SUNY Oneonta's Heritage Language Institute (SOHLI) program celebrates being multi-lingual and promotes a linguistically diverse campus community by supporting English language learners through its courses, programs, and physical space.
Who Qualifies?
SOHLI is for any enrolled SUNY Oneonta students who are developing their English language skills. This includes students who immigrated as children or adults, international students, and students who speak a language other than English at home. SOHLI also facilitates ELL professional development opportunities for faculty and staff.
Course Offerings
Whether SOHLI participants need help mastering the English language or only need help with advanced applications (i.e.: STEM terminology and research-style writing), the program provides a variety of services to students depending on their proficiency levels, wants, and needs.
We offer three levels of credit bearing courses for students who choose to develop their English:
- Tier 1: courses for students who need the most intensive practice in listening, speaking, reading and writing. Courses are 3 credits each and include:
- Tier 2: tutoring and support from time to time, one-credit courses to target specific skills such as pronunciation and academic vocabulary.
- Tier 3: on-demand support based on student needs.
Meet the Directors
Pathy Leiva
My name is Pathy Leiva, the SOHLI Director. I came to this country at the age of nine years old from Peru. I understand what it is to be an immigrant that speaks another language. My passion has been to help others while I was in high school Later on, I graduated from Hartwick College with a B.S. in Psychology and Spanish Literature. After 15 years of working, I decided to go back to school through SUNY Oneonta. After 3 years I was able to get my degree: Master of Science Education: School Counselor K-12. I have been with SUNY Oneonta for almost 19 years. In all of that time I have helped many students, but I knew it was important to create a program that could help others who are ELL and celebrate their language and show pride in who they are. Recently, I graduated as a Fellow for SUNY’s Hispanic Leadership Institute (HLI), Cohort 2023. I created a project called SOHLI, which was designed to helps student who are English Language Learners and International students to be successful at university by providing support and courses that will retain students and help with language. It has been funded by SUNY Transformation Funds. I hope we can continue to support students and if you know anyone who needs our help, contact us: SOHLI@oneonta.edu
Pathy Leiva, Director of SOHLI
Pathy.Leiva@oneonta.edu
110 Netzer Administration Building
607-436-3110
Julie Condon (MA TESOL)
Julie is an English Language and Academic Skills educator with ten years of experience working with multilingual learners in both higher education and community-based classrooms. Through her previous work experience at Pratt Institute and CUNY, Julie has been involved in teaching and curriculum development for short-term international students as well as degree seeking English language learners. When she is not in a rabbit hole of research and planning, she is usually found running, drawing silly pictures, enjoying nature with her family, and loving on animals.
Julie Condon, Assistant Director of SOHLI
julie.condon@oneonta.edu
10A Schumacher Hall
607-436-2126