Since 1988, the Intensive English Center has been offering a program of courses and activities designed to meet the special needs and interests of people from other countries who want to study at universities in the United States or improve their English to meet personal and professional goals. The IEC offers non-credit courses on a year-round basis; a spring semester starting in late January, a fall semester starting in early September, and one six-week summer session. The IEC faculty consists of experienced instructors holding advanced degrees. Class size is small, which makes it possible for each student to receive personal attention from the instructors.