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Graduate Education

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Offering graduate work as early as 1873 and establishing graduate degrees in education since 1957, today Georgetown College offers one of the largest and oldest graduate programs of its kind in the Commonwealth. This program thrives because of outstanding, caring faculty, and a flexible convenient course schedule at a cost comparable to that of public institutions in the area. In addition, the college’s Christian character extends to its graduate programs.

In contrast to the undergraduate program, most of Georgetown’s graduate students are education professionals who work full-time in the schools and accomplish their educational objectives around their work schedules. Consistent with Georgetown’s high quality undergraduate teacher certification program, the primary aim of the Graduate Program is to develop scholars who are competent and caring educators, committed to a spirit of service and learning.

To realize this goal, learning experiences center around three knowledge domains: Professional Skills and Competencies, Professional Values and Dispositions, and Reflective Practice. Our courses are taught by full-time faculty of the College and by quality adjunct faculty with specialized experience. A variety of classroom approaches, fieldwork, and independent projects are integral components.

Contacts

Rebecca Powell	Marjorie Stafford Chair, Dean of the Department of Education, and Director of Accreditation	502-863-8158
Eve Proffitt	Associate Dean for Graduate Education and Director of Special Education Program	502-863-7031
Taylor Thompson	Director of Traditional Master of Arts Degree	502-863-8157
James Simpson	Director of Alternative Certification Program	502-863-8379

Graduate Programs Offered

Georgetown College offers the following graduate education programs:

• Master of Arts Degree in Education (for certified teachers)
• Master of Arts Degree with Alternative Certification
• Master of Arts Degree in Special Education (LBD)—with Certification
• Master of Arts Degree with Reading/Writing Endorsement, Grades P-12
• Endorsement as Teacher for Gifted Education, Grades P-12
• Endorsement in Instructional Computer Technology, Grades P-12
• Endorsement in English as a Second Language, Grades P-12

Master of Arts in Education

The Master of Arts in Education Degree was substantially revised for students beginning in summer of 2006. The MA degree includes 30 semester hours of study and consists of the following core courses: EDU 584, 586, 591, 593, 596, and 597 (18 semester hours). Additional courses in a specialty area are also required.

Master of Arts Degree with Alternative Certification

Georgetown College is approved to offer a Master’s degree that leads to teacher certification for candidates who hold college majors which qualify for Kentucky teacher certification. This program is offered in two tracks as follows:

1. Track 1: Teacher certification for provisionally certified teachers. This program is designed for those currently teaching under temporary provisional certificates, who hold a Bachelor’s degree with a certifiable major (Biological Science, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies), and who wish to continue teaching in the Secondary Grades 8-12. Social studies candidates must have a bachelor’s degree in History, Political Science, or Sociology with additional course work in other areas of the social sciences. Required courses include: EDU 506, 507, 528 or 596, 532, 535, 536, 542, 544, 548, 565, and 591 for a total of 36 hours.
2. Track 2: This track results in teacher certification for those holding a Bachelor’s degree with a certifiable major (Biological Science, Chemistry, English, Mathematics, Physics, Social Studies), who have little or no education course background, and who desire to become certified for Secondary Grades 8-12. Required courses include: EDU 506, 507, 528 or 596, 532, 535, 536, 542, 544, 548, 552, 565, and EDU 591 for a total of 38 hours.

Final course sequence and requirements are determined individually in consultation with the Director of the Alternative Certification Program, based on prior course work and experience. Either of these certifications can also be extended to include Middle Grades 5-9 in English/Communication, Mathematics, Science, or Social Studies, OR to P-12 certification in: Art, French, German, Spanish, Instrumental Music, or Vocal Music.

Master of Arts Degree with Certification in Special Education

The Master of Arts Degree with Certification in Special Education is an online certification program for Bachelor’s degree graduates who wish to teach Special Education (LBD). The program consists of 37 –39 course hours and generally takes between 18 months and two years to complete. Students are eligible, if employed by a district, to be temporary provisionally certified while in the program.

This alternative certification program is designed for college graduates with little or no teacher preparation coursework or certified teachers who want to add special education certification. It utilizes a blended approach with online learning, directed study, distance learning seminars, and mentorship support.

Final course sequence is determined individually in conjunction with an academic advisor. Courses in the program include ECE 500, 501, 502, 503, 504, 575 A and B, and 576. Students not previously certified take EDU 501, 506, 509, 542, and 565 for a total of 39 hours. Students entering with teacher certification take EDU 506, 542, 596, and 597 for a total of 37 hours.

Rank I Program

Georgetown College currently does not offer a separate planned program leading to Rank I in Kentucky. Students may elect to complete an approved Master’s program in order to attain Rank I status.

Endorsements to Teaching Certificates

Additional teaching endorsements can be obtained while you work on a rank upgrade or, with the exception of the Reading/Writing Endorsement, as a stand alone professional development activity. You can add or change to an endorsement program at any point in your graduate study, but careful planning with your advisor can help avoid overlapping or conflicting course enrollments that may not fit with a late change of plans. Georgetown College provides endorsements in Reading/Writing, Gifted Education, Instructional Computer Technology, and English as a Second Language.

