Master of Science in Curriculum and Instruction

Department of Teacher Education

Graduate Student Handbook Academic Year 2015-2016

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Table of Contents

Welcome from the Dean, School of Education 3 Philosophy Statement 4 Conceptual Framework 5 Program of Study and Timeline for Degree Completion 5 Degree Requirements 5-6

Admissions Policies 5-6 Transfer Hours 6

Academic Standards 6-7 Academic Progress 6-7 Incomplete Grade 7

Graduation Requirements 7 Program Policies and Procedures 7-8 Tuition and Fees, Billing, and Financial Aid 7-8

Student Number and Email Address 8 LioNet and Blackboard 8 Vehicle Registration 8 Lion Card ID 8 Contact Information 8

University Policies Impacting Graduate Studies 9-11 Statement of Principles 9 Academic Integrity 9 Student Conduct 9 Human Subjects Protection Policy 9-10

Computer Acceptable Use Policy 10 Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act 10-11

Disability Access 11 Equal Opportunity, Harassment and Anti-Discrimination 11 Sexual Harassment 11 Student Resources and Support Services 11-12 Advising and Mentoring 11 Advising, Counseling and Testing Services 12 Beimdiek Recreation Center 12 Career Services 12 George A. Spiva Library 12 Wilcoxon University Healthy Center 12 Course Descriptions and Sequence 13-14 Program Governance 15-16 Graduate Program Oversight Committee 15 Meetings 15 Graduate Faculty Classification Policy 15 Full Time Faculty 15 Adjunct Faculty 15 Graduate Faculty and Approval Policy 16

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Dear Graduate Students:

Congratulations on your acceptance to the Missouri Southern State University Teacher Education

Department’s Master of Science in Education Program. On behalf of the graduate faculty and staff, I want to

thank you for choosing our graduate program. For some of you, entry into the graduate school represents a

continuation of your education at our campus. For others, you may have taken a different academic journey to

join us. Regardless of the path that brought you to us, we welcome you. Our goal is to ensure that you will

have a successful educational experience at Southern.

The Master’s in Education Program is based on a conceptual framework that defines the role of the teacher as

a reflective decision maker. Through our conceptual framework, we create teachers who can think critically

and formulate informed educational decisions. We prepare our graduates to act as reflective educators for a

global society and to recognize and embrace the multiple roles of a teacher as a practitioner, lifelong learner,

researcher, provider of service, and change agent.

Our faculty and staff believe that overall growth and learning are accomplished through problem solving,

evaluation, and reflection. The graduate program is dedicated to offering quality teaching and learning that

emphasize critical thinking, professional growth, research, ethical practice, and leadership development.

I wish you a successful and enjoyable chapter of your life as you begin your graduate studies and hope that

your time with us will be rewarding, inspirational, and productive.

With Lion Pride,

Dr. Deborah Brown, Interim Dean

School of Education

3950 E. Newman Rd • Joplin, MO 64801-1595 Ph: 417-625-9314 • Fx: 417-625-9771

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Missouri Southern State University Graduate Program Philosophy The Missouri Southern State University Graduate Program is founded upon the belief that all graduate candidates should be challenged to examine their practice from an analytical and reflective viewpoint in order to encourage critical and creative thinking. We believe that overall growth and learning is accomplished experientially; through problem solving, research, evaluation, and reflection. Missouri Southern State University is committed to responding to the educational needs of our constituents and community. The Graduate program at MSSU is dedicated to offering quality teaching and learning that emphasizes critical thinking, professional growth, research, ethical practice, and leadership development. Congruent with the University’s mission, MSSU may collaborate with selected universities in order to offer distinctive graduate programs that foster the ideal of preparing candidates to compete in a diverse and dynamic world. The Philosophy Statement was approved by the MSSU Faculty Senate on November 5, 2007 and the MSSU Board of Governors on November 16, 2007.

