TL Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can you describe the teaching and learning certificate?
   
2. How many credits is this certificate?
   
3. What's the difference between a graduate certificate and a certificate of completion?
   
4. Will this certificate help me get a teaching job?
   
5. How much work is involved in the seminars? How many hours a week will it take me?
   
6. What happens if I need to leave the program and want to come back later?
   
7. When can I begin?
   
8. How big will my class be?
   
9. What credentials will my instructor have?
   
10. How much does it cost?
    
11. Is financial aid available?
    
12. Will my employer help pay for this?
    
13. What are the admissions requirements?
    
14. Is there an application fee?
    
15. What is the application deadline?
    
16. Do you accept transfer credits?
    
17. Are credits earned transferable to other graduate programs?
    
18. What Norwich University resources will be available to me?
    
19. Is Norwich University accredited?
    
20. What computer capability will I need to have to complete this online certificate?
    
21. Is there a Residency component to the Certificate program?
    
22. How do I get additional information?
    

1. Can you describe the teaching and learning certificate?
   The purpose of the T & L certificate is to provide knowledge and skills needed to begin or improve teaching and learning in both face-to-face and online environments. The Certificate consists of two 11-week seminars, designed to provide an appealing and challenging blend of theory and active problem solving, delivered within a dynamic, highly interactive online community. Seminar 1, ED 570 Teaching & Learning I, introduces students to key topics related to teaching and learning. You will focus on developing a philosophy of teaching and learning and on designing and presenting a learning experience.
   
   Weekly topics are:
   Week 1: What is a Good Teacher?
   Week 2: The Face of the 21st Century Classroom
   Week 3: How Do People Learn?
   Week 4: Building a Positive Learning Environment
   Week 5: Choosing Content
   Week 6: Identifying Learning Outcomes and Assessing learning
   Week 7: Learning about Learning Strategies—I
   Week 8: Learning about Learning Strategies—II
   Week 9: Choosing and Using Media to Enhance Learning
   Week 10: Designing and Presenting a Learning Experience
   Week 11: Your Philosophy of Teaching and Learning
   
   Seminar 2, ED 571 Teaching & Learning II, will deepen your understanding of key issues involved in teaching and learning. You will develop a course syllabus and a portfolio of materials (a sample letter to a future employer, a philosophy statement, and a learning experience document), which will aid in your search for teaching employment.
   
   Weekly topics include:
   Week 1: What Makes a Good Course—Design and Framing Factors to Consider
   Week 2: Designing for Student Motivation
   Week 3: The Components of an Effective Syllabus
   Week 4: Developing a Course Description, Learning Outcomes and Assessments
   Week 5: Choosing Effective Learning Strategies
   Week 6: Selecting Readings, Tools and Websites
   Week 7: The Importance of Policy (FERPA, grades, plagiarism, class participation, ADA)
   Week 8: The Ever-Changing Technology Landscape
   Week 9: Putting it Together—Your Course Syllabus
   Week 10: The Importance of Reflective Practice
   Week 11: Completing Your Portfolio
   
   Some topics in Seminar 1 are also addressed in Seminar 2, at a different level and/or in a different context. For example, Seminar 1 addresses identifying learning outcomes for a specific learning experience, while Seminar 2 addresses identifying learning outcomes for an entire course.
   
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2. How many credits is this certificate?
   The two seminars in the certificate program may be taken for credit or no credit. If taken for credit, you earn six graduate credits for each of the two seminars for a total of twelve credits, and you will receive a graduate certificate. If taken for no credit, you will not receive credits but will receive a certificate of completion.
   
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3. What's the difference between a graduate certificate and a certificate of completion?
   A graduate certificate is recorded on an official transcript, grades are awarded, and the document (diploma) you receive notes that the certificate has been completed for grades at a graduate level. Grades earned may be transferable to another college or university (this is always at the discretion of the receiving institution). If you wish to earn graduate credits for ED 570 Teaching & learning I and ED 571 Teaching and Learning II, you must choose and register for the credit option to receive grades for the seminars.
   
   A certificate of completion is not recorded on an official transcript, no grades are awarded at completion or at any time in the future, and the award certificate you receive contains language that clarifies participation and completion. Instead of a grade, you earn a Satisfactory or Unsatisfactory on each assignment. A certificate of completion is not transferable to another institution. Students who choose the non-credit option must choose and register for the 0-credit option.
   
   All students must complete all assignments. The non-credit option is available as a convenience to students who wish to complete the learning without the pressure of earning grades.
   
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4. Will this certificate help me get a teaching job?
   Individuals who complete the certificate will have an advantage when applying for employment as adjunct instructors at community colleges, four-year colleges, or other educational institutions. In addition to addressing key topics needed to begin teaching, the certificate is unique in that it addresses both face-to-face and online learning. Also, completing the certificate demonstrates your commitment to a future employer.
   
   It must be noted that individuals with a master's or Ph.D and the certificate will be more likely to obtain employment as teachers than will individuals holding only a baccalaureate degree and the certificate. Regional supply and demand factors may have an impact on your search as well.
   
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5. How much work is involved in the seminars? How many hours a week will it take me?
   You should plan to spend approximately 20 hours per week completing readings, discussion postings and written assignments. There are no tests in the program; only projects. You assemble a portfolio of documents as you work through the seminars but the portfolio itself is not graded.
   
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6. What happens if I need to leave the program and want to come back later?
   Students enroll in one 6-month long semester. During the semester, the two seminars are taken consecutively with a short break in-between. In cases of hardship or serious health issues, you may petition the program director for an exception to this policy.
   
