University of New England

Program Information Admission Curricular Requirements Academic Policy Academic Honesty Policy Financial Information Graduation Requirements Additional Information Department Website

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

College: Arts and Sciences

Department: Education

Contact: Dr. Douglas Lynch (Chair) dylnch@une.edu

 

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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 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.

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 by the following deadlines:
   
   

   Term	Application Deadline	Beginning of Term
   Fall Term  A	August 10	September 5
   Fall Term  B	October 10	October 31
   Spring Term A	December 21	January 16
   Spring Term B	February 15	March 12
   Summer Term A	April 18	May 12
   Summer Term B	June 6	June 30

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 applicants 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 applicants 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.

Immunization
University policy and State of Maine 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 immunization. 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.

Curricular Requirements
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.  Each on-line course is ordinarily scheduled for 8 weeks, so a student has the ability to enroll in two courses each semester, one in term A and one in term B.  A minimum of 30 credits must be taken to be awarded the certificate.

The University of New England's Certificate of Advanced Graduate Study 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.

UNE's CAGS program requirements are:

EDU 701 - Educational Leadership
EDU 702 - School Law
EDU 703 - Educational Change/School Reform
EDU 704 - Supervision and Evaluation of Instructional Personnel
EDU 705 - Leadership, Professional Responsibilities, and Ethics Seminar
EDU 706 - School Community Relations & Communications
EDU 707 - Instructional Leadership
EDU 709 - School Finance
EDU 711 - Internship I
EDU 715 - Organizational Theory and Strategic Planning

UNE's CAGS program additional offerings:

EDU 712 - Internship II
EDU 713 - Independent Study
EDU 720 - Special Education Law for the Classroom

Academic Policy
Transfer Credit
Transfer credit is not accepted by the CAGS program, since the program has been developed holistically to meet the six ISLLC standards.

Minimal Grade Standard and Academic Progress
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 at the time of readmission will apply.

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 the university.

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.

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 which is available 24/7. A technical support telephone number will be provided to students who matriculate in the online CAGS degree program.

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Notice and Responsibilities Regarding this Catalog

This Catalog documents the academic programs, policies, and activities of the University of New England for the 2007-2008 academic year. The information contained herein is accurate as of date of publication August 1, 2007.

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.