Accreditation

Eastern Mennonite University is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award associate, baccalaureate and masters degrees. Contact the Commission on Colleges at 1866 Southern Lane, Decatur, Georgia 30033-4097 or call 404-679-4500 for questions about the accreditation of Eastern Mennonite University. The university is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia.

The teacher education department at Eastern Mennonite University is accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), 2010 Massachusetts Ave., NW, Suite 500, Washington, DC 20036; phone (202) 466-7496. This accreditation covers initial teacher preparation programs and advanced educator preparation programs. NCATE is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation to accredit programs for the preparation of teachers and other professional school personnel. The program is approved by the Virginia Department of Education.

The MA in Counseling Program is acccredited by the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs. The Graduate Counseling Program also is approved as a training program by the American Association of Pastoral Counselors (AAPC).

Nondiscriminatory Policy

EMU does not discriminate on the basis of gender, race, color, age, handicap, national or ethnic origin in administration of its employment and educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, athletic or other school-administered programs. EMU's designated coordinator for matters related to nondiscrimination policies is the provost, telephone 540-432-4105.

FERPA Provisions for Student Rights

The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) affords students certain rights with respect to their education records. They are:

1. The right to inspect and review the student's education records within 45 days of the day the university receives a request for access. Students should submit to the registrar a written request that identifies the record(s) they wish to inspect. The registrar will make arrangements for access and notify the students of the time and place where the records may be inspected. If the records are not maintained by the registrar’s office, the registrar shall advise the students of the correct official to whom the request should be addressed.
   
   
2. The right to request the amendment of the student's education records that the student believes are inaccurate or misleading. Students may ask the university to amend a record that they believe is inaccurate or misleading. They should write the university official responsible for the record, clearly identify the part of the record they want changed, and specify why it is inaccurate or misleading. If the university decides not to amend the record as requested by the student, the university will notify the student of the decision and advise the student of his or her right to a hearing regarding the request for the amendment. Additional information regarding the hearing procedures will be provided to the student when notified of the right to a hearing.
   
   
3. The right to consent to disclosures of personally identifiable information contained in the student's education records, except to the extent that FERPA authorizes disclosure without consent. One exception which permits disclosure without consent is disclosure to school officials with legitimate educational interests. A school official is a person employed by the university in an administrative, supervisory, academic, research, or support staff position; a person or company with whom the university has contracted (such as an attorney, auditor, or collection agent); a person serving on the Board of Trustees; or a student serving on an official committee, such as a disciplinary or grievance committee, or assisting another school official in performing his or her tasks. A school official had legitimate educational interest if the official needs to review an education record in order to fulfill his or her professional responsibility.
   
   
4. The right to file a student complaint with the U.S. Department of Education concerning alleged failures by Eastern Mennonite University to comply with the requirements of FERPA. The name and the address of the office that administers FERPA is: Family Policy Compliance Office, U.S. Department of Education, 600 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC 20202-4605.

FERPA-based Definition of Directory Information

Eastern Mennonite University's current definition of directory information is listed below in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 as Amended. Should you wish not to have this information released, please make a formal request in writing to the university registrar prior to September 5, 2008. You must sign and date request. Any request will be honored for the 2008-09 academic year only. Directory Information may be unconditionally released to the public without the consent of the student, unless he/she has specifically asked that prior consent be obtained before releasing such information. Directory Information includes:

• a student's name and enrollment status (full-time or part-time)
• address and telephone listing (permanent, local, or residence hall)
• date of birth
• major and minor field(s) of study
• participation in officially recognized activities and sports
• weight and height of members of the athletic teams
• dates of attendance
• degrees, awards, and honors (including Dean's List and graduation honors) received
• the most recent previous education institution attended by the student
• student level
• degree sought and anticipated graduation date
• photograph
• email address

Students will be notified each year by the university registrar's office as to what is considered Directory Information.

Statement of Legal Control

According to Article IV of the Articles of Incorporation "The affairs of the corporation shall be managed by a Board of . . . Trustees . . . . The Board of Directors of Mennonite Education Agency, Inc., a religious corporation organized under the laws of the State of Indiana shall appoint three-fourths of the Trustees and the Board of Trustees shall appoint one-fourth of the Trustees..."

Historical Sketch

The year 1917 was a year of revolution and war—revolution in Russia and, for Americans, first-hand encounter with modern warfare as the United States entered World War I. It seems, in retrospect, an inauspicious time for pacifist Mennonites who abhor war and revolution to be launching a new educational venture. But the people of God respond to a time clock governed by faith. Therefore, the humble beginning of Eastern Mennonite University in the peaceful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia provides a moving counterpoint to a year of rapine and violence seldom matched in the annals of human history.

Eastern Mennonite School, as it was first called, began as a Bible academy and is now a fully accredited university with 1,600 students in the undergraduate, seminary and graduate programs. EMU was founded to provide a setting for young men and women of the Mennonite Church to deepen their biblical faith, study the liberal arts and gain specific skills in a variety of professions.

That tri-part objective has remained central to the purpose of the university, and its history is the story of an ever-broadening curriculum and program. In 1930 the university was accredited by the Virginia Board of Education as a junior college. Seventeen years later, in 1947, a four-year degree program was approved by the state of Virginia, and regional accreditation by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools was achieved in 1959.

By 1965 a graduate theological school had evolved. Eastern Mennonite Seminary, which seeks to prepare persons for Christian ministry--especially in the local congregation-- offers an intensive, well-rounded program of biblical, theological, historical and practical studies.

During the early 1970s, the university instituted a unique interdisciplinary core curriculum, Christianity and Civilization. That program has evolved into a core curriculum entitled the Global Village Curriculum which is not only interdisciplinary but also cross-cultural in its focus.

The first graduate program (other than seminary)--counseling--began in 1993. It was followed by two others in the next two years--conflict transformation and education. An adult degree completion program was established in 1994 and an MBA program was added in 1999.

The school's name was changed from "college and seminary" to "university" in 1994. Biblical studies, liberal arts, graduate programs and professional training--EMU is still evolving, but its roots reach deep into Mennonite heritage which takes history seriously and reveres humble service guided by faith and knowledge.

Mission Statement

Identity

Eastern Mennonite University, founded in 1917 in Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an educational institution of Mennonite Church USA. EMU serves students of diverse religious and cultural backgrounds and confers undergraduate, graduate, and seminary degrees. As a leader among faith-based universities, EMU emphasizes peacebuilding, creation care, experiential learning, and cross-cultural engagement.

Mission

EMU educates students to serve and lead in a global context. Our Christian community challenges students to pursue their life calling through scholarly inquiry, artistic creation, guided practice, and life-changing cross-cultural encounter. We invite each person to follow Christ’s call to

bear witness to faith,
serve with compassion, and
walk boldly in the way of nonviolence and peace.

Vision

EMU envisions a learning community marked by academic excellence, creative process, professional competence, and passionate Christian faith, offering healing and hope in our diverse world. To this end, we commit ourselves to

do justice,
love mercy, and
walk humbly with God.

Shared Values

EMU embodies the enduring values of the Anabaptist tradition:

Christian discipleship,
community,
service, and
peacebuilding.