   Norwich University SGS hires faculty and admits students according to a financial formula. If you withdraw during a semester, the following refund schedule applies:
   
   

   Week	Refund
   1-2	75%
   3-9	50%
   10-13	35%
   14 & 15	25%
   16 & thereafter	0%

   
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7. When can I begin?
   Cohorts start in March, June, September and December.
   
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8. How big will my class be?
   Approximately 25 students will be in your class. Small groups of 5-6 students will be created so that discussions are productive and manageable. This cohort system has been shown to be an effective learning environment for students.
   
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9. What credentials will my instructor have?
   The School of Graduate Studies recruits from a national market so we can be very selective. All instructors will have a PhD or EdD, or in some cases a master's degree, and experience teaching in face-to-face and online environments. All instructors are devoted to students and are passionate about teaching and learning. All instructors complete training and are held to the usual SGS high standards related to quick turnaround on communications and grading of assignments. Instructors are responsible for building a safe, respectful and engaging learning community. Of course, you have a key role to play in building and sustaining this environment, too.
   
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10. How much does it cost?
    The total cost of the certificate is $3,500. This includes tuition, fees and books for the semester, which includes both seminars that comprise the certificate.
    
    The level of service provided to students is the same regardless of whether they are enrolled for credit or no credit, so the cost of either option to students is the same.
    
    Download the current Tuition & Fees Supplement
    
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11. Is financial aid available?
    Federal financial aid is not available. If you are an active member of the military or a veteran of the armed services, please contact your Learning Officer or local VA Office to see what you might qualify for in funding assistance.
    
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12. Will my employer help pay for this?
    You will learn transferable skills including how to identify learning outcomes, how to develop, deliver and assess educational experiences, and how to give presentations – all of which may be of benefit in a wide range of professional positions. If you present this information to your employer, he/she may be agreeable to reimburse you for all or part of the costs. National research shows that employers are more likely to reimburse for credit-earning courses.
    
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13. What are the admissions requirements?
    In order to assure a level of preparedness and quality in the classroom, all students must meet the same admissions criteria regardless of whether they choose to take the credit or the non-credit option. A score of 550 or higher on the TOEFL is required for students whose primary language is not English.
    
    1. Students must have a minimum of a BS degree from a regionally accredited institution or an equivalent degree from a foreign institution, as evaluated by WES, IERF or AACRAO.
    
    2. Students will submit official transcripts from any post-secondary institution from which a degree has been awarded.
    
    3. Students will submit a one-page statement about why they wish to teach.
    
    4. Students will submit a current resume.
    
    No prerequisite knowledge is required. Some familiarity with teaching and learning is a plus, but is not required. Good writing skills will enhance success.
    
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14. Is there an application fee?
    There is a $25 application fee, which must be paid along with your application.
    
    Once admitted, you will need to make a non-refundable tuition payment of $150 to guarantee your spot in the classroom. This amount will be applied toward your tuition.
    
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15. What is the application deadline?
    You must submit all application materials and your application fee a minimum of six weeks before the seminar starts.
    
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16. Do you accept transfer credits?
    Norwich University does not accept transfer credits for certificate programs.
    
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17. Are credits earned transferable to other graduate programs?
    Transfer of credit is always up to the receiving institution. If you wish to transfer earned credits to a university, check with their academic affairs office. If you wish to transfer earned credits to a Norwich University SGS program, contact the director of that program.
    
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18. What Norwich University resources will be available to me?
    You will have access to a vast quantity of online resources through Kreitzberg Library. You will receive academic support from your instructor, administrative support from program staff, and technical support from the Norwich University IT staff.
    
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19. Is Norwich University accredited?
    Yes. The University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education. Since 1819, Norwich University has provided quality learning experiences for baccalaureate students in Vermont, New England, and the world. The School of Graduate Studies began offering online graduate programs in 1996.
    
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20. What computer capability will I need to have to complete this online certificate?
    
    Minimum requirements for PC users:
    • Operating System: Windows 2000/XP
    • RAM: 128 MB recommended
    • Free Disk Space: 50 MB (100 MB recommended)
    • CPU Speed: 266 MHz (500 MHz recommended)
    • Modem: 56K modem (DSL or cable modem recommended if your program is graphically intensive)
    • Audio: Sound card and speakers
    • Browsers: Internet Explorer 7, Firefox 2+, or the version level supported by ANGEL (Note: ANGEL does not support Safari or Netscape Navigator)
    
    Minimum requirements for Mac users:
    • Operating System: Macintosh OS 10.3 or Higher
    • RAM: 64 MB (128 MB recommended)
    • Free Disk Space: 50 MB (100 MB recommended)
    • CPU Speed: Power Macintosh or higher
    • Modem: 56K modem (DSL or cable modem recommended if your course is graphically intensive)
    • Audio: Sound card and speakers
    • Browsers: Firefox 2+ for Mac, or the version level supported by ANGEL (Note: ANGEL does not support Safari)
    
    Software:
    • Microsoft Office 2003 or higher, to include MS Word, PowerPoint, and Excel
    • Adobe Acrobat Reader
    
    Plugins:
    • Flash Player
    • QuickTime Player
    • Windows Media Player
    
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21. Is there a Residency component to the Certificate program?
    No, there is no Residency component to the program.
    
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22. If you have any questions, please contact us at one of the following:
    
    

    Call:	1-866-682-3788 (1-866-NUCERTT)
    Email:	sgscertificates@norwich.edu
    Write:	Norwich University School of Graduate Studies Teaching & Learning Certificate P. O. Box 367 Northfield, VT 05663-0367

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