University of New England

Degree: Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS), Educational Leadership

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Education

Contact: Dr. Susan Hillman (Chair) shillman@une.edu

Overview

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study (CAGS) in Educational Leadership is a post-master's program of study leading to an educational administrative credential and has been designed to offer high-quality, cost-effective, and innovative curricula delivered through an online, Internet format. This program requires completion of ten post-master's courses (30 credits). Emphasis is on developing the knowledge and skills needed by school administrators and other educators who wish to assume significant leadership roles in their schools, educational institutions, and communities. The program meets the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium (ISLLC) standards.

Program Goals
The goals of the CAGS program are to prepare students to:
    •  Administer schools in a humanistic, caring manner.
    •  Instill a sense of responsibility and ethical decision-making.
    •  Meet the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium Standards (ISLLC) to enable school educators to obtain administrative certification nationwide. The six ISLLC standards state that a school administrator is an educational leader who promotes the success of all students by:          
1. Facilitating the development, articulation, implementation and stewardship of a vision of learning that is shared and supported by the school community.           
2. Advocating, nurturing and sustaining a school culture and instructional program conducive to student learning and staff professional growth.           
3. Ensuring management of the organization, operations and resources for a safe, efficient and effective learning environment.           
4. Collaborating with families and community members, responding to diverse community interests and needs and mobilizing community resources.           
5. Acting with integrity and in an ethical manner.           
6. Understanding, responding to and influencing the larger political, social, economic, legal and cultural context.
    
Accreditation
The CAGS program is approved by the Maine State Board of Education. All programs at the University of New England also are accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC).

Admissions Requirements

Prerequisites to participate in the Educational Leadership Program include:
1.  A sincere interest in continuing professional development as an educational leader.
2.  The potential to improve practice through application of new knowledge and skills.
3.  Current employment in an educational setting where you have regular access to an environment in which you can apply course concepts and strategies.
4.  Experience in a leadership capacity (i.e. team leader, committee chair, department leader, subject-matter coordinator or other relevant leadership role in an educational setting).
5.  The ability to pursue challenging online graduate study.
6.  Sufficient computer skills to navigate the worldwide web.
7.  Owning or having regular access to a computer with internet connection, with the hardware and software requirements described on the CAGS webpage http://uneonline.org.
8.  Ability to be a positive change agent, maintaining professional ethics and supportive management strategies.
9.  Master's degree from a regionally accredited college or university, or recognized master's degree or equivalent from recognized university in an overseas nation.*
10. Have a minimum of three years' teaching experience in an accredited public or private school.

    *As a non-matriculated student, you may take up to 12 credits in the CAGS program without having completed a master's degree.
 

Procedures and Policies
Applications for admissions into the CAGS Educational Leadership Program are considered as they are received. A new cohort will begin online every term. Applicants are encouraged to prepare application materials carefully and completely in order to ensure timely action by the Admissions Committee.

The application process to be admitted to the program consists of the following steps:

1. Complete the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership application forms (available in paper or online) and submit to UNE no later than 45 days prior to the start of the term (i.e., August 15, December 15, or April 15).
2. Submit the non-refundable application fee of $40. The fee must be in U.S. funds and may be submitted by check, money order, or credit card.
3. Submit official transcripts of all post-secondary attendance. International students must submit officially evaluated transcripts that have been reviewed by World Education Service in New York City.
4. Write a personal goal statement that addresses the following:
   a. Your experience as a teacher and/or administrator.
   b. Your experience in leadership roles, including your personal style of leadership.
   c. Your interest in further graduate study.
   d. Your ability to succeed in a distance learning format.
   e. Your post-CAGS professional goals.
5. Arrange to have three letters of recommendation from professional educational colleagues, written on institution/organization letterhead, with accompanying recommendation forms sent to the CAGS Office (letters should substantially address the applicant's qualifications for CAGS study; one letter must be from a supervisor).
   
   Letters of recommendation (and the accompanying forms) are very important components to your application. You may wish to select your references carefully and discuss with each one of them the importance of providing substantive recommendations that address the criteria. References from friends, family members, or religious leaders are not appropriate for the CAGS program.
6. Provide evidence of at least three years of teaching or administrative experience in an educational institution.
7. International students must supply an official TOEFL Score of 550 or higher or an official minimum Cambridge Test score at level 6. You must also have all of your post-secondary transcripts translated into English (if needed) and officially evaluated by the World Education Service in New York City. These materials are part of your application packet and must be submitted before your application can be considered for admission.

The Admissions Committee reviews all materials and correspondence in its evaluation of applications. The following criteria will be used to evaluate your personal goal statement and letters of recommendation.