Together we worship God, seek truth, and care for God’s creation.

Approved by the Board of Trustees, June 28, 2008

Location

Eastern Mennonite University is located in the heart of the scenic and historic Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Situated in Harrisonburg, a city of 40,000 people, EMU is fronted on the east by the Massanutten and Blue Ridge mountain ranges. To the west lie the Alleghenies. Only 125 miles from the nation's capital and 115 miles from Richmond, the state capital, EMU has an ideal location for historical and cultural field trips. Harrisonburg is served by Interstate 81 as well as two national highways, U.S. 33 and 11. The Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport, about 15 minutes from the university, provides regular air service.

In addition to the Harrisonburg campus, EMU operates a site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for working adults. This site, known as EMU at Lancaster, is located at 1846 Charter Lane in the Greenfield Corporate Park. Programs offered at this location include an RN-BSN program, Master of Arts in education program, associate in arts in pastoral ministries program, and seminary classes. The facility houses three classrooms and administrative offices.

Admission: Decisions and Appeals

Each graduate program establishes and maintains its admission requirements. Admission committees composed of faculty members make admission decisions in each graduate program. A student denied admission may address a written appeal to the admission committee, providing additional information pertinent to an admission decision. Prospective students may appeal a second denial of admission to the graduate dean, whose determination for admission is final.

Advising

Each graduate student is appointed a faculty member to serve as an advisor. Until the faculty advisor's appointment, the program director serves as the advisor. The faculty advisor helps the graduate student with career planning and course selection. The advisor also functions as a mentor, monitoring the student's academic progress and working as an informal advocate for the student to the program faculty. Requests to change academic advisors should be made to the program director.

Attendance

Students are expected to attend all class meetings. If unusual or emergency circumstances prevent class attendance, the student should notify the professor in advance if possible. Multiple absences from class will result in lower grades. The student is responsible for the material presented in classes missed.

Commencement Participation

To be eligible to participate in spring commencement ceremonies, students must complete all degree requirements by the following deadline: the August following commencement for Graduate Counseling graduates and the December following commencement for Conflict Transformation, MBA and MA in Education graduates.

Course Cancellation

The university reserves the right to cancel courses or to combine class sections when insufficient enrollment occurs.

Credit Hour

Courses for degree credit typically require a minimum of 15 class contact hours for each semester credit hour.

Grading System and Quality Points

EMU uses the four-point system. The grade point average (GPA) is computed by dividing the number of quality points earned by the number of graded semester hours.

Graduate students are expected to earn A and B grades. The minimum GPA requirement for graduation varies with the program.

A Excellent
A	4.0 quality points per semester hour
A-	3.7 quality points per semester hour
B Good
B+	3.3 quality points per semester hour
B	3.0 quality points per semester hour
B-	2.7 quality points per semester hour
C Marginal
C+	2.3 quality points per semester hour
C	2.0 quality points per semester hour
F	Failure, 0 quality points
P	Pass: Applies only to approved courses, no quality points. Indicates performance at a B- level or better.
SP	Satisfactory Progress: A non-terminal grade for a continuing course
W	Withdrawal: Indicates student withdrawal from the course
AU	Audit: No credit given.
I	Incomplete: Each student is expected to complete all course work on time and to the satisfaction of the instructor. Incompletes will be allowed only in cases of emergency, when circumstances beyond the control of the student prevent completion of course requirements on time. An incomplete shall be requested one week before the end of the term and must be approved by the instructor and the program director. A grade will be assigned based on the work completed.

Grade Reports

Grades are available to students through the EMU Campus Web (http://www.emu.edu/registrar/grades/viewing) within one week from the date they are submitted to the university registrar's office. Payment of account is required for the release of grades.

Grade Appeals

A student who believes that a grade received for a course does not accurately reflect his/her achievement of course requirements and expectations should:

1. Confer with the teacher who assigned the grade, stating the reason(s) she/he believes a grade change is warranted.
2. If the teacher does not agree to change the grade, the student may appeal to the program director. This appeal must state in writing the evidence the student believes indicates that a grade change is warranted.
3. If the program director does not agree to ask the teacher to change the grade, the student may appeal in writing to the graduate dean, whose decision will be final.

All grade changes must be authorized by the person who agreed to the change and use the formal grade change process of the university registrar’s office.

An appeal to any grade assigned between September 1 and December 31 must be initiated no later than February 15 of the following year; an appeal to any grade assigned between January 1 and May 15 must be initiated by July 1; and an appeal to any grade assigned between May 16 and August 31 must be initiated by October 15.

Grievance Procedures

The grievance procedures are applicable to all students, faculty and staff of Eastern Mennonite University as well as applicants for faculty, staff or student status. These procedures comply with the requirements of Title IX of the Federal Health, Education, and Welfare procedures and the general employee grievance policy of the Mennonite Education Agency.

The main concern in any grievance procedure is to bring reconciliation and growth in ways that enhance community. To implement this goal, the American Council on Education definition of grievance is adopted: "Grievable issues are those in which there is the possibility of an error in the institutional policies (or lack of them), in its prescribed procedures for carrying out the policies, in the administration of those procedures, or in varying combinations of these." If it is determined that an institutional error has occurred, the second function of the grievance procedure is to provide a process to determine appropriate redress for the grievant.

The first approach to any grievance should be non-adversarial and open, undertaken with careful attention to fostering understanding, problem-solving attitudes. The expectation is that the majority of grievances can be resolved through a flexible process of conflict resolution. These procedures are based on the understanding that differences can be resolved within the institutions of the church without adopting adversarial positions and that the resources of the wider church community are available when mediation is requested. A complete copy of these procedures is available upon request from the President's Office.

Honesty

Personal integrity and mutual trust are essential to the learning community at Eastern Mennonite University. Students are expected to uphold high standards of personal ethics, including the professional ethics associated with academic life. EMU considers a student's lying, cheating or stealing through the wrongful use or inappropriate attribution of information on tests, term papers or other academic assignments to be a serious violation of the standards of integrity in the academic community.

Plagiarism, the intentional use of ideas and words taken from another source without proper credit, is a serious ethical offense. Knowingly helping or allowing someone to cheat also violates the ethical standards of the community.

When there is confirmed evidence of academic dishonesty, the teacher deals with the student on an individual basis and may assign a failing grade for the particular assignment or for the course. In cases where any disciplinary action is taken, a written record of the offense and the action is submitted to the graduate dean.

Ineligibility

Persons with criminal histories seeking admission may appeal to the director by presenting evidence of personal change and restoration.

Open Communication Policy

Eastern Mennonite University welcomes open communication from students regarding its policies and practices. Student feedback helps administrators determine effectiveness and clarify and improve processes and procedures. If a student has a complaint, such complaint should be communicated to the administrator responsible for the area of the complaint. Most complaints can be dealt with through oral communication.

When a student wishes to lodge a more formal complaint in writing, the Student Complaint Form is to be submitted to the person to whom the complaint is addressed. Electronic communication will not be acceptable. Administration will respond in writing to written complaints, normally within ten days. The administrator will submit copies of the written complaint and response to the president's office for filing and monitoring.