Master of Science in Education Degree--Curriculum and Instruction Program (M.S.E.) The Master of Science degree in Education with a major in Curriculum and Instruction is designed for current classroom teachers who have a Bachelor’s Degree in Education from an accredited college or university and would like to enhance their knowledge and pedagogical skills for the K-12 classroom. The Master of Science in Education program is based on a conceptual framework that defines the role of the teacher as a reflective decision maker. In this role, the teacher must make decisions about pedagogical approaches and lesson design. Our conceptual framework creates teachers who can think critically and formulate decisions related to the multiple roles of teaching for its successful achievement and supports the Teacher Education mission to develop reflective educators for a global society. Some extensions of the role of the teacher as a reflective decision maker include the teacher as a practitioner, lifelong learner, researcher, provider of service and change agent. See Figure One on page 5.

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Figure One

Program of Study and Timeline for Degree Completion

The Master of Science in Education is designed as a cohort program comprised of six credit hours per semester. All courses have a hybrid design (part seated and part on-line). The following table shows the anticipated course sequence. Course descriptions are found on pages 13-15 of this handbook. Sequence is subject to change. First Semester Second Semester Third Semester EDUC601 Current Issues EDUC610 Multiculturalism in Education EDUC620 Advanced Learning Theories EDUC605 Educational Technology EDUC615 Managing Classroom Environments EDUC625 Literacy Instruction

Fourth Semester Fifth Semester Sixth Semester EDUC630 Assessment of Student Learning EDUC635 School Law EDUC640 Curriculum Construction EDUC650 Research Design EDUC660 Teacher Leadership EDUC645 Improvement of Instruction

Degree Requirements Candidates will complete 36 hours over a prescribed six semester program. The degree is designed to be completed in two academic years. The graduate program student must successfully complete the Comprehensive Final Examination. The Teacher Education Department will notify the student with the specific date and time of the exam.

Admissions Policies There are three categories for admission to the M.S.E. Program:

1. Full Admission to graduate study requires formal application for admission, a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 3.0 on a 4.00 scale, and official scores from the Graduate Record Examination. For tests taken after 8/1/2011, the minimum score is 140 in verbal reasoning and 140 on the quantitative reasoning.

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Applicants with scores below the minimum may be granted tentative admission status. For testing prior to 8/1/2011, a minimum score of 700 on the combined verbal and quantitative sections of the Graduate Record Examination is required.

Graduate candidates who earn below a 3.00 grade point average for two consecutive terms of enrollment will be suspended for one term. A candidate who has been re-admitted after a one-term suspension and who does not achieve a 3.00 grade point average for the term of re-admission will not be permitted to continue in that master’s degree program. All candidates will complete a supervised writing assessment conducted by the Department of Teacher Education. Candidates must show proof of an earned Bachelor of Science in Education (B.S.E.) degree from a college or university accredited by agencies recognized by Missouri Southern State University. Submission of three professional references, one from current principal and two from professional colleagues, is also required.

2. Tentative Admission to graduate study may be allowed if the candidate has a cumulative undergraduate GPA between 2.99 and 2.49. The candidate must achieve a 3.00 GPA in his or her first six semester hours of graduate study or be subject to suspension for one calendar year.

3. Admission as a Non-Degree Seeking graduate student for professional growth purposes requires

proof of a baccalaureate degree from an institution accredited by a regional or national accrediting association. The student will be classified as a “non-degree” seeking graduate student. A non-degree seeking student, who later wishes to enter a degree program, must undergo the full application and admission review process. No more than six graduate hours earned as a non-degree student may be applied or transferred into a regular degree program.

Transfer Hours The School of Education will accept up to six hours of transfer credit toward the M.S. E. program. Coursework the candidate is transferring must closely align with courses in the M.S.E. program. Applicants must submit official copies of their transcripts to the Office of the Registrar, 101 Hearnes Hall. The Graduate Program Oversight Committee will analyze the transcripts and award credit. Courses applied to the degree may not be older than eight years.

Academic Standards Academic Progress 1. Graduate candidates must complete all requirements for the master's degree within five years of first enrollment. Candidates who do not complete degree requirements by the established deadlines will not be considered in good academic standing. These candidates may submit an appeal to the Graduate Program Oversight Committee to extend the degree deadline. 2. Graduate candidates are expected to maintain a 3.0 cumulative grade point average. 3. A graduate candidate with a grade point average below a 3.00 grade point average for two consecutive terms of enrollment will be suspended for one term.