• Endorsement in Reading/Writing, Grades P-12: The Reading/Writing Endorsement is taken as part of a Master’s degree, and requires 24 hours of sequenced course work in literacy and research. Thus, students who intend to enroll in the Masters of Arts in Education with Reading/Writing Endorsement should plan to do so early in the program. The program meets the guidelines of the International Reading Association for the preparation of reading specialists and literacy coaches in schools. Required courses are as follows: EDU 516, 517, 562, 563, 584, 586, 591, 596, 597, 598, and ENG 514 or 526. 
• Endorsement as Teacher for Gifted Education, Grades P-12: The endorsement program in Gifted Education requires a twelve-hour sequence including EDU 520, 521, 522 and 523. This endorsement is usually offered through online courses. Students must pass the content PRAXIS exam to complete teacher certification.
• Endorsement in Instructional Computer Technology, Grades P-12: This endorsement requires 15 additional hours of technology, which includes EDU 556, EDU 557, EDU 560, EDU 556, and 6 hours of technology electives. Students must have completed EDU 586 or a similar course prior to enrolling in the endorsement program. They must also complete a research design in EDU 596 or a comparable class prior to registering for EDU 556.
• Endorsement in English as a Second Language, Grades P-12: This endorsement requires 15 hours of course work, to include: EDU 580, 581, 583, 585, and 587 or 589. Students must also achieve a passing score on the specialty PRAXIS exam to be certified in ESL.

The Graduate Admission Process

Applications for admission to the Graduate Program are considered on a rolling basis as they are completed. While students may continue to be admitted up to two weeks before classes begin for a term, most course registrations take place several weeks prior to the term and spaces in specific courses (especially the degree core courses) cannot be guaranteed. Deadlines for submitting all paperwork for entrance into the Graduate Education Program are posted on the Graduate Education website.

Students who are admitted into the Graduate Education Program progress through various checkpoints, and must meet certain requirements at the various checkpoints to proceed in the program.. These requirements vary by program, and are outlined on the program sheet (curriculum contract) for each program. For most applicants, an admission decision can be made with an application, an official college transcript, a copy of a current teaching certificate and completed Program Entry Recommendation forms. M.A. applicants with a college GPA of less than 2.75, must also submit scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). Please check with the Graduate Education Office for minimum requirements.

Candidates who hold a master’s degree with a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning may be admitted to the Graduate Education Program without regard to undergraduate transcripts. Candidates who have not earned a graduate degree, but who present a graduate transcript from a regionally accredited institution containing at least twelve (12) hours of coursework with a grade point average of 3.5 or better, may be considered for graduate admission on the basis of these grades in lieu of the undergraduate GPA.

All candidates who are enrolling in the traditional MA Program (for those already certified) are required to submit evidence of knowledge of content in their specialty area(s) through the submission of copies of relevant PRAXIS score(s) or submission of equivalent evidence (e.g. a current and valid Kentucky Teaching Certificate), and to sign the Kentucky Code of Ethics.

Applicants for the Master of Arts with Alternative Certification must present an official college transcript with a GPA of 2.75 or better; written indicators of personal characteristics and dispositions; and satisfactory performance in a personal interview. These additional requirements are also specified below.

The Application Process

Master of Arts in Education (for candidates who are already certified)

1. Complete an application for admission. Secure form from the Graduate Education Office or from the department website. There is no fee required.
2. Request that official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework (if any) be sent to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. The undergraduate degree must be from a regionally accredited institution.
3. Submit one photocopy of your Kentucky Teaching Certificate or Statement of Eligibility.
4. Submit evidence of knowledge of content in your area of specialization. For those who hold a valid and current Kentucky teaching certificate that required a passing score on PRAXIS, no additional evidence is required. For those from states where PRAXIS is not required, submit some form of evidence that you have acquired Knowledge of Content in your specialty area(s), e.g., other standardized test scores or scores from senior exit examinations.
5. Submit a Program Entry Recommendation/Evaluation from your school principal (form is available online.)
6. Read, sign and return the Kentucky School Personnel Code of Ethics and the confidentiality form (FERPA) sent with the M.A. application packet.
7. Mail all correspondence to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College St., Georgetown, KY 40324.
8. All documents for admission must be in the Graduate Office at least two weeks prior to the first day of classes of the semester or term the student wishes to enroll. Admission deadlines are posted on the department website and are updated regularly.
9. Application documents will be maintained by the graduate office for a period of one calendar year.

Master of Arts with Alternative Certification

The following requirements apply to those wishing to seek initial certification through the Master of Arts–Alternative Certification Program.  NOTE: Students enrolled in alternative route programs should consult with their respective program director regarding all certification matters.