In the event that a student is not satisfied with the response to the complaint, the student may choose to follow the grievance procedure for resolution.

The university recognizes its obligation to ensure that students who make complaints do not suffer adverse treatment as a result of the complaint. In the event that a student alleges such treatment, the student shall be referred to the grievance procedure for resolution and reconciliation.

Approved by President’s Cabinet, March 12, 2007

Registration

Registration materials will be provided by graduate program personnel prior to each term of study. A student wishing to add or drop a course shall contact his or her advisor. For courses offered on a standard semester basis, the following applies: courses may be added through the first five days of the semester and may be dropped with no grade through the first four weeks. Courses dropped during the fifth through ninth week are recorded as "W" (withdrawal). No change is permitted after the ninth week. Drop/Add deadlines are adjusted accordingly for courses offered on other time frames.

Standards

Academic warning
Students who have completed nine hours in a graduate program will be placed on academic probation if their GPA falls below 2.75. The director of the program will notify such students in writing of the probationary status, which remains in effect until they raise their GPA above 2.75 or are dismissed from the program. Those on probation should work with their faculty advisor to develop a plan for maximizing future academic success.

Dismissal
Graduate students may be dismissed from a graduate program upon:

1. Falling below a 2.75 GPA after at least 12 hours of graduate study or
2. Receiving a grade of "C" or below on nine hours of graded work or
3. Receiving a second grade of "F" or
4. Exhibiting attitudes, behaviors or lifestyle inconsistent with the mission of Eastern Mennonite University or the graduate program.

The admissions committee in the graduate program makes all dismissal decisions.

Student Responsibility

The graduate student carries complete responsibility for knowing and fulfilling course requirements, program regulations and degree requirements. Graduate students should take the initiative to meet with their advisors to assure that they are making satisfactory progress toward meeting all program requirements. Students are subject to program requirements in effect at the time of their admission. They may elect to graduate under a subsequent catalog, subject to approval by their advisor.

Time limits for completing degree requirements

All work for a graduate degree must be completed within six years from the date of initial admission to the graduate program. To request an extension of the time limit, the student must submit a written request to the director of the graduate program specifying the amount of time needed and the reasons an extension is necessary. The director, in consultation with the program faculty, will notify the student in writing of the decision on an extension request.

Transcripts

To assure confidentiality of academic records, all requests for official transcripts must be submitted by the student in writing. Requests should be made to the university registrar's office, allowing one week for processing. Requests can be made at the following URL: www.emu.edu/registrar/transcripts/. There is a $3 charge for each transcript.

Requests for transcripts may be submitted by fax with payment to follow. If a student requests to have a transcript faxed to another location, the university registrar's office carries no responsibility for the confidentiality of the record and may charge an additional fee for the fax transmission.

Transfer Credits

EMU graduate programs accept a limited amount of graduate transfer credit from other colleges and universities. The transfer credit must meet the graduate program requirements for electives or core requirements. The director of the graduate program makes the final determination of the applicability of transfer credit to an individual's graduate program. See respective graduate program for additional transfer regulations.

Withdrawal (Voluntary) and Refunds

A student considering withdrawal from graduate courses should discuss the reasons with his/her advisor and the program director. Before the student discontinues attendance, he/she must complete an application for withdrawal and secure the proper signatures. Official withdrawal is required for honorable withdrawal and possible tuition refunds.

Writing Standards

A excellent

 This essay or writing has clarity of purpose, as well as depth of content. It displays insight or originality of thought and demonstrates quality and breadth of resources. The structure is coherent and logically developed. The author uses very effective transitions. The writing is concise, eloquent and rhetorically effective. Sentence structure is nicely varied. The writing is engaging throughout and enjoyable to read. Sentences are well constructed and there are virtually no errors of conventions. Sources are cited for all quotations, paraphrases are credible and cited correctly, a reference page is included, and there are virtually no errors in documentation style..

B minimal expectations

This essay or writing has clarity of purpose and substantial information, as well as sufficient support. It contains some originality of thought and uses quality resources. The structure is coherent and logically developed. The author uses smooth transitions. The writing displays concern for careful expression. Sentence structure shows some variation. The writing is generally enjoyable to read. The author usually has well-constructed sentences, makes minimal errors in grammar and spelling, and generally uses accurate words. Sources are cited for all quotations, paraphrases are credible and usually cited correctly, a reference page is included, and there are minimal errors in documentation style.

C below expectations

This essay or writing has clarity of purpose but lacks depth of content and may depend on generalities or the commonplace. It has little originality of thought while using mostly quality resources. The structure is coherent and logically, but not fully, developed. There are some awkward transitions. Although the writing shows some personality, it lacks imagination and may be stilted. Little variation in sentence structure is present. The writing is not very interesting to read. The author does not always have well-constructed sentences, makes several errors in grammar rules and word choices that distract the reader, and frequently uses jargon and clichés. Sources are cited for all quotations. Most paraphrases are credible and sometimes are cited correctly. A reference page is included, but there are several errors in use of sources.

Approved by University Faculty, April 28, 2004
Revised by the Writing Committee, April, 2008

2008-09 Tuition and Fees

Graduate admission application fee       (non-refundable) ..........$25 Tuition per semester hour* Audit per semester hour ....$135 Technology Services (per semester)       Full-time student ......$30       Part-time student......$12

Computer Access (per semester)       Residence hall student ...........$64       Non-residence hall student.....$16 Student activity fee (some graduate programs)       per semester ..... $23       per credit hour (part-time) ..... $2 Graduation fee .....$30 Graduation fee (graduate certificate).....$15

*See respective graduate program office for current tuition rates.

Living expenses, books and supplies, personal expenses, practicum and internship expenses, travel, class fees and miscellaneous expenses are the responsibility of the student.

Payment and Payment Plans

All charges are due and payable at registration for the semester or individual course. Arrangements for payment in advance of the beginning of courses can be made by calling the university business office at (540) 432-4112. There is a monthly finance charge of 1.5% (18% annually) on past-due balances. EMU accepts personal checks, cashiers checks and money orders.

A monthly payment plan with Tuition Management Systems, Inc. (TMS) is available. Please contact the Business Office at 1-888-432-4112 for further information prior to setting up any payment plan. Brochures are available in the Students Accounts Office.

Eastern Mennonite University will not release grades, transcripts, diplomas or teaching licenses until all accounts are settled.

Please be aware that unpaid accounts will go before a review committee. If payment is not received, it will be necessary to cancel the student registration; attendance in classes will not be permitted.

Failure to meet financial obligations is cause for denying the student the privilege of registering for or attending subsequent classes, receiving a degree, or releasing grades or a transcript of credit. Collection costs or charges along with all attorney fees necessary for the collection of any debt to the university will be charged to and paid by the debtor. All accounts in collection are reported to the credit bureau.

EMU Credit Card Acceptance Policy

Tuition and Rent Accounts: EMU accepts major credit cards (except VISA) via Tuition Management Systems for a convenience fee per transaction. To make a payment, visit their website at www.afford.com or call 800-722-4867. (Depending on amount charged, convenience fee typically amounts to 2-4%.)

