experience and confidence in working with and for others. Please share info about the program with your students, and if you have interested students, please send them our way.
6. The Virginia Governor's World Language Academies continue to thrive here on campus. Late in fall 2021 we were officially awarded our third, five-year grant for the full-immersion academies. (165 students and between 35-40 instructional staff) Biannually we do an assessment of student skills and at the conclusion of the academies of summer 2022, 52.2% of the academy students tested at the Advanced level. Overall, 72.5% tested at the Intermediate-High level or above. Results are based on the ACTFL Performance Descriptors in the four skill areas.We are preparing now for the summer 2024 Governor's Academies, in which we hope to achieve these same great results.
If you are not familiar with the program or want some updated information about it, take a look at the VGWLA home page to get a better appreciation and understanding, and to view showcase videos from several different years, featuring the full-immersion academies. In these showcase videos, you will be able to see real student progress from start to finish.