1. Complete an application for admission.
2. Request that two official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework (if any) be sent to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Please note that the degree must be posted on the transcript(s).
3. Show evidence of professional dispositions by submitting two signed Program Entry Recommendation/Evaluations from (1) an individual who is familiar with your subject matter competency, and (2) an individual who is familiar with your rapport with children/youth.
4. Provide a type-written, personal essay of 300-500 words that demonstrates your knowledge of and experience with issues facing schools today. You may use the Kentucky Teacher Standards as a template.
5. Read, sign and return the Kentucky School Personnel Code of Ethics and confidentiality form (FERPA) sent with the MAAC application packet.
6. Once these materials have been received, candidates will be asked to schedule an interview with the Director of Alternative Certification to complete the application and evaluation process.
7. The interview is an integral component of the admissions process and must be scheduled well in advance of the proposed enrollment date.
8. All application materials should be mailed to the following address: Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324-1696.

Master of Arts in Learning and Behavior Disorders

1. Complete an application for admission. NOTE: Students enrolled in alternative route programs should consult with their respective program director regarding all certification matters.
2. Request that two official transcripts of all undergraduate and graduate coursework (if any) be sent to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324. Please note that the degree must be posted on the transcript(s).
3. Show evidence of professional dispositions by submitting two signed Program Entry Evaluations from (1) a principal or former supervisor, and (2) an individual who is familiar with your rapport with children/youth.
4. Read, sign and return the Kentucky School Personnel Code of Ethics and confidentiality form (FERPA) sent with the MA-LBD application packet.
5. All application materials should be mailed to the following address: Associate Dean for Graduate Education, Georgetown College, 400 E. College Street, Georgetown, KY 40324-1696.

Visiting and Special Students

An applicant who is enrolled in a graduate program at another institution may enroll for courses as a Visiting Student. The prospective student should submit an application and a Permission Form from program advisor prior to registering for coursework.

A student who desires to continue his or her education but does not intend to become a candidate for the Master’s degree may enroll as a special student. Students desiring to take graduate courses for one or more of the following reasons are classified as special students: (1) to renew an expired teaching certificate or to enhance their professional development (non-degree seeking); (2) to begin MA or Rank I work while awaiting the receipt of an earned certification; (3) to earn an endorsement separately from a degree or Rank I. Students in categories 1 and 2 are limited to 6 hours of coursework under special student status. Students in category 3 (endorsement only) are limited to coursework in that endorsement area.

For students in categories 1 and 2, the entrance requirements are: college/university transcripts (2.75 GPA required if intending to pursue a degree - category 2); ethics and dispositions forms; and special student application. Students in category 3 (seeking an endorsement separate from degree program) must meet the initial requirements for the endorsement. They are limited to those courses required for the endorsement.

Visiting and special students are assigned an advisor and will receive an orientation packet upon admission. They are required to sign the Kentucky Code of Ethics and the confidentiality form (FERPA).

Undergraduate Students

Applicants who are in their last semester before graduation may be permitted to enroll as a special student provided the academic schedule does not exceed 12 semester hours. Only students who demonstrate outstanding scholastic ability and who satisfy the standards for admission will be considered. Professional requirements, including student teaching, must have been completed. See category 2 under Visiting and Special Students, above.

International Students

International students who meet specific program requirements and for whom Georgetown College has appropriate programs at the graduate level are invited to make application to the Graduate Education Program. Such applications must be supported by satisfactory evidence of qualifications to pursue a full course of study at this institution. Applications for admission of international students are not considered complete without official transcripts showing grades and degree(s) awarded, official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores, scores on the verbal, quantitative, and analytical portions of the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), and Declaration and Certification of Finances. Georgetown’s minimum acceptable score on the TOEFL is 520 (equivalent to a 190 on the computerized TOEFL).

International students are required to complete their admission procedures at least 30 days prior to the term in which they expect to enter. Appropriate I-20 or DSP-66 forms will be issued after all official credentials have been received and the complete application has been reviewed and approved by the Associate Dean for Graduate Education. The U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service requires certification that all standards for admission have been met before the I-20 form is issued.

Admission for English language learners (ELLs). Students who have acquired English as a Second Language are required to meet all of the admission requirements for entrance into the Graduate Education Program. In addition, they must submit official Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) scores demonstrating proficiency in English.

Academic Policies and Regulations

 

It is the responsibility of the graduate student to become thoroughly informed about the general regulations as stated in this catalog and in the Graduate Student Handbook. The Graduate Student Handbook is available online. This Handbook outlines all college policies and regulations as well as grievance procedures for graduate students while enrolled at Georgetown College. The Handbook is updated regularly as new policies are implemented, and therefore is generally more current than the college catalog.

The graduate student is responsible for completing all program requirements within the permitted time limit. Academic policies of the Graduate Program are made and enforced by the Graduate Council. Requests for clarification or exceptions to these policies must be made through the Associate Dean for Graduate Education to this body.

Graduate study is generally more research oriented and more specialized and in-depth than undergraduate education. Graduate students are expected to show maturity and resourcefulness and to accept the responsibility of meeting the demands of challenging course work. They are also expected to have organized and disciplined work habits that maximize success in demanding courses.