Miscellaneous Account: EMU accepts VISA, MasterCard, and Discover payments directly. EMU has determined that the cost of accepting credit card payments for tuition and major fees is an expense that we can no longer support.

Financial Assistance

The financial assistance office, located on the first floor of the campus center, coordinates student financial aid programs including scholarships, grants, employment and loans. Additionally, each graduate program office may have information about "outside" sources of aid related to the program. The financial assistance office staff helps graduate students with the application process as well as financial planning.

Available aid for graduate students may include the following programs for those who qualify:

• Virginia Tuition Assistance Grant -- for full-time Virginia residents in standard semester programs. Application required; deadline July 31; not available for "religious training" programs.
• Church Matching Grant (not available for all graduate programs) -- for students who receive financial support from a church that has a grant or scholarship program; must be at least half-time enrolled. Application required; preferred response date March 1. $1,000 per year with $2,000 career maximum.
• Institutional Scholarship/Grant -- recipients selected by each graduate program; awarded if funding is available and student meets criteria; applications may be required.
• Federal Work-Study -- on campus (or approved off campus) employment offered to federal aid applicants who are eligible and who secure a position; limited eligibility and pay rates apply. FAFSA and Student Employment Application required; preferred response date April 15.
• Federal Stafford Loans (subsidized and unsubsidized) -- low interest student loans offered by the government to US Citizens or eligible non citizens; annual maximum $20,500; eligibility based on "financial need" as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); must be at least half-time or more enrolled. FAFSA and EMU Financial Aid Information Sheet required; preferred response date April 15.
• Federal Graduate PLUS Loan - non-subsidized, credit-based, fixed-interest rate loan for graduate students; repayment begins 60 days after final disbursement; in school deferrment available for halftime enrolled students, but interest is due. Eligibility determined after federal subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans have been awarded (FAFSA required); however, the subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loans may be declined and only the Graduate PLUS Loan borrowed.

If a student applies for and is determined eligible for any financial aid, an award letter will be sent to notify the student of eligibility. Additional required forms will be included with the award letter. Stafford Loan borrowers must complete a Loan Request Form for each period of enrollment.

Stafford Loans must be repaid after graduating from a program or when enrollment status is less than half time. The monthly repayment amount is based on the loan volume, current interest rate and length of repayment schedule. Repayment may be deferred for internships, fellowships, economic hardship, unemployment, half-time or more enrollment, etc. Consolidation of graduate loans with prior loans may be advantageous to borrower. More information about repayment is available from the financial assistance office.

Aid recipients who change their course registration after the beginning of each semester must notify the financial assistance office. Enrollment status is very important to aid eligibility. Students who withdraw must also notify the financial assistance office. Financial aid refunds due to withdrawal are calculated using the percentage of term not completed as mandated by federal aid regulations. More information about aid adjustments and refunds related to changes in enrollment status may be obtained from the Financial Assistance Office.

Contact the Financial Assistance Office at (800) 330-9683 or (540) 432-4137 or email finaid@emu.edu.

Career Services

Career Services, located in University Commons room 244, is open for use by graduate students. Resources include a career library with extensive job search materials and information about applying to graduate programs of study. Services available from a trained and certified career counselor include assistance with resume development, interviewing, job-search skills and finding job opportunities. Most career services are available without charge except for some career or graduate school testing services for which a standard fee is charged. Appointments may be made by calling (540) 432-4135 to speak to the administrative assistant in student life.

Community Lifestyle Commitment

Expectations and Responsibilities for Community Life for faculty, staff, and students at Eastern Mennonite University

Preamble

Eastern Mennonite University is a Christian community in the Anabaptist/Mennonite tradition joined together for the purpose of academic study, personal development and spiritual growth. We are committed to the Lordship of Jesus Christ and believe that the scriptures establish the basic principles that should guide our life together. These principles include the responsibility to love God with all our being, love our neighbors as ourselves, seek after righteousness, practice justice, help those in need, forgive others, seek forgiveness and exercise freedom responsibly with loving regard for others.

We acknowledge that it is impossible to create a community with expectations that are totally acceptable to every member. Nevertheless, clearly stated expectations promote orderly community life. Because of the importance of trust in and responsibility to one another, violations of these standards are regarded as a serious breach of integrity within the community.

Commitment

As a member of the EMU community, I will strive to practice stewardship of mind, time, abilities and finances. I will pursue opportunities for intellectual and spiritual growth and demonstrate care for my body. I also will exercise social responsibility in my standard of living and use of economic resources. Realizing the destructive character of an unforgiving spirit and harmful discrimination based on prejudice, I will seek to demonstrate unselfish love in my actions, attitudes and relationships. I will be honest and show respect for the rights and property of others.

I recognize that some social practices are harmful to me, as well as harmful or offensive to others. Therefore, respecting the values of others and the mission of Eastern Mennonite University, I recognize my responsibility as a member of the community to refrain from sexual relationships outside of marriage, sexual harassment and abuse, pornography, acts of violence, abusive or demeaning language and the use of illegal drugs. Recognizing that EMU supports nonuse of alcohol and tobacco, I will respect and abide by the university policy that prohibits the use of alcohol and tobacco on campus or at university functions and the misuse of alcohol off campus.

I pledge myself to carry out this commitment in a spirit of openness and helpfulness through mutual accountability motivated by love.

Adopted by the Board of Trustees; March 23, 2001

Computer Network

EMU has an extensive computer network readily accessible to all faculty, staff and students. The library has its on-line catalog on the network. Internet access is provided. Several computer labs are available for student use.

Disability Support Services

EMU accepts and encourages students with disabilities who are motivated and who exercise responsibility and commitment to achieving their academic goals. EMU is committed to working out reasonable accommodations for students with documented disabilities to ensure equal access to the university and its related programs. The university complies with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1988, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. Disabilities include learning, neurological, physical, psychological, and medical disabilities. Students should be willing to voluntarily identify their disabilities and register their documentation in order to obtain reasonable and appropriate accommodations.

Faculty and staff support individual students needing reasonable accommodations in classroom policies and procedures due to documented needs. The faculty and staff also foster the development and use of strategies that promote independence and personal success.

Accessing Services

Upon acceptance to EMU, students with documented disabilities should register the necessary documentation with the Coordinator of Student Disability Support Services (SDSS) (540-432-4233) in the Academic Support Center so it can be processed prior to registration and the student's arrival on campus. The office of SDSS is located in Sadie Hartzler Library, third floor. Students with physical disabilities related to housing should also contact the Director of Housing and Residence Life located in the Student Life Office, University Commons (540-432-4128).

Students are encouraged to meet with the SDSS Coordinator during their EMU campus visit.

Disclosure of a disability is voluntary and all documentation is kept on file and held confidential in the SDSS Office. However, students need to identify their disabilities if they wish to obtain appropriate and reasonable accommodations within their academic disciplines. Accommodations are not retroactive. Upon request, a packet of materials is available from SDSS and provides additional information to help students register their documentation and understand their rights and responsibilities in the university setting.

