Readmission process for M.A. students

The readmission process for M.A. students is provided below. Section A contains an overview of the process; Section B provides the details and guidelines for readmission to a master's program.

SECTION A. Overview of re-admission process

(see section B for details of each step)

1. Obtain readmission application forms.
    
2. Obtain a recent copy of your transcript.
    
3. Obtain a copy of your filed program form.
    
4. Obtain and read a copy of the department's current student handbook for the M.A., and, if possible, a copy of the student handbook of the year in which you were admitted.
    
5. Locate and make a copy of the planning worksheet located in the current student handbook that you obtained from the Web. Note: This is a worksheet only and is not submitted.
    
6. Develop a draft of your proposed program using the planning worksheet as your guide.
• Recency requirement for EdPA M.A. programs.
• If you have not completed all your coursework.
• If you have completed your coursework, but do not have an approved Plan B paper topic.
   
7. Obtain faculty approval to move forward with readmission process:
   1. Agreement to serve as adviser
   2. Approval of proposed or revised program
   3. Approval of proposed timeline for degree completion

8. Prepare and submit a final draft of your readmission forms.
    
9. If your are readmitted, register so that you are considered an "active" student.
    
10. Obtain your U of M Internet and library access. If you need to initiate your University account, visit the following Web site: www.umn.edu/initiate.

SECTION B. Details of re-admission process

If you are a degree-seeking student in the Department of Educational Policy and Administration and have not registered each semester starting Fall 2003 (before Fall 2003 you must have registered each 12 months), your program has become "inactive". In order to regain "active" status, you must apply for readmission. Please note, however, the department is under no obligation to grant readmission. Following is the readmission policy statement.

The Department of Educational Policy and Administration is under no obligation to readmit "inactive" students. Decisions for readmission will be based on a review of previous progress toward degree completion, on each student's plan and timeline for completion, and on the availability of faculty resources.

To be considered for readmission and to regain "active" status, follow the procedures specified below.

1. Obtain readmission application forms.

There are two levels of acceptance for readmission, the department level and the Graduate School level. Obtain the appropriate readmission application forms.

Please note that there is a fee for the Graduate School readmission process (check form for amount of fee). You will submit a check to the University of Minnesota when you submit your readmission forms (see form for amount of fee).

2. Obtain a recent copy of your transcript.

A recent copy of your transcript provides documentation of all the courses you have taken at the University of Minnesota, and any coursework you have already petitioned for transfer from another higher education institution. In order to develop a proposed or revised program completion plan, you must have the most recent transcript information.

Find the instructions on how to obtain an unofficial transcript at onestop.umn.edu/onestop/grades.html.

3. Obtain a copy of your program form (degree program and degree program transmittal form, GS form 89a and b [one .pdf file]), if previously filed with the Graduate School.

If you have filed a program form (includes a list of all the coursework for your degree and lists all your committee members) with the Graduate School, you should have a copy in your personal files. If you are unable to locate a copy of your filed program, obtain a copy by contacting the Graduate School.

4. Obtain and read a copy of the department's current student handbook for the M.A. If you entered the program in Fall 1999 or later, a copy of the handbook in effect at the time of your admission can be found on the department Web site.

Once you obtain the handbook, read carefully the section which specifies current degree requirements for the M.A., including:

• Program area (12 or more credits)
• Methodology ( 6 or more credits)
• Related field ( 6 or more credits outside of EdPA)
• Plan B Paper (2-4 credits)
  Total credits (30 or more)

Also included is information about preliminary examinations, development of your dissertation prospectus, and degree completion procedures.

The proposed or revised planning worksheet that must be approved by a faculty member is likely to be a combination of your original program and the current program requirements.

5. Obtain a program planning worksheet.

The program planning worksheet [.pdf] is a guide for mapping out your degree program. A copy is located within your current student handbook.