A student is admitted after s/he has submitted all required materials. Admission allows the student to take initial coursework and to receive financial aid. Formal admission and continuous progress requirements vary by program; see program sheets (curriculum contracts) for specific programs. Successful scores on all program assessments, meeting requirements at the various checkpoints, a 3.0 GPA, and compliance with the qualitative standards for coursework are also requirements for the degree.

Graduate Council

The Graduate Council serves both as the governing and advisory board of the Graduate Education Program. The Graduate Council admits or rejects candidates to the Master of Arts in Education Program and to degree candidacy, recommends program changes, and evaluates the Graduate Program. The Council also serves as a review board in student academic matters and approves new courses, programs and policy changes. The Graduate Council is composed of the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, the Provost, three K-12 classroom teachers, two school administrators or their designated representatives, two graduate students recommended by the Graduate Faculty, and three faculty members who teach in the Graduate Education Program. At least two of these faculty members shall be from the Arts and Sciences. The Dean of Education serves as a non-voting ex officio member.

Degree Application and Graduation Information

Granting the M.A. degree and/or certification requires successful completion of all coursework and all required program performance assessments that demonstrate proficiency on the Kentucky teacher and conceptual framework standards. Exit requirements vary depending upon the specific program. For initial certification programs, teacher certification is recommended upon successful completion of all program requirements.

Students who plan to complete degree requirements by December of a given calendar year should make arrangements for degree completion and graduation by attending an exit interview early in the spring semester.

The procedure to make arrangements for graduation is as follows:

1. Meet with your advisor to check graduation requirements (exit interview).
2. Complete all necessary paperwork required for graduation and for upgrading your teaching certificate.
3. Complete the required exit assessment(s) as instructed before the designated due date.
4. Order cap and gown in the Graduate Education Office.

Graduation exercises are held in August and all candidates for graduate degrees are required to participate. If because of unusual circumstances it is believed necessary to graduate in absentia, a written request to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education is necessary for waiver of this requirement.

Certification Procedure

Teacher certification is a function of the Commonwealth of Kentucky and satisfactory completion of a graduate program does not automatically result in certification or a change in certification. The following procedure should be observed in applying for any certificate:

1. Secure an application for certification (TC-1 Form) from the Graduate Education Office or certifying state agency. Complete the appropriate sections and return to the Graduate Education Office.
2. In Kentucky, there is a charge for the certificate (currently $50). The candidate will be notified of this by the Education Professional Standards Board prior to issuance of a certificate.
3. The Education Office mails the completed application and official transcript directly to the appropriate state office.

Post Graduate Courses

Courses taken after the completion of the Bachelor’s Degree, but prior to admission to a graduate program may not be counted toward the Master’s Degree without the written permission of the Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

Advising

Each graduate student will be assigned to a selected graduate faculty advisor. Students are required to attend a scheduled advising session and sign a program sheet (curriculum contract) prior to enrolling in their first semester of study. Students will not be permitted to register for classes if these two steps have not been taken.

Student Load

Students enrolled for at least six semester hours are considered full-time. For the purposes of federal aid, enrollment in three semester hours is considered half-time. Students who are enrolled in the traditional MA program and who are employed full-time may not enroll for more than two courses or 6 hours per semester (whichever is less) during the term of their employment. This regulation does not apply to candidates who are enrolled in an alternative certification program for secondary teaching.

Dropping a Course or Withdrawal

When students find it necessary to drop a course during a term, the drop/add must be completed through the Graduate Office. Drop or failure to attend once a class has started will incur a portion of the tuition charge as well as the drop fee.

The date on which the drop/add card is processed and signed in the Graduate Education Office is the date for calculation of refund. Failure to complete the withdrawal process will result in a grade of “F” in all courses and no refund. Students may drop a course without a grade being assigned prior to the mid-point of the semester. After the midpoint, faculty are required to submit a grade of “WP” (withdrew passing) or “WF” (withdrew failing). A grade of “WF” will be calculated as an “F” in the student’s GPA.

Registration Confirmation

To complete registration for classes, students must confirm their registration by paying charges in full or making arrangements to pay the bill in installments. Both methods require contact with the Georgetown College Business Office. Course registration will be cancelled for students who do not confirm registration through financial arrangements by the second week. Such students will be subject to the refund schedule and fees.

Research Study Requirements

Throughout their graduate study, most students will be required to conduct one or more research projects. Many research studies require the approval of the Institutional Review Board (IRB). For additional information, contact the course instructor. IRB approval forms can be downloaded from the college website.

Independent Study

Students must obtain the approval of the Associate Dean for Graduate Education prior to registering for independent study. Students who wish to enroll in an Independent Study (or in rare cases, a Course by Approval), are required to submit a proposal using the form designed for this purpose. Forms can be obtained in the Graduate Education Office.

Grades and Scholarship Standards

All students are expected to maintain a grade-point average of 3.0 which is the minimum required for graduation. A grade lower than a “C” will not count for graduate credit in any program. A cumulative point standing of 3.0 must be attained for the M.A. in Education Degree. A grade of “I” (Incomplete) must be converted by the end of the following semester, or the “I” automatically becomes an “F.”