Students without documented evidence of disabilities who exhibit several indicators of learning or attention disorders should make an appointment with the Coordinator of SDSS for further counseling and evaluation. Screening inventories are available to further process their concerns. Referrals can be made to other community resources for further assessment and evaluation by an appropriate professional.

Disciplinary Information and Policies

Student Discipline

Eastern Mennonite University seeks to provide an educational setting where faculty, administration, staff and students work together in the common purpose of creating and maintaining the highest possible standards of academic and community life.

Our commitments reflect two basic concerns: to encourage behavior which is in harmony with the aims and purposes of the graduate programs and at the same time to provide sufficient freedom for persons to exercise individual responsibility. These concerns also extend to off-campus activities, when they affect campus life.

We believe that personal maturity and growth are encouraged most when the entire community shares in responsibility for one another. Growth is not entirely an individual process but involves the entire community as we seek to share our own concerns and at the same time respect the convictions of other persons. Our commitments include the responsibility to love God and seek after righteousness, to love others and practice justice, and to exercise stewardship and freedom responsibly.

Lines of Responsibility

The disciplinary authority of the graduate programs is vested in the president, dean of graduate programs, faculty, and the individual himself or herself. When self-discipline breaks down, direct confrontation may be required. This should be done in a spirit of concern and caring. Any student, faculty or staff member may bring an alleged violation to the attention of the provost for investigation.

Standards of Conduct

We request graduate students to respect campus standards whenever and wherever behavior impacts campus life. These standards include but are not limited to the following specific examples. Students shall refrain from immorality and the use of tobacco, alcoholic beverages and drugs prohibited by law. (See "University Policies" for the "Alcohol, Tobacco, and Drug Policy.") Substances controlled by law are not to be abused. Unbecoming speech, conduct or dress shall be avoided.

Harassment is a violation of these standards. Communications, actions or threats which intentionally denigrate another because of his or her race, gender, religion, age, handicap or national origin will not be tolerated. This explicitly includes sexual harassment in any form of threat, coercion or unwelcome verbal advances. Respect for the dignity of all persons must be the standard.

Sexual integrity must be upheld by all.

Violence and the threat of violence against another person or group are prohibited. Unauthorized firearms and weapons are not allowed on campus.

Academic honesty is a standard of particular concern, for violations threaten the integrity of individuals and the levels of trust in the learning community. Truthfulness is essential to our concepts of God. All forms of cheating, plagiarism, forgery and furnishing false information on official documents or to campus officials are violations of this policy.

Dishonesty includes copying from another's work in an examination, submitting the same work in more than one course without the instructor's knowledge and permission, and collaboration in course assignments without permission and acknowledgement. Plagiarism, the intentional use of ideas and writings taken from another source without proper credit, is a serious offense. Knowingly helping or allowing someone else to cheat is an act of academic dishonesty.

When there is evidence of academic dishonesty, the instructor deals with the student on an individual basis and may assign a failing grade for the particular assignment or the course. The instructor will report to the student's academic advisor and the graduate dean.

Disciplinary Procedures

The director or other designated person assume responsibility for initial inquiries into an alleged infraction in consultation with the dean of graduate programs. All pertinent sources of information will be checked, including a discussion with the referred student(s). If there is evidence to support the charge, it is the task of the provost to determine which hearing procedure should be used. Faculty in whose courses violations may have occurred will be included.

For major concerns, the formal procedures outlined in the EMU policy on grievance procedures will be utilized. For other incidents, two further possibilities exist.

Informal Hearing

This procedure will involve discussion among the graduate dean, the referred student and the student's advisor.

Formal Hearing

This procedure involves a "judicial council," which will be composed of one administrator who has not been directly involved in the investigation of the situation and who can act as chairperson, one faculty member appointed by the faculty, and the student's academic advisor or another person selected from the graduate community by the student to serve as advocate.

This judicial council is used for serious or repeated violations of the standards set forth here, with formal record of the proceedings kept on file in the provost's office.

Among the possible sanctions for serious violations are: informal warning, written reprimand, letter of probation, notification of temporary suspension, indefinite suspension or a letter of dismissal (with notation on official transcript: "dismissal by graduate program action"). In case of dismissal, faculty action is necessary. Appeal of formal action taken under this policy may be filed in writing within one week of notification of its outcome, according to formal grievance procedures (statement available in the provost's office).

Hazing

Actions which are initiated against someone's will by harassing through force, banter, ridicule or criticism are strictly prohibited.

Health Insurance

All students are encouraged to have health insurance; however, athletes, students traveling on cross cultural, and international students are required to have health insurance. Students taking at least six credit hours are eligible for the plan available through EMU. Applications are available at the Student Accounts Office (ext. 4114).

Health Services

The Health Center provides a comprehensive program of health services and wellness programming. The center is located on the upper level of the University Commons in the Weaver Wellness Suite.

The Health Center director is a family nurse practitioner who is qualified to diagnose, order diagnostic testing, and prescribe medications for health problems; perform physicals; and provide immunizations. Additionally, the college physician is available for consultation by phone during clinic hours and in person for an hour every week. Office visits are available for a minimal fee. Additional services including supplies, medications, dressings and laboratory tests are available. Equipment such as crutches, ice packs and heating pads are available for loan if needed. The cost of office visits and other services may be billed to student accounts or paid in cash at the time of service.

Rockingham Memorial Hospital is a modern, well-equipped facility located three miles from campus and is available to students. Anyone requiring treatment in a larger medical center is referred to the University of Virginia Medical Center in Charlottesville.

Identification Card

An I.D. card is issued to each student and it is advisable that students carry their I.D. with them. A validation sticker for the current academic year is required proof that students are currently enrolled. An EMU I.D. entitles full-time students admission to all events sponsored by the student activity fee, including athletics.

The card is required for admission to the Dining Hall, for all transactions at the Business Office, for checking out books in Hartzler Library and for purchases at the Campus Bookstore. Replacement cards are made by appointment in Learning Resources at a cost of $5.

International Student Services

The presence of students from many nations of the world and from various ethnic traditions represented in our own country enriches the campus and helps to bring the global village into daily contact. The office of international student services provides leadership to a variety of programs and activities that affirm and support the diversity represented on campus.

The office of international student services assists international students with immigration matters, helping them in fulfilling the requirements of their visa status. Orientation for new international students is held prior to the beginning of classes each fall, and excursions are arranged to help familiarize new arrivals with the Harrisonburg region.

Throughout the year, the office coordinates intercultural activities that promote understanding of other cultures and heritages and encourage student and community interactions. Visit the office's web site at www.emu.edu/studentlife/iss/ for more information.

This office also acts as advisor to the International Student Organization.

Liability

Students are expected to respect the rights and property of others and to use campus facilities in a responsible manner. Costs of damage to university property are charged to the account of the student responsible for the damage. Students assume responsibility for damaged property and should report it promptly to the residence director and/or physical plant office. EMU is not liable for the loss of money or valuables or the loss of or damage to any person's private property on the campus due to fire, water or theft. This includes the property of resident and non-resident students and their guests.