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4. A candidate who has been re-admitted after a one-term suspension and who does not achieve a 3.00 grade point average for the term of re-admission will not be permitted to continue in the graduate degree program. 5. The above policies for Academic Progress are academic requirements and do not reflect Financial Aid requirements.

Incomplete Grades A grade of "I" (incomplete) is assigned by the instructor when a candidate is unable to complete a course due to extenuating circumstances, and when all requirements can clearly be completed in a short period of time following the close of regular classes. In all circumstances where an "I" grade is received, the work must be completed within one academic year or be changed to a grade of “F” on the academic transcript. Graduation Requirements The graduate program candidate must successfully complete and submit an electronic portfolio. The graduate program candidate must successfully complete the Comprehensive Final Examination. The Teacher Education Department will notify the candidate with the specific date and time of the exam. The graduation application form must be completed by the graduate candidate, signed by the graduate program advisor and submitted to the Registrar’s Office Prior to Commencement, the Missouri Southern State University Registrar's Office will mail commencement information, which will contain a form to order academic regalia. A one-time, graduation fee will be assessed and must be paid regardless of participation in the commencement exercise.

Program Policies and Procedures

Tuition and Fees, Billing, and Financial Aid

Graduate candidates will pay tuition and fees in the Bursar’s Office. They have the option of paying separate fees to have access to the Beimdiek Recreation Center and the Willcoxon Health Center. Degree seeking graduate students may complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine if they are eligible for Stafford Loans and Teach Grants. The FAFSA can be completed at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Candidates may pay their tuition and fees electronically on LioNet or in person at the Bursar’s Office on the first floor of Hearnes Hall. Deadline dates for tuition/fee payment are set each semester. Candidates may also make arrangements for payment plans through the Bursar’s Office.

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Student Number and E-Mail Address

Once provisionally accepted to MSSU, a graduate candidate will receive a student number (S#) and email

address. This information will be mailed to the candidate’s home address. The S# is used to obtain

important student information from LioNet and to access Blackboard. All official correspondence from

the University will be sent through MSSU e-mail. Candidates should check email regularly.

LioNet and Blackboard

LioNet is the University information portal. On LioNet, candidates can access campus announcements and/or events, view account balances and holds, and view records and transcripts. Students can access LioNet with the University generated Student Number (S#) and Personal Identification Number (PIN). Blackboard is the University content management system. Professors use Blackboard to post assignments and grades and use various features to conduct on-line or hybrid courses. For problems related to Blackboard please contact the Blackboard Help Desk at blackboardhelp@mssu.edu or call 417-625-9885. Vehicle Registration All vehicles must be registered in order to use campus parking facilities. Vehicles may be registered and parking permits obtained at the Campus Card Service Center or the Campus Police office Lion Card ID Located in the lower level of Billingsly Student Center, the Campus Card Service Center and Ticket Office is a convenient location to obtain Lion Card IDs, place value in Lion Bucks debit accounts and obtain parking permits. In addition to Lion Card administration, the Campus Card Service Center is home to the MSSU Ticket Office. Contact Information

Office of the Dean of Education Gene Taylor Hall 218A Missouri Southern State University 3950 E. Newman Road Joplin, Missouri 64801 417-625-9314 E-Mail: tegradprgm@mssu.edu

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University Policies Impacting Graduate Studies

