Mississippi State University Becomes First in the State to Offer Global Seal of Biliteracy

n Mississippi, Mississippi State University is now offering the Global Seal of Biliteracy to its students, making it the pioneer university in the state to support this prestigious credential. The Global Seal of Biliteracy is a significant certification that indicates an individual’s proficiency in English and at least one more language. First established in 2018, this credential is recognized in around 60 countries globally and is structured into different levels, such as functional fluency, working fluency, and professional fluency, which are determined by the extent of proficiency displayed.

Robert M. West, the professor and head of the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures at Mississippi State University, expressed that sponsoring the Global Seal of Biliteracy aims to change students’ perception of language education from being just a mandatory task to an opportunity for professional growth. West highlighted that by enabling students to acquire a meaningful, globally acknowledged credential, they are better equipped to secure employment and advance in their careers in an increasingly interconnected and multilingual world.

Following successful completion of the required tests, students receive an official certificate along with a unique serial number that they can include on their LinkedIn profiles and resumes as formal proof of their language skills. Amie Russell, an instructor in the department, emphasized that the collaboration with the Global Seal of Biliteracy is not limited to language majors but extends to all MSU students, providing them with a distinctive credential showcasing their language proficiency. This partnership is also anticipated to attract students to the department, offering them the opportunity to understand how language and cultural knowledge can enrich their personal and professional lives as they navigate the world.

Interested MSU students can register for the Standards-Based Measurement of Proficiency (STAMPS) test through the Avant Assessment storefront, which offers online proctoring for the convenience of the students. For further information on the College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures at Mississippi State University, visit the respective official websites.

In conclusion, Mississippi State University’s initiative to offer the Global Seal of Biliteracy underscores its commitment to providing valuable opportunities for its students to hone their language skills and enhance their professional prospects in a globalized society. For more updates and information about the university’s initiatives, visit the official Mississippi State University website.