Library

The Sadie A. Hartzler Library, which includes the Menno Simons Historical Library and the EMU archives, collaborates with classroom faculty in the educational mission of the university by acquiring educational resources, arranging them for easy access and providing instruction on their use. The Library is dedicated to saving the students' time when they are engaged in research.

The library's website (www.emu.edu/library) is the portal to many authoritative resources and services. Sadie, the online library catalog, provides efficient access to reliable sources including both print and electronic material. The numberous databases, of course, can be accessed by students anywhere they have access to the internet, but the library building provides a comfortable and welcoming environment for study and research. The library's dedicated staff is committed to quality service.

The print collection includes over 170,000 books, 1,000 current periodicals and 97,000 microfilm and microfiche, primarily periodicals.

Research databases provide access to over 13,000 full-text journals, newspapers and magazines and a catalog of over 150 million books and other materials held by libraries worldwide. The library participates in the Virtual Library of Virginia (VIVA), a library consortium that allows broader access to expensive online resources. Off-campus access is available to most of the research databases..

Interlibrary loan provides access to materials not owned by the Hartzler Library. To speed up access to articles, the library uses Ariel, a system that provides electronic delivery.

The library is open daily during the academic year for a total of 90 hours each week. Accommodations on all three floors provide individual study space as well as rooms for group study. Most of the library is equipped for wireless access to the internet.

Several specialized collections are located in the Hartzler Library: 1) The Menno Simons Historical Library has the finest collection of Mennonite and Anabaptist materials on the east coast with items dating from the sixteenth century to the present. The Historical Library also has an extensive collection of local history materials. 2) Collections of curriculum materials and children's literature support the teacher education program. 3) The Hartzler Library also houses the archives for Eastern Mennonite University and Virginia Mennonite Conference. 4) Learning Resources provides audiovisual and presentation equipment and support. Other services offered include producing ID cards, taking passport pictures and laminating.

The Art Gallery on third floor of the library exhibits a variety of art work throughout the academic year, including senior art majors' presentations.

Multicultural Services

The office of Multicultural Services is charged with the responsibility to be a support service for American students of African, Hispanic, Asian and Native American descent (AHANA). In addition, the office will serve in a support capacity to the university as a whole when dealing with issues concerning AHANA students or diversity issues.

The office also is responsible for helping students to organize Black Heritage Month, Latino Heritage Month, Martin Luther King Celebrations and a number of other activities which affirm the ethnic diversity represented on campus. The office also advises various student organizations whose issues have a direct link to AHANA students.

Ultimately, the office intends to provide educational experiences for all students, faculty and staff, which will help them to understand and affirm cultural differences. All are encouraged to participate in events, programs and special functions. Visit the office's web site at www.emu.edu/studentlife/multicultural for more information.

Personal Property Insurance

EMU does not maintain insurance on student-owned property. In some cases family homeowner's insurance may provide coverage for personal property. Tenant insurance may be obtained from a local agency if desired.

Post Office

The Post Office, located in the Campus Center, carries full postal service, including stamps and certified, registered and insured mail. United Parcel Service (UPS) and fax service are also available. Full-time students are provided with a mailbox which is used for on-campus as well as postal-service mail. Campus mail is delivered free of charge, but large quantities should be alphabetized. Please restrict items to 3 x 5 and larger. Post Office hours are posted at the window.

A plain-paper fax machine is available during regular Post Office hours. The fax number is (540) 432-4444. A cover sheet is required for all faxes. Prices are:

• Local call faxes: $1.00 per page
• Long distance call faxes: $1.50 per page
• International faxes: $1.00 per page plus the cost of the phone call, which must be charged to a student, employee or department account
• No charge for cover sheet on outgoing faxes
• No charge for incoming faxes
• Prices are subject to change based on actual experience

Security

The campus security program is intended to provide a safe and friendly campus environment that supports the mission of the university. Development and enforcement of regulations, procedures and practices provide a reasonable level of security for property and provide for the personal safety of employees, students and visitors. Contact Campus Security at ext. 4911 (weekdays) or 9-432-4911 (after 5 p.m. ) with any special concerns.

Student Housing

The university operates two apartment complexes on campus for graduate students. One complex (Village) has one-bedroom units and one complex (Mt. Clinton) has two bedroom units. All of these apartments are conveniently located and within walking distance to classes.

Please visit the following web address www.emu.edu/conferences/rentals for information or feel free to contact the apartment office at 540-432-4662.

Student Programs

Access to a wide variety of activities is one of the advantages of a university campus. Graduate students may especially enjoy the film series, performing arts events and recreational sports opportunities. Many clubs are open to both undergraduate and graduate members. See the Student Handbook at www.emu.edu//studentlife/studenthandbook/ for more details.

Telephone Service

Phone lines, including voice mail boxes, are provided in residence hall rooms and Parkwood and Mt. Clinton apartments. Students need to bring their own telephone. There is no charge for local calls. Direct-dial long-distance calls are billed monthly on the student account. Students are charged $5 for collect calls, third-number calls or any other operator-assisted calls.

Students should refer to the directions in the Campus Directory for operating instructions. If students experience difficulty with their phone or voice mail, they should dial the Help Desk at 4357 for assistance.

University Bookstore

The University Bookstore, located in the University Commons, is a full-service bookstore providing textbooks as well as inspirational and general reading. The bookstore also carries a selection of school supplies, imprinted gifts and clothing, health and beauty supplies, Hallmark cards, and CDs.

Board of Trustees Susan Godshall, chair, Mount Joy, Pa. Paul R. Yoder Jr., vice chair, Harrisonburg, Va. Wilma Bailey, Indianapolis, In. John M. Bomberger, Harrisonburg, Va. Andrew Dula, Lancaster, Pa. Gilbert Flores, Newton, Kan. Curtis D. Hartman, Bridgewater, Va. Shirley N. Hochstetler, Kidron, Ohio Gerald R. Horst, New Holland, Pa. Joan King, Telford, Pa. Linford D. King, Lancaster, Pa. Herb H. Noll, Lancaster, Pa. Kathleen Nussbaum, Grant, Minn. Kathy Keener Shantz, Lancaster, Pa. J. Richard Thomas, Ronks, Pa. Lillis Troyer, Walnut Creek, Ohio Diane Z. Umble, Lancaster, Pa.

Associate Trustees Myron E. Blosser, Harrisonburg, Va. Steve Brenneman, Nappanee, Ind. Dan Garber, Hutchinson, Ks. Robert P. Hostetler, Erie, Pa. Charlotte Hunsberger, Souderton, Pa. Clyde G. Kratz, Broadway, Va. E. Thomas Murphy, Jr., Harrisonburg, Va. Amy L. Rush, Harrisonburg, Va. Judith Trumbo, Broadway, Va.