Statement of Principles Missouri Southern State University has an obligation to its students and to the larger society of which it is a part to provide the fullest opportunity for a free exchange and critical evaluation of diverse viewpoints. This means freedom to teach, freedom to learn, freedom to discuss and freedom to expose ideas to the critical analysis appropriate to the University setting. In order to accomplish this objective, the administration, faculty and students have a continuing responsibility for preserving the use of the institution’s freedom to teach, to discuss and to explore. The University’s dedication to the spirit of free inquiry requires the examination and evaluation of controversial viewpoints, but obviously does not require the endorsement of such viewpoints. Divergent points of view must be recognized, but at the same time kept within a framework of orderly conduct in accordance with human dignity, respect for the individual and the responsibilities of the University Academic Integrity Missouri Southern State University is committed to academic integrity and expects all members of the university community to accept shared responsibility for maintaining academic integrity. Students are subject to the provisions of the university’s Academic Integrity Policy, published in the Student Handbook. Penalties for academic misconduct in this course may include a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued enrollment in the course affirms a student’s acceptance of the university policy. Penalties for academic misconduct may include a failing grade on the assignment, a failing grade in the course, or any other course-related sanction the instructor determines to be appropriate. Continued enrollment in the course affirms a student’s acceptance of the university policy. Student Conduct A student enrolling in the University assumes the responsibility for personal conduct compatible with the University’s function as an educational institution. Further clarification is provided in Student Conduct policies beginning on page 15 of the MSSU Student Handbook published by the Student Affairs Office. Human Subjects Protections Policy Institutional Review Board Statement of Ethical Principles Missouri Southern State University is committed to quality teaching and learning, scholarship, and community service. The University strives to fulfill its mission and objectives in an honorable and ethical manner. It is in this light that the University has developed policy and procedures for the protection of humans as participants in research. The development of this policy was guided by the ethical principles set forth in The Declaration of Helsinki, the National Commission of the Protection of Human Participants of Biomedical and Behavioral research, and the requirements of the code of Federal Regulations 45 CFR 46. http://www.hhs.gov/ohrp/humansubjects/guidance/45cfr46.htm

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The complete Human Subjects Protections Policy may be viewed at the following site: http://www.mssu.edu/offices/academic-affairs/pdfs/PoliciesFinal.pdf Computer Acceptable Use Policy MSSU's academic and administrative computing facilities are provided in order to promote and support Academic pursuits. Academic computing facilities are therefore to be used only for instruction and research activities. Administrative computing facilities are to be used in support of MSSU's mission. The guidelines reflect U.S. Copyright Law, the Law of the State of Missouri and additional specific rules relative to the MSSU campus. It is the intent of Missouri Southern State University to adhere to the provisions of copyright laws relative to software and to comply with license agreements and/or policy statements contained in the software packages used on campus. These policies may change from time to time so please see the most current policies at: http://www.mssu.edu/infoserv/documents/ComputerUsePolicy.html Further clarification is provided in the Computer Acceptable Use Policy beginning on page 35 of the MSSU Student Handbook published by the Student Affairs Office. Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) afford students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are: 1. The right to inspect and review the student’s education records within 45 days of the day the University received a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar, dean, head of the academic department, or other appropriate official, written requests that identify the record(s) they wish to inspect. The University official will make arrangements for access and notify the student of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the University official to whom the request was submitted, that official shall advise the student of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed. 2. The right to request the amendment of the student’s education records that the student believes are Inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the University to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the University official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the University decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the University will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his/her right to a hearing regarding the request for amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing. 3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student’s Education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the University in an administrative, supervisory, academic or research, or support staff position (including law enforcement unit personnel or health staff); a person or company with whom the University has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as

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a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his/her tasks. A school official has a legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his/her professional responsibility. 4. The right to file a complaint with the U. S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by the university to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Dept. of Education, 400 Maryland Avenue, SW., Washington, D.C. 20202-4605. Disability Access Missouri Southern State University strives to ensure that no qualified person with a disability shall, solely by reason of the disability, be denied access to, participation in, or the benefits of any program or activity operated by Missouri Southern. Reasonable accommodations are provided to ensure equally effective access to the university. If an individual with a currently documented disability requires an accommodation, or wishes to file a grievance, he or she should contact the Coordinator of Disability Services in the Student Success Center. Equal Opportunity, Harassment, and Anti-discrimination “Missouri Southern State University does not discriminate on the basis of handicap, race, color, religion, national origin, sex or age in the recruitment and admission of students, the recruitment and employment of faculty and staff and the operation of any of its programs and activities, as specified by Federal laws and regulations.” Sexual Harassment Policy Missouri Southern State University is committed to fostering a work and learning environment where all individuals are treated fairly and with complete respect. It is, and continues to be, University policy that sexual harassment of employees, students, and applicants for employment or admission is unacceptable conduct which will not be tolerated. “Sexual harassment” includes unwelcome sexual advances, requests for sexual favors, or other verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature.