1. There are indications of leadership potential.
2. There are indications of a desire for professional improvement and growth.
3. The writing conveys excitement of learning and leading.
4. There is evidence of compatibility with the distance-learning format.
5. The writing is organized, cohesive, and cogent.
6. There is evidence that the applicant is willing to apply new ideas and techniques.

Non-Matriculated Students
Students who do not wish to seek the Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study may enroll in an individual course. Students may take up to four courses as a non-matriculate.  Please note that one exception is the internship courses (EDU 711 and EDU 712 are NOT available for non-matriculated students).

To seek enrollment as a non-matriculated student, please make sure to do the following:

1. Complete the Application form for Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study.
2. Submit the non-refundable application fee of $40. The fee must be in U.S. funds and may be submitted by check, money order, or credit card.
3. Submit official transcripts of all post-secondary attendance. International students must submit officially evaluated transcripts that have been reviewed by World Education Service in New York City.
4. Submit a personal/professional goal statement indicating:
   a. Your reasons for enrolling in CAGS courses.  (Please specify which courses).
   b. Your ability to succeed in an online format.
   c. Your professional goals and how CAGS courses will help you meet these goals.

Immunization
University policy and Maine state law require that immunization documentation be submitted prior to your matriculation. The CAGS staff realizes that this law appears to have no relevance to an online program. However, all CAGS students will be on campus during their program of study and the law requires that the form be on file before you start classes. Please help us by completing and returning the form immediately.

This process requires that you take the Confidential Immunization Questionnaire form to your own primary health care provider for completion and a signature, and return the form to the Westbrook College Campus Student Health prior to matriculation. Please note that the Confidential Immunization Questionnaire is the only form on which the required information may be submitted.

The immunization information requested will only be used to document the University of New England's compliance with state law and University program requisites. Information submitted regarding your health status will not be released without your informed consent.

On the form, list immunization records. This is required of all students regardless of the program for which you have been accepted. Two doses of the MMR vaccine may be substituted for the individual measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Proof of immunity on the basis of having had the disease requires a titer for all students born after 1956. Immunization dates must include both month and year and each titer result must be reported in the same date format and verified for accuracy by the health care provider signing the attestation statement on your form.

Please be certain that your primary health care provider signs the completed form including the statement of health. By signing this form, your health care provider is officially verifying the accuracy of the information from available records as stated on the form. A health care provider's signature does not indicate that he/she personally administered any vaccines except where deficiencies existed in comparison to the stated requirements.

University policy and State of Maine law states that students attending a postsecondary school as a candidate for a degree, diploma, or a graduate certificate cannot be enrolled in or attend school without required proof of immunity. Only two situations warrant exception to this policy:

1. The student presents the school with a letter from a physician on his or her letterhead stating that an immunization against one or more of these diseases is medically inadvisable.
2. The student states in writing an opposition based on a sincere religious belief or for strong moral, philosophical, or other personal reasons.
   In either of the above cases, the Immunization Waiver Form should be completed and returned to Westbrook College Campus Student Health in lieu of the immunization form.

Transfer Credit and Advanced Standing

Upon acceptance to the CAGS program, you may apply to transfer up to two 3-credit graduate level courses (maximum of 6 credits) into the Post-Master's Certificate in Educational Leadership Program. The courses for which you are requesting transfer credit must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be graduate-level courses taken after the receipt of your master's degree.
2. Must have been taken within the last five years.
3. Must have been taken at an accredited college or university.
4. Must have a grade of 'B' or higher.
5. Must be equivalent to courses required in the CAGS program.

To request consideration for transfer credit, you must provide an official transcript, a course syllabus and outline, and a succinct statement justifying the course equivalency of the course (or courses) for which you are requesting transfer credit. Materials will be reviewed by CAGS faculty. Transfer credit is awarded at the discretion of the faculty and the Admissions Committee.

The Leadership, Professional Responsibilities, and Ethics Seminar cannot be satisfied through transfer credit.

Individuals who have completed 12 CAGS credits as a non-matriculated student, may complete the balance of their certificate if they apply and are accepted as a matriculated student in the certificate program.

Advanced Standing
Advanced placement is not an option in the CAGS program, but six credits of graduate work beyond a master's degree maybe considered as transfer credits toward the certificate.

The Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership curriculum consists of eight 3-credit online courses, a one-week residential summer seminar, and a 3-credit internship within your local area.  A minimum of 30 credits must be taken to be awarded the certificate.

The University of New England's Certificate in Educational Leadership curriculum is designed to apply as broadly as possible to requirements throughout the country, meeting basic ISLLC (Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium) standards. However, it is the responsibility of the candidate to confirm what course content is needed in the state in which certification is sought and to discuss with your advisor if alternative courses need to be accommodated.