An overall GPA of 2.3 or lower after enrolling in at least 8 hours of course work will result in automatic suspension from the Graduate Program. Students may be readmitted to the Graduate Education Program after a period of one year. A second suspension will be final. No credit earned by a student during suspension at any institution will be honored by Georgetown College.

Students with a GPA of 2.31-2.99 after enrolling in at least 8 hours of course work will be placed on probation. The student may not earn less than a “B” during the probation period or automatic suspension from the Graduate Education Program will occur.

Students are considered to be on probation for at least 2 semesters or the next 12 semester hours (whichever is greater). Failure to raise the overall grade point average to the required level of 3.0 within the next two semesters or 12 semester hours of enrollment (including summer terms) will result in suspension from Georgetown College for a period of one year.

No student may graduate with less than a 3.0 GPA. Students who fail to achieve a 3.0 GPA after the completion of all course work will be required to repeat courses in which they received a “C” until they achieve the required 3.0 GPA for graduation.

Appeals process

Students who are making satisfactory progress and have raised their GPA to at least a 2.8 after 2 semesters or 12 semester hours of probationary status may make appeal to the Graduate Council to continue the probationary period for an additional semester. No student will be allowed to continue on probationary status beyond three semesters or 18 hours.

Continuous Progress

As students progress through a specific program, they are required to complete successfully several specified major performance assessments. These assessments are completed in specific courses, and measure the candidate’s competence in meeting state, program (Conceptual Framework), and specialty standards. Major assessments are used both to track the progress of individual candidates, and to inform the unit of any program weaknesses that need to be addressed. Candidate performance on various major program assessments--along with other criteria used to assess progress--are formally evaluated at various checkpoints, and candidates are provided with formal feedback on their progress at these junctures. Students who fail to meet minimal requirements for passing a particular assessment are required to meet with the course instructor and devise an action plan. All major assessments must be satisfactorily completed before the candidate can graduate from the program. Candidates must also complete the major assessments designated at each program checkpoint before progressing to the next sequence of courses. In the traditional MA program (for certified teachers), candidates take EDU 584 as the first course in that program, and may take no more than six credit hours before registering for EDU 584. Candidates who have not passed the major assessment in EDU 584 receive a letter from the Associate Dean for Graduate Education reminding them that they cannot be formally admitted into the Master of Arts in Education Program without having met this requirement. As with all major assessments, if they fail the assessment, candidates may enroll as a provisional student that following semester, but they will not be permitted to enroll in any additional semesters without passing the major assessment.

In addition, all candidates enrolled in the Graduate Education Program must demonstrate the professional dispositions expected of teacher candidates as outlined in the program’s Conceptual Framework. Students’ dispositions are assessed upon program entrance and also throughout the program at each checkpoint.

When a student’s dispositions are inconsistent with the Conceptual Framework, faculty submit a “Dispositions Evaluation-Record of Concerns” specifying the specific concern(s) for which the student is being referred. Students who fail to meet program standards are required to meet with their academic advisor to develop an action plan and address all areas of weakness. The Conceptual Framework of the Georgetown College Teacher Education Program includes standards on the moral and ethical dispositions of students. If at any time during your program you are found to be in violation of the Honor System at Georgetown College, such violation will be taken to the Vice President for Student Life and the Associate Dean for Graduate Education for resolution. For severe infractions, sanctions may include expulsion from the program. Infractions are outlined in the Graduate Student Handbook and include cheating, plagiarism, stealing, lying, and double assignments (the use of one assignment to fulfill the requirements of more than one course).

Students who are enrolled in an initial program at the graduate level and who wish to maintain their temporary provisional certificate must be continuously enrolled; that is, they must take classes during the terms in which they are being employed as teachers. The Kentucky Teacher Internship Program (KTIP) will count as continuous enrollment, if the student has completed the required course work, for the purposes of maintaining the temporary provisional certificate. Special circumstances will be reviewed by the program director and recommended for approval by the Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

Confirming Enrollment

For online classes: The town meeting constitutes the first class session for several online courses, and course content and information is often shared at this face-to-face session that cannot be provided through an online format. Therefore, for classes that meet during the town meeting, attendance at the online town meeting is MANDATORY. No excuses will be accepted except for clear emergencies that could not be anticipated (e.g., death in family, severe illness or accident).

Should you find that you cannot attend the scheduled town meeting, you are advised to enroll in that class during a different term. Students who do not attend the town meeting and cannot provide evidence of an emergency (e.g., written note from physician) will be automatically dropped from all enrolled courses.1 For on-campus classes: Students confirm enrollment by attending the first class session or by contacting the course instructor. Students who do not correspond with the instructor after the first two class sessions will be automatically dropped from the course. Additionally, to complete registration for classes, students must confirm their registration by paying charges in full or making arrangements to pay the bill in installments. Both methods require contact with the Georgetown College Business Office. Course registration will be cancelled for students who do not confirm registration through financial arrangements by the second week. Such students will be subject to the refund schedule and fees.