6. Develop a proposed or revised program using the planning worksheet.

Current degree program requirements (specified in the student handbook) serve as your guide for planning. Also use your transcript to indicate courses that you have already taken that may meet degree program requirements. Be advised of the Graduate School's time limit for earning the master's degree which follows:

All requirements for the master’s degree must be completed and the degree awarded within seven years. The seven-year period begins with the earliest coursework included on the official degree form, including any transfer work (see Graduate School Catalog, 2003-2005).

The specific requirements for your program completion also depend on how much of your degree program was completed prior to becoming inactive. You must abide by the following guidelines.

• If you have not completed all your coursework, you must align your program coursework with the new degree requirements.
   
• If you have completed your coursework, but do not have an approved Plan B paper proposal, you must determine with your adviser if additional coursework will be required for preparing your paper proposal.

After you complete your planning worksheet, you are ready to meet with a faculty member in your EdPA program area.

7. Obtain faculty approval to proceed with your readmission process.

To proceed with your readmission process you must obtain approval from an EdPA faculty member on the following three items:

1. Agreement to serve as your faculty adviser;
2. Approval of your proposed/revised Program Completion Plan;
3. Approval of your proposed timeline for program completion (located on the department readmission form).

7a. Identify a potential faculty adviser.

To identify a potential faculty adviser, review information about all of the EdPA faculty. Identify two or three potential advisers who align with your particular areas of study. Contact the faculty members to inquire about her/his availability to assume responsibility as your adviser and willingness to meet with you about your proposed/revised program completion plan (PCP).

Note: Individual faculty members may wish to meet you and review your PCP before deciding on whether or not to serve as your adviser.

7b. Schedule a meeting with the faculty member/potential adviser.

When you contact the faculty member, understand that it may two or more weeks before a meeting can be arranged, depending on the time of semester and other teaching, research, travel, and advising commitments. Semester beginnings and endings are particularly difficult periods to schedule meetings given course preparation and closure, and the high volume of student interactions during these periods.

7c. Meet with the faculty member.

You must bring the following materials with you to your appointment: (1) your current transcript; (2) your filed program form (if you have previously filed a program with the Graduate School); (3) your newly drafted program completion plan. Also bring any other materials that will assist the faculty member in understanding the program requirements that were in effect when you were admitted to your graduate program.

During the meeting, inform the faculty member when you began the program, show your proposed/revised program completion plan; and describe your proposed timeline. The faculty member will review your plan and offer advice as needed to assure alignment with degree program requirements and your particular career interests and goals.

At the end of the meeting, inquire as to the faculty member's approval of your plan and timeline and her/his availability and appropriateness for serving as your adviser.

8. Prepare and submit a final draft of your readmission forms.

After you meet with the faculty member and obtain a faculty adviser, complete both the Department and the Graduate School readmission forms. Return them to graduate studies staff in the department at 330 Wulling Hall for the first level of review. Allow 4 to 6 weeks for review of your readmission materials. Be sure to include a check made out to the University of Minnesota that will accompany your Graduate School readmission form (the amount will be noted on the form). If your readmission is approved at the Department level it will be forwarded to the Graduate School.

9. If you are readmitted, register so that you are considered an "active" student.

You may register by using the hard copy registration form in the back of the term graduate school catalog or registering online onestop.umn.edu/onestop/registration.html.

To avoid repeating the readmission process, be sure to register at least once during each 12 month period as specified in the following Graduate School policy (e.g., if you registered in the fall of one year, you must register again the fall of the following year). Find details of registration requirements in the 2003-2005 Graduate School Catalog.

10. Obtain your U of M internet and library access.

As an active student at the University of Minnesota, you are entitled to internet access through the University system. Students should note that the University-assigned student e-mail account is the University's official means of communication with all students. Students are responsible for all information sent to them via the University assigned e-mail account. If you have forgotten your password or have any problems with your account, contact the Technology Helpline at 612-626-4276.

Your student ID card (U Card) will provide access to the University of Minnesota library system. Please check the student handbook for access and contact information for Wilson Library.