Student Resources and Support Services

Advising and Mentoring Each graduate program candidate will be assigned a faculty adviser and mentor who will provide counsel and support during the graduate school experiences. For further information contact tegradprgm@mssu.edu Advising, Counseling and Testing Services The department of Advising, Counseling and Testing Services (ACTS) at Missouri Southern State University offers support services designed to encourage and assist all students. We believe that excellence at MSSU can be achieved by encouraging good decision-making and assisting students in reaching their fullest academic, social and personal potential.

Office: Hearnes Hall 314 Reception Desk: 417-625-9324 Fax: 417-659-3726 Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Email: acts@mssu.edu

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Beimdiek Recreation Center Beimdiek Recreation Center is open to all students and faculty/staff/alumni/university affiliates with a membership. Membership includes use of the Beimdiek Recreation Center and the Young Gymnasium Pool and Racquetball facility. Memberships can be purchased in the Recreational Services office located in Billingsly Student Center, room 241. Career Services The goal of the Office of Career Services is to empower Missouri Southern State University students and alumni to develop self-assessment and job-search competencies, to successfully link with employers, and to learn how to actively manage their own career development in a global job market.

Spiva Library, Suite 207 Walk-in or call for an appointment 417.625.9343. Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

George A. Spiva Library Staff & Hours Helpful staff members are stationed throughout the library to support all materials and services. The staff is composed of seven librarians, thirteen full-time and part-time support staff members, and many student workers who serve in all areas of the library. Library hours* are as follows:

7:30 a.m.-11 p.m. Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday 1 p.m.-11 p.m. Sunday

*Library hours differ during holidays, breaks, and summer session Wilcoxon University Health Center Graduate students may choose to utilize the services of the university health center for a fee. Referrals to Freeman Urgent Care, ER or specialists available if needed.

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Monday-Friday Phone: 417-625-9323 417-625-9323 (appointments preferred) FAX: 417-659-4376

Course Descriptions

As previously stated, the M.S.E. is designed as a cohort program comprised of six credit hours per semester. All courses have a hybrid design (part seated and part on-line). The anticipated course sequence and course descriptions are included below. Semester are fall, spring and summer, consecutively. EDUC 601 Current Issues 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to help educators become more aware of current issues and topics related to education. Topics will be studied within both historical and current contexts. The goal is to provide

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educators strategies to succeed in their teaching environments. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 605 Educational Technology 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide an overview of various technologies designed to promote student learning. The goal is to provide information on how to use technology in areas such as differentiation, assessment, and student and teacher productivity. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 610 Multiculturalism in Education 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide strategies for creating an inclusive classroom environment. The goal is to provide information about effective methods of inclusion and instruction for all students including those who have diversity of ability, culture, language, race, ethnicity, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or family constellation. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 615 Managing Classroom Environments 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide seasoned teachers an opportunity to assess their classroom management style with a focus on improving performance. The goal is to explore common classroom management issues and provide information on multiple management strategies. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 620 Advanced Learning Theories 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to inform students about the major theorists who have contributed to the study of learning. The goals are to examine how contemporary learning theories evolved from historical perspectives and to identify a personal philosophy of teaching and learning. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Masters of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 625 Literacy Instruction 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide an overview of the key factors influencing student literacy including motivation and metacognitive awareness. The goal is to provide strategies for whole group and differentiated literacy and to create a classroom literacy plan. Prerequisites: Admission to MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 630 Assessment of Student Learning 3 Credit Hours This course is an overview of the current research, theory, and practice related to assessment and student learning. The goal is to assist students in seeing the relationship between research and practice and to provide a framework to use when making decisions about assessment methods and instructional strategies. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 650 Research Design 3 Credit Hours This course is an overview of the various methods used in conducting educational research. The goals are to provide information about qualitative, quantitative, and action research methods and give examples of how each is used in P-12 educational settings. Students will design an action research project that could be used in their educational environment. Students will also examine concepts such as establishing reliability and validity and research ethics. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction and advisor approval.