University Personnel

President	Loren E. Swartzendruber		432-4100
Interim provost	Lee F. Snyder		432-4105
Vice president for student life	Ken L. Nafziger		432-4135
University registrar	David A. Detrow		432-4109
Director of the academic support center	Linda W. Gnagey		434-4355
Coordinator of student disability support services	Joyce Hedrick		432-4233
Director of career services/testing			432-4131
Director of financial assistance	Michele R. Hensley		432-4139
Director of information systems	Jack Rutt		432-4478
Director of libraries	Donald Smeeton		432-4170
Director of marketing services	Andrea Wenger		432-4348
Director of physical plant	C. Eldon Kurtz		432-4392
Health services coordinator	Margaret Upton		432-4317
International student advisor	Jonathan A. Kratz		432-4459
Interim graduate dean	P. David Glanzer		432-4244
Assistant to the provost and graduate dean	Lois R. Shank		432-4105

Graduate Program Personnel

Center for Justice and Peacebuilding
Director	Lynn Roth
Administrative assistant/CTP registrar	Janelle Myers-Benner
Director for the Practice and Training Institute	Jan Jenner
Director of STAR	Elaine Zook Barge
Director of Summer Peacebuilding Institute
Master of Arts in Counseling
Director	P. David Glanzer
Program administrator	Pamela D. Comer
Administrative assistant	Brenda Fairweather
Master of Arts in Education
Director	Donovan D. Steiner
Administrative assistant (Harrisonburg)	Yvonne Martin
Assistant director (Lancaster)	Pamela Rutt
Graduate program assistant (Harrisonburg)	Yvonne Martin
Graduate program assistant (Lancaster)	Gloria Shenk Kniss
Master of Business Administration
Director	Anothony E. Smith & Ronald L. Stoltzfus
Administrative assistant	Patricia S. Eckard
Seminary
Vice president and seminary dean	Ervin R. Stutzman
Associate dean	Sara Wenger Shenk
Director of seminary and graduate admissions	Don A. Yoder

President’s Cabinet

Loren E. Swartzendruber, 2003, president

B.A., Eastern Mennonite University;
MDiv., Eastern Mennonite Seminary;
D.Min., Northern Baptist Theological Seminary.

Lee F. Snyder, 2008, interim provost

B.A., Univeristy of Oregon;
M.A., James Madison University;
Ph.D., University of Oregon.

Marie S. Morris, 1984, vice president and undergraduate academic dean

B.S., Eastern Mennonite University;
M.S.N., University of Virginia;
Ph.D., George Mason University.

Kenneth L. Nafziger, 2003, vice president for student life

B.A., Eastern Mennonite University;
A.M., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign;
Ph.D., University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

Ronald E. Piper, 1986, vice president for finance

B.B.A., University of Iowa; Certified Public Accountant.

Kirk L. Shisler, 2005, vice president for advancement

B.A., Eastern Mennonite University

Ervin R. Stutzman, 1998, vice president and seminary dean

B.A., Cincinnati Bible College;
M.A., University of Cincinnati;
M.A.R., Eastern Mennonite Seminary;
Ph.D., Temple University.

Twila K. Yoder, 1998, assistant to the president

M.A., Eastern Mennonite Seminary.

For more information, contact...

Provost's Office, Eastern Mennonite University, Harrisonburg, VA 22802-2462
Phone: (540) 432-4105 | Fax: (540) 432-4600 | E-mail:

Purpose and Rationale

The primary goal of the Master of Arts in Education program is to provide quality professional opportunities to teachers so that they can influence decision making in the classrooms, schools and communities in which they teach.

Today’s classroom teachers must be better prepared to handle a wide range of instructional and non-instructional tasks. Given tremendous sociological changes in society, the teacher for America’s future classroom must be prepared to work as a social change agent, collaborating with the home and community in order to address issues of literacy and diversity. Today’s teachers must be ready and willing to not only make a difference within their classrooms, but also within the school districts and communities in which they teach. It becomes both the social and ethical responsibility of today’s teacher to make a difference within the context of the classroom.

Mission

The mission of the Master of Arts in Education and the Graduate Education non-degree program at EMU is to increase educators’ professional knowledge and competence and to enhance reflective teaching among practitioners, enabling them to: 1) develop leadership by becoming agents of change who advocate for children and youth, 2) create a climate of caring and learning, 3) initiate and respond to change and 4) value service to others.

Guiding program principles include scholarship, inquiry, professional knowledge, communication, caring, and leadership.

Program

The M.A. in Education is a program of study for the teacher practitioner which provides for opportunities of professional growth and personal development through applicable course work and relevant experiences. Constructivist theory is integrated with faith and learning applications. The program’s core addresses four areas of teacher development: peacebuilding and conflict resolution, cultures of change, social and ethical issues and action research in educational settings.

The Master of Arts in Education program consists of 36 semester hours including a required core of 12 hours, a specialty area of 21 hours and 3 hours of reflective practice in the form of action research. Specialty areas include literacy agent, diverse needs strategist, and curriculum and instruction practitioner.

NOTE: Course requirements may change as the program evolves. Candidates are accountable for completing the program of study listed in the catalog for the year in which they were admitted to the program.

Program Core (12 hours)

Required by all candidates, this core emphasizes: 1) examining peace and justice issues within educational environments, 2) collaborating with teachers and administrators to establish constructivist environments, 3) understanding social and ethical issues which inform change and 4) engaging in action research within the classroom in order to foster more effective instruction.

Program core and specialty courses provide a rich context for identifying a significant question to explore in EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings.

 

Core Courses:

[Recommended early in program]

EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Ed. (3 hrs.)

[Recommended later in program]

EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.) (Prerequisite: Admission to Candidacy)

Specialty Areas (21 hours)

It is in this component of the program that the practitioner begins to specialize in one of three areas of emphasis: Literacy Agent, Diverse Needs Strategist, or Curriculum and Instruction Practitioner.

1) Literacy Agent

Practitioners focus on the study of literacy in a broader sense than traditionally encountered in schools of the past. Literacy is approached beyond reading and writing into integrated approaches for the development of communication, thought and interpersonal interaction. Emphasis is placed upon literacy programs from emergent to adult, integrated literacy instruction, literacy in community and family arenas and classroom assessment of literacy. Licensure as a reading specialist may be obtained with additional course work and a clinical practicum.

2) Diverse Needs Strategist

Practitioners focus on special needs of diverse populations. Options built into this specialty component provide further emphasis in one of three areas: (1) Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL), (2) At-Risk Populations and (3) Special Education (for those already holding an initial license in special education). This component contains a common core of course work which addresses language/literacy competence with diverse populations; intervention strategies for diverse learners; and developing leadership skills in teaming, collaboration and consultation with parents, school and community social agencies. In Virginia, licensure is available in TESL and special education with additional course work and a supervised practicum.

3) Curriculum & Instruction Practitioner

This component provides a course of study for elementary, middle or high school practitioners to enhance existing skills and meet the challenges found in today’s schools.

Emphasis is placed upon adapting and designing curriculum for diverse populations, designing integrated interdisciplinary instruction, upgrading professional knowledge in recent research in current issues, teaming with school and community professionals and enhancing specific professional and specialty area competencies. Participants may choose one of three routes toward completion of this specialty area: Elementary School Emphasis, Middle School Emphasis or High School Emphasis.

Action Research as Reflective Practice (3 hours)

The completion of the program will be marked with an action research product which has been designed by the candidate in collaboration with an academic mentor. Action Research Projects may take a variety of formats: curriculum restructuring projects, staff development projects, research for public policy change, research for publication, etc. Final projects are presented and approved by the mentor.

