The University of Michigan uses the Graduate Student Instructor Oral English Test (GSI OET), a procedure administered by Cambridge Michigan Language Assessments, for testing the spoken English of prospective graduate student instructors whose undergraduate education was not at an institution in which the language of instruction is exclusively English. A rating of 4 is required to be eligible for appointment as an instructional GSI. The evaluation procedure is a performance test that consists of four tasks that assess a candidate's competence and effectiveness in the type of communication typically used by GSIs at the University of Michigan.
The test evaluates proficiency at the high intermediate to advanced level. The tasks and evaluation criteria of the GSI OET also serve as diagnostic tools to identify language needs and strengths of a candidate. This information is used by the ELI GSI Programs Coordinator in post-GSI OET advising to recommend or require enrollment, if needed, in courses offered through the English Language Institute.
You can read more about the GSI OET in the GSI OET Information Bulletin (PDF).
You can learn more about the ELI's GSI Resources on the GSI Resources page.
Policies and Procedures on GSI Training and Testing
GSI Testing and Training policy and procedures flow chart
GSI Testing and Training Exemptions and Waivers
GSI OET Retesting and Appeals Process
The GSI OET Information Bulletin (PDF) includes a description of the re-testing and appeals policies and procedures.