1Procedure for Appeal: Should there be other extenuating circumstances which make it impossible for students to attend the online town meeting, appeals should be submitted in writing to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, preferably at least a week prior to the scheduled town meeting date. The Associate Dean for Graduate Education, in consultation with the Program Director and course instructor, will make the final determination in granting a waiver.

Dropping Out of the Program

Students who intend to drop out of the Graduate Education Program for a period longer than a year should send an official notification to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education or to their graduate advisor. Students who drop out of the program for a period of five years or more and wish to return must be readmitted to the program. Such students will be required to meet all requirements for admission and will be issued a new curriculum contract. No courses will be counted toward the degree that extend beyond the required time period for program completion.

Inactive Status

Candidates who have not completed classes for two calendar years will be placed on inactive status. in order to register for classes, deactivated students must contact the Graduate Education Office or appropriate program director and submit a short form in order to reactivate their status and enroll in additional graduate classes. Candidates who are placed on inactive status will be notified by letter from the Graduate Education Office at least one month prior to changing their status to inactive. In addition to submitting an amended application, those who wish to return to active status must also attend an advising session and review their program sheet as part of the readmission process.

Georgetown College Honor System

The Graduate Education Program adheres to all policies governing the Honor System. Violations of the Honor System include cheating, plagiarism, stealing, lying (in academic matters), and double assignments, and are subject to college sanctions. (See information under “Continuous Progress.”) Procedures and processes relating to these policies, including the right of appeal, are included in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Georgetown College Technology Ethics Policy

The Graduate Education Program adheres to all of the principles outlined in the Technology Ethics Policy. A statement of the policy, enforcement of the policy, and guidelines for use of computing resources including the internet, world wide web, email, and related networks are included in the Graduate Student Handbook.

Academic Appeal Procedure

Students who wish to appeal a grade or other faculty decision have the right to appeal. Students should first seek to resolve the problem with the specific faculty member involved. If a student wishes to lodge a complaint against a faculty member in an academic matter that cannot be resolved directly with the faculty member, the student should first consult with his/her academic advisor. The advisor will guide the student through the options available to the student (informal or formal complaint). When there is an informal expression of an academic concern, the student’s faculty advisor should convey the essence of that concern to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, who will investigate the issue. The Associate Dean will take any necessary action to help resolve the issue. If the faculty member in question is the Associate Dean for Graduate Education, the advisor will convey the nature of the concern to the Dean of Education, who will investigate the issue and take any necessary action to help resolve the issue. If the faculty member in question is the student’s advisor, the student should contact the Associate Dean for Graduate Education for resolution of the problem.

Formal complaints should be reserved for situations in which a student believes he or she has been adversely affected in a way that cannot be or has not been resolved through informal intervention. When the student wishes to lodge a formal complaint, the student should generally seek advice from his/her academic advisor about the best way to proceed (unless the advisor is the focus of the complaint). To make a formal complaint, the student must submit a written statement of the difficulty to the Associate Dean for Graduate Education and request that the issue be resolved through the Graduate Council. This statement should be no longer than two pages and should concentrate on the facts of the issue in question.

The Associate Dean for Graduate Education then reviews the facts, communicates with the person(s) involved, and attempts to resolve the difficulty to the student’s satisfaction. If that attempt is unsuccessful, the matter will be forwarded to the Graduate Council for review. The Council will review the facts of the grievance and make a recommendation to the Provost for resolving the problem. The final disposition of the issue is in the hands of the Provost and is final and binding.

Comprehensive Examination

In addition to the continuous assessment requirements noted above, candidates are required to submit a final assessment (currently a portfolio and accompanying reflective essay) at the conclusion of their program that demonstrates that they satisfactorily meet all Kentucky and Conceptual Framework standards. Details of this requirement are provided during the Exit Interview. Initial certification programs also require that students pass certain PRAXIS exams prior to being formally admitted to and/or exited from the program.

Transfer of Credits

Candidates enrolled in the MA program and MA-AC program are permitted to transfer up to 6 hours of graduate credit from another institution. Credits must have been earned from a nationally accredited institution or a regional institution of higher education accredited by EPSB. Candidates enrolled in the MA-LBD program may transfer up to 12 hours of graduate credit from another institution. All credits must be current (within the required timeline or “window” for graduate study), and must have been earned from an accredited graduate school. Transfer credits must be approved by the candidate’s advisor and by the Associate Dean for Graduate Education.

The culminating experience in the Graduate Education Program is the action research project, which is completed in EDU 596/597. Candidates must take these courses at Georgetown College. Research courses taken at other institutions cannot be transferred to satisfy these requirements.

Time Limitation

Time limitations for program completion vary by program, and are noted on the program sheet (curriculum contract).

Financial Planning

The Office of Student Financial Planning coordinates all student aid programs for graduate students at Georgetown College. Please review the information below and contact us if you have questions.