Probation/Dismissal
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 (“B”). Failure to do so will result in academic probation and possible termination from the program. Students receiving a grade of “F” in any course will be immediately placed on academic probation. A student receiving an “F” must register and pass the failed course with a grade of “C” or better before registering for any additional credits.

Re-admission
Students who have withdrawn from the CAGS program, either self-initiated or administrative withdrawal, must reapply to the program if they wish to continue their studies. The application procedures, academic policies, and program requirements that are in effect upon re-enrollment will apply to the student's program upon re-enrollment.

Students who re-enroll following withdrawal will have their previous coursework evaluated for applicability to the existing academic requirements. Coursework that is more than five years old will not be accepted for credit in the CAGS program.

The University of New England regards academic integrity as an essential component to the educational process. Charges of academic dishonesty will be handled through the dean of the appropriate college. Academic dishonesty includes, but is not limited to:

1. Cheating, copying, or the offering or receiving of unauthorized assistance or information.
2. Fabrication or falsification of data, results, or sources for papers or reports.
3. Action that destroys or alters the work of another student.
4. Multiple submission of the same paper or report for assignments in more than one course without permission of each instructor.
5. Plagiarism, the appropriation of records, research materials, ideas, or the language of other persons or writers and the submission of them as one's own.

It is expected that students will accurately and correctly document all academic resources. APA format is the required style for citing sources and establishing a bibliography. If you are unfamiliar with what constitutes plagiarism, please do an online search to acquaint yourself with all of the components of plagiarism. You may also check the Georgetown University Honor Council for a plagiarism description.

Documented instances of academic dishonesty will be reviewed by UNE administrators. Violation of the academic honesty policy will result in a grade of F' being issued for the course involved. A student who has violated the academic honesty policy may also be dismissed from the CAGS program and UNE.Text

Grading
Faculty establish their individual grading criteria and grading scale in courses which they teach.

Incomplete Grades
An incomplete 'I' grade may be given by the faculty to a student who is going passing work in a course, but who, for reasons beyond his/her control, is not able to complete the work on time. The student must request an incomplete from the faculty (by letter or via e-mail) at least one week prior to the end of the term in which the student has registered for the course. The 'I' grade must be changed within the time limit determined by the faculty and may not extend beyond one term following the end of the semester. Until changed, the I grade defers computation of credits and grade points for the course to which it is assigned. Failure to complete the work before the limitation date, or within the time imposed by the faculty, results in the assignment of an administrative *F grade for the course. Once an 'I' grade is removed, academic standing will be updated according to good standing or probationary standards. The student will be required to retake and repay for the course in order to receive credit when an administrative *F has been given.

Financial Information

Tuition and Fees
Tuition and fees for subsequent years may vary. Other expenses include books and housing. For more information regarding tuition and fees, please consult the Financial Information section of this catalog.

On Campus Seminar
Additional costs will be incurred for housing, board, and general services related to EDU 705, Leadership, Professional Responsibilities and Ethics Seminar. The cost for housing and board are determined annually.

Other Expenses
CAGS students who drop a course after registration will be assessed an additional processing fee of $35 which will be deducted from their eligible refund.

Financial Aid
Detailed information and applications are available on request from the Financial Aid Office. Call 207-602-2342 or visit the Financial Aid website.

To complete the program and receive a Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study in Educational Leadership, you must:

• Complete 30 credits which is composed of eight 3-credit on-line courses, a 3-credit summer seminar at the University of New England campus, and a 3-credit internship within your local area.
• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0.
• Pay all tuition and fees when due.

Additional Information

Name and Address Changes
Students are responsible for notifying the University of New England CAGS Office and Registrar's Office of name, address, phone, and email changes through the Change of Address, Name, or Phone Form.

Students With Disabilities
Students with disabilities who require accommodations or modifications should communicate their needs to the Director, Office of Students With Disabilities, University of New England, 11 Hills Beach Road, Biddeford, ME 04005.

Technical Support
Students who require assistance with access to online course materials and information should address their computer access questions/problems to the staff at eCollege.com. A technical support telephone number will be provided to students who matriculate in the online CAGS degree program.

Department of Education Faculty

See Education: Graduate Programs Information

Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2006-2007 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2006.

The University of New England reserves the right in its sole judgment to make changes of any nature in its programs, calendar, or academic schedule whenever it is deemed necessary or desirable, including changes in course content, the rescheduling of classes with or without extending the academic term, canceling of scheduled classes or other academic activities, in any such case giving such notice thereof as is reasonably practicable under the circumstances.

While each student may work closely with an academic advisor, he or she must retain individual responsibility for meeting requirements in this catalog and for being aware of any changes in provisions or requirements.