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EDUC 635 School Law 3 Credit Hours This course is a survey of the laws and policies that govern P-12 education and their theoretical foundations. The goal is to provide information about how federal and state law drives P-12 policy and funding and the common legal issues that arise. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 660 Teacher Leadership 3 Credit Hours In this course, students will identify characteristics of the effective teacher leader and examine issues such as leadership styles, facilitation, reflection, and problem solving. Students will also analyze their role as a current/potential leader and suggest a plan for maximizing their potential. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program and advisor approval. EDUC 640 Curriculum Construction 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide information related to current P-12 curriculum development. The goal is for students to apply information from prior courses (technology, inclusion, differentiation, assessment, and learning theory) and current state and federal standards to construct relevant curriculum for a specific grade or content area. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program, EDUC 620 and 630, and advisor approval. EDUC 645 Improvement of Instruction 3 Credit Hours This course is designed to provide seasoned teachers an opportunity to assess their teaching styles and strategies with a focus on improving performance and becoming an instructional leader. The goal is for students to integrate multiple data sources and information from prior courses (technology, inclusion, differentiation, assessment, and learning theory) in their improvement plans. Prerequisites: Acceptance to the MSSU Master of Curriculum and Instruction Program, EDUC 620 and 630, and advisor approval. Major Source: Tulane University Graduate Program Handbook Template; Other Sources: University of Tennessee-Knoxville Graduate Program Handbook Template and SUNY-Binghamton Graduate Program Handbook

Program Governance

Graduate Program Oversight Committee The Graduate Program Oversight Committee is comprised of faculty, staff, and administrators in the School of Education. Membership shall consist of the Dean for the School of Education, Department Chair for Teacher Education, Graduate Program Coordinator, Coordinator for Teacher Education, and three teacher education faculty at-large. The Graduate Program Oversight Committee shall have jurisdiction over the development of general policies and procedures of the Teacher Education Graduate School. The Committee performs the following functions:

Creating and approving graduate program policies

Recommending and approving graduate adjunct faculty

Reviewing and approving student applications that do not meet the admissions requirements, transfer credit, advisement, program approval, admission to candidacy, and graduation.

Addressing disciplinary matters involving graduate students degree requirements, curricula, comprehensive exams, program changes, and new programs

Establishing follow-up studies, evaluation procedures, and future programs

Compiling assessment data

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Meetings

The Graduate Program Oversight Committee will meet once a month.

The Dean of the School of Education will be responsible for calling the meetings.

The Dean of the School of Education will serve as the Chair

The Graduate Coordinator will be responsible for the agenda. Agenda should be circulated 2 two days in advance of meetings.

Meetings shall be governed by generally accepted parliamentary procedures. A majority vote of those members voting will carry a motion.

Minutes will be recorded by the Dean’s assistant.

Graduate Faculty Classification Policy

The graduate faculty pool in the School of Education may be classified as full-time faculty or adjunct

faculty. Following are the descriptions of each:

Full-Time Faculty—Full-time faculty are faculty members who are employed as full-time undergraduate

faculty in the MSSU Department of Teacher Education. Full-time faculty have earned terminal degrees in

the appropriate discipline or have an earned master’s degree and extensive background in a specialty that

qualifies them to teach graduate courses assigned to them. Full-time faculty will also serve as academic

advisors to graduate students.

Adjunct Faculty—Adjunct Faculty are faculty members appointed to teach a specific graduate course on a part-time basis. Adjunct faculty have earned terminal degrees in the appropriate discipline or have an earned master’s degree and extensive background in a specialty that qualifies them to teach graduate courses assigned to them. Graduate Faculty Application and Approval Policy To apply to teach in the School of Education graduate programs, applicants must submit:

Current vitae

Copies of graduate transcripts

Letter of application indicating courses the applicant wishes to teach and qualifications

Applications will be reviewed by the Graduate Program Oversight Committee. Recommendations from the Committee will be forwarded to the Dean of the School of Education for approval. Adjunct faculty will be approved for one calendar year and full-time faculty will be approved for three calendar years.