Step One: File a FAFSA (required for all programs except Traineeship)

• The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a form used by the U.S. Department of Education to determine a student’s eligibility for aid. It collects a variety of information about your/your family’s finances.
• File the FAFSA online at fafsa.ed.gov. To have your FAFSA results sent to Georgetown College, enter our school code (001964) in the school section.
• The FAFSA must be filed annually and can be filed after January 1 each year.
• In order to get your funds as soon as possible and avoid service charges on your student account, we strongly recommend that you file the FAFSA at least a month prior to enrolling.
• The FAFSA you file will be valid for the Fall, Spring, and Summer terms.
• The form must be filed to determine your eligibility for the following programs: the Stafford Loan, the Federal TEACH Grant, and the Kentucky Teacher Scholarship.

Step Two: Determine the programs for which you want and are eligible to apply. Those programs include:

1. Kentucky Teacher Scholarship
   • This scholarship is funded by the state and provides financial aid to Kentucky students pursuing initial teacher certification at participating Kentucky institutions.
   • The student must be a Kentucky resident and enrolled full time. At Georgetown, we consider graduate students enrolled for 6 hours per term to be full-time.
   • Students are required to file a 2009-10 FAFSA, to be making satisfactory academic progress and to sign a Teacher Scholarship Master Promissory Note (MPN) each semester. KHEAA will mail you the MPN.
   • The student must demonstrate financial need based on the information reported on your FAFSA to receive this grant. Georgetown College determines your financial need in conjunction with KHEAA.
   • Graduate students can receive up to $2500 each fall and spring semester and $1250 for the summer.
   • Go to kheaa.com to learn more about and to apply for this scholarship. The application deadline is May 1 for academic year 2009-10.You must teach in Kentucky one term for every term that you received the grant. If all requirements are not met, this scholarship will convert to a loan that must be repaid.
2. Federal TEACH Grant
   • The TEACH Grant (Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grants) is issued by the U.S. Department of Education.
   • A degree seeking graduate student can receive the maximum of $2,000 per semester, $8,000 maximum total.
   • You must file a FAFSA as your initial application step, although the grant is not need-based.
   • Students are required to teach in high need subjects at schools serving low income students. If all requirements are not met, this grant will become a loan. Read more about the program at studentaid.ed.gov.
   • Potential recipients must complete these steps:
     1. File a FAFSA at fafsa.ed.gov.
     2. Contact Student Financial Planning so that we can create a TEACH Grant record with the Department of Education at least 3-4 weeks prior to the beginning of the term.
     3. Complete an Entrance Interview at mappingyourfuture.org.
     4. Complete an Agreement to Serve at teach-ats.gov.
   • The Agreement to Service and Entrance Counseling must be completed once per award year.
3. Northern Kentucky Traineeship
   • his program provides federal professional development funds to assist certified regular education teachers in obtaining certification in an area of special education. Also, the program can assist special educators in obtaining special education certification in an area not previously completed.
   • To view program requirements and to download an application (which you must mail back), go to traineeship.nku.edu.
   • Communications about this program and funding decisions come directly from the Northern Kentucky University Traineeship office.
   • The FAFSA is not required to determine your eligibility for this program.
   • The Traineeship program pays $300 per credit hour for approved courses.
   • Students must apply every semester: for the fall semester by 7/1/09; spring semester by 11/1/09; and summer semester by 4/1/10.
   • For questions about this program, e-mail traineeship@nku.edu.
4. Federal Stafford Loans
• Federal Stafford loans are fixed-rate student loans (6.8%) for graduate students attending a college or university at least half time.
• Students must enroll for at least 3 hours per term to receive a Stafford Loan.
• Students can receive a loan totaling up to the cost of education. The cost of education includes both direct costs (your tuition and fees) and indirect costs (general allowances for housing, meals, etc.). As an example, a student taking 6 hours in one term can receive aid from all sources totaling approximately $7,900—which includes about $2,000 in direct costs.
• A 1% origination fee will be deducted by your lender for any amount that you borrow.
• The annual limit is $20,500 ($8,500 Subsidized/$12,000 Unsubsidized) and the lifetime limit is $138,500. Up to $65,000 may be Subsidized.
• Subsidized Stafford Loans are awarded to graduate students based on financial need. You will not be charged interest before you begin repayment or during periods of deferment. The federal government “subsidizes” the interest during these times.
• Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are not awarded based on financial need. Any eligible graduate student can borrow an Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed, to the time the loan is repaid in full.
• Payments are generally made over the course of ten years. For more repayment information, visit kheaa.com.
• To apply for a Stafford Loan:
  1. File the FAFSA for the relevant academic year at least 3-4 weeks prior to the semester beginning.
  2.  Register for your coursework. See Graduate Calendar for dates.
  3. Contact Student Financial Planning to let us know about your intent to borrow funds.
  4. For new borrowers only: Go to kheaa.com and click on “Entrance and Exit Counseling” and proceed through the Entrance Interview steps. Then, click on “ESign your MPN” and follow through all steps. Your MPN is the Master Promissory Note.
  5. After GC Student Financial Planning has all of your information on file, we will mail you an award letter. You can sign the paper version and return to us or sign electronically at my.georgetowncollege.edu.

Other Information

Best in Class

Best in Class, a loan forgiveness program sponsored by The Student Loan People, was eliminated in May 2008. However, there are federal loan forgiveness programs. For more information, go to studentaid.ed.gov/LoanForgivenessForTeachers.

Other Programs

Students are required to inform Georgetown College of other aid such as Veteran’s Benefits, school district reimbursements, etc., they are receiving. We are required to consider these payments when determining how much aid a student can receive.

Contact Information

For additional information, please contact

Lynn Mayo, Office Student Financial Planning
Georgetown College
400 East College Street
Georgetown, KY 40324
Phone: (502) 863-8027

E-Mail: Lynn_Mayo@georgetowncollege.edu
Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 to 5:00 (Eastern Time)
Office Location: Patterson House, 2nd Floor

Expenses

Georgetown College is a private, faith-based college. Students attending Georgetown College pay only a part of the total cost of their education through their tuition and fees. The balance of the cost, amounting to over thirty percent, is covered by scholarships, endowment income, and other forms of gifts and grants.

Basic Charges

For the 2009-2010 academic year, the following basic student charges apply:

Tuition	$370/semester hour
Online learning fee	$140 for each online course taken
Mentored Teaching fee: 535-536	$150 per course
Audit	$370/course
Audit Recording Fee	$70
ECE 575	$125/course
ECE 576	$175/course

Service Charges

The following service charges apply:

Drop/Add Service	$20
Reinstatement Fee (if dropped due to nonpayment)	$50
Transcript fee	$5

Taking Care of Business

It is your responsibility to go to the My Georgetown website to access your bill. The Business Office sends all billing information by email to each student’s college email address. No paper bills are sent. If you make changes to your registration and the billed amount changes, you may not receive a corrected bill prior to the due date. If you register late, you may not receive a bill prior to the due date. If the payment deadline arrives and you have not received a bill, it is your responsibility to contact the Business Office to arrange payment.

Current student accounts

Registration is complete upon receipt of either payment in full to the Business Office or partial payment and completion of the Deferred Payment Agreement. Confirmation should be complete before class begins. To complete registration for classes you must confirm your registration by paying your charges in full or by making arrangements to pay your bill in installments. Both methods require you to contact the business office. If you do not confirm your registration by Friday of the second week of class, your registration will be cancelled and you will be subject to the refund schedule for tuition and fees. All student accounts should be paid in full by the end of each semester.  

Those students with delinquent student account balances will not be permitted to register for any future semesters. No transcript or diploma will be released to a student with a delinquent account.

Deferred Payment

There is a Deferred Payment Agreement plan available by semester for graduate school tuition. Initial billing will be emailed to students approximately three weeks before the start of class. Registration can be viewed on my.georgetowncollege.edu, along with a deferred payment form. Payments of at least 1/4 of the total charges for the semester will be made over four consecutive months. Signed Deferred Payment Agreement is due by the first day of class.

Past Due Student Accounts

Any student with a past due account will not be permitted to register, nor will that student be able to receive a transcript or a diploma until the account is paid in full. At the end of each semester, the student with an open account assumes collection and legal fees, if any.

Services Fees

A service charge of 1% will be charged each month on student accounts.

Drops For Nonpayment/Reinstatement

Students who have not received financial clearance by the deadline will be dropped from all classes. In addition to the $20 drop fees, students will be billed according to the refund schedule. Please refer to the refund schedule on the Business Office website. Click on the link for the semester in which you are enrolled. If a student is dropped for nonpayment and wishes to make the payment to be reinstated in the class, the reinstatement fee will be $50.

Refunds

Reductions of charges billed will be made in the following circumstances: withdrawal by the student due to illness or other reason subject to administrative review and approval (calculated from the date of submission to the Graduate Office), suspension or expulsion of the student (calculated from the date of official action), reduction of course load from full-time to part-time (calculated from the date of official receipt by the Graduate Office). Students who withdraw during the first six weeks of classes may be eligible for a partial reduction in billed charges for tuition and fees as determined by the schedule below. The withdrawal process is completed when the student submits the withdrawal card to the Graduate Office and signs a request for any applicable refund.

During the Spring or Fall Semester, students withdrawing due to reasons subject to administrative review and approval will be billed on a pro-rata basis for tuition and fees as follows:

• Week 1 - 0%;
• Week 2 - 20%;
• Weeks 3 & 4 - 40%;
• Weeks 5 & 6 - 60%;
• After week 6 - 100%.

During summer mini terms, students withdrawing due to reasons subject to administrative review and approval will have tuition charges refunded on a pro-rata basis through 40% of the term. The class days and dates for this refund schedule are determined by the Business Office.

Graduate Courses of Instruction

Courses numbered 400 to 499 are intended primarily for undergraduates, but may be taken by graduate students upon the approval of the chairpersons of the departments in which the course is offered and the Associate Dean for Graduate Education. A 400 level course taken for graduate credit requires additional work beyond a regular undergraduate course. Courses numbered 500 and above are open only to those admitted for graduate study. The College reserves the right to cancel any course when the registration is not sufficient to warrant its continuance.

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COMMUNICATION AND MEDIA STUDIES (COMM)

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FRENCH (FRE)

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