EDPC 611 Action Research Project (3 hrs.)

Program Outcomes

Scholarship: to acquire advanced knowledge through core curriculum courses and to organize and integrate that knowledge into professional practice.

Inquiry: to generate questions and to use critical thinking to self-assess, to view problems from multiple perspectives, to make informed decisions and to engage in action research for educational change.

Professional Knowledge: to acquire advanced pedagogical and specialty area knowledge in order to create cultures of change and manage environments conducive to learning, setting high expectations and implementing appropriate instructional and assessment practices.

Communication: to develop communication strategies (verbal, nonverbal, and technological) which support collaboration and resourcefulness to empower self and others.

Caring: to develop a nurturing spirit that advocates for students, encourages social and ethical responsibility, and promotes peacebuilding in diverse settings.

Leadership: to act as social change agents by working collaboratively to bring about fair and just systemic change within educational contexts.

Admission Criteria

Completed applications for admission into the graduate program are reviewed regularly throughout the year. The Teacher Education Admissions Committee (TEAC) makes admissions decisions and annually reviews admissions policies.

A completed application includes the following:

1. A completed master of arts in education application form with a non-refundable application fee of $25.00.
2. Official transcripts from each college or university attended.
3. Passing scores (as per state licensure standards) on the NTE core battery and specialty area test scores (1985 forward) and/or Praxis I and II assessments.
4. Two letters of reference: (a) building level administrator/supervisor and (b) someone qualified to speak to the applicant's academic ability and potential.
5. Applicants must: a) hold a bachelors degree from an accredited institution with at least a cumulative 2.75 g.p.a. (based on 4.0) b) hold a valid teaching license, a copy of which must be submitted by the applicant for the graduate file.
6. Documentation of one year of successful teaching in public or private school/agency setting.
7. A personal interview with the director or assistant director of the M.A. in Education program.

In addition to the requirements above, international applicants should submit the following information:

1. Nationality and country of birth. International applicants currently residing in the U.S. must indicate status with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services.
2. A financial certificate demonstrating the student’s “ability to pay” is required in order for the program to issue a student visa application (I-20 form).

For applicants whose native language is not English:

1. A 550 on the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or 213 on the computerized test. (EMU's institutional code is 5181. Applicants who have studied and received a degree from a college or university where all instruction is in English are not required to submit TOEFL scores.)

Persons who do not initially meet all admission criteria, after completing at least six hours of courses with a grade point average of 2.75 or higher, may petition the Teacher Education Admissions Committee for full admission. Applicants must present the written support of one EMU graduate education faculty member and must complete the competency criteria.

Persons pursuing personal or educational development may enroll in graduate education courses, special institutes, or site-based curricular offerings without being admitted into the M.A. program. Persons taking more than nine semester hours are encouraged to apply for the masters degree to ensure that subsequent hours can be counted toward the masters degree.

Candidates may enroll in no more than ten hours within a term (fall, spring, or summer) without written permission from the director.

Candidates who have been admitted to the program, but decide to change their tracks or want to add an endorsement must submit a letter of request to the director of the M.A. in Education program.

Admission to Candidacy

Application for admission to candidacy occurs when the candidate has successfully completed two of the core courses (EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change, EDCC 521 Peacebuilding & Conflict Resolution, or EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues) plus six semester hours of the specialty area courses. A candidacy application form is sent to candidates by the Administrative Assistant after course requirements are met. All applications are reviewed for admission by the Teacher Education Admissions Committee.

A completed application includes the following:

1. A completed Application to Candidacy form.
2. A rationale statement for why the candidate's specialty track was chosen.
3. An academic recommendation.

Exit Requirements

1. An exit interview with the director or assistant director of the M.A. in Education Program.
2. Have a minimum of a C or better in all EMU M.A. in Education courses to receive credit towards the M.A. in Education degree.
3. Successful completion of the Action Research Project as well as other program requirements.
4. Those completing initial licensure (TESL or SPED) must submit a copy of the certificate issued by the Virginia Department of Education on the Child Abuse Recognition Training: http://www.vcu.edu/vissta/training/va_teachers/
5. Those completing initial licensure in Virginia (TESL or SPED) must pass the required state assessments.
   TESL: Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment: http://www.vcla.nesinc.com/
   SPED: Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment: http://www.vcla.nesinc.com/ and the Virginia Reading Assessment: http://www.vra.nesinc.com/
6. Those completing endorsement requirements for TESL, Reading Specialist or Special Education must pass the required state assessments.
   TESL in VA: Virginia Communication & Literacy Assessment: http://www.vcla.nesinc.com/
   SPED and Reading Specialist in VA: Virginia Reading Assessment: http://www.vra.nesinc.com/
   Reading Specialist in PA: PRAXIS #0300: http://www.ets.org/praxis
7. Those completing initial licensure or an additional endorsement must submit the necessary licensure forms and fees.

“Candidates in the M.A. in Education program are taught that transformation is possible and that they have the power to serve as change agents in a complex world.” – Don Steiner, Director of the Masters in Education Department

Attendance

Because of the interactive nature of graduate classes at EMU, we believe that candidates who miss class for the equivalent of six 50-minute periods or four 75 minute periods in a three semester hour course (200 minutes for a 2-semester hour course, 100 minutes for a 1-semester hour course) have not fulfilled necessary requirements to receive an “A” in the graduate class. Grades may be lowered for absences of less time at the instructor’s discretion.

Distance Education (Online)

No more than 12 semester hours of the Master of Arts in Education program may be completed by distance education. The program observes the guidelines of the National Council for the Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE) for distance education. Only selected courses in the introductory or specialty areas are offered online. Standards of academic quality for these courses are equivalent to those for on-campus courses. Enrollment is limited to 20 candidates or less to ensure a high level of instructor-candidate interaction. Particular attention is given to making available either locally or online, the study resources normally expected for graduate courses. Tuition is comparable to that of residential courses. There is regular evaluation of individual courses and of the total program.

Explanation of the course numbering system and course prefixes

All course numbers for the Master of Arts in Education program are at the 500 and 600 levels to designate graduate level courses. Undergraduate courses at EMU are listed at 100-400 levels.

EDCC designates a core course.
EDCI designates a curriculum and instruction course.
EDDA designates a course in the at-risk specialty area.
EDDN designates a course in the diverse needs specialty area.
EDDS designates a special education course.
EDDT designates a teaching English as a second language related course.
EDLA designates a literacy related course.
EDPC designates a course in reflective practice.
EDSP designates a special topics course.
EDTR designates a course that is cross cultural.
EDI designates an institute class offered as an elective or special offering.
EDIU designates a Lancaster Intermediate 13 course.

Schedule for Completing the Program

All course work, research and practica for the master’s degree shall be completed within six calendar years of the first registration as an admitted graduate candidate. Classes are offered in weekend and evening formats during fall and spring, while the summer sessions provide intensive week-long courses. A full-time candidate can complete the program in 2 years. Most teacher practitioners graduate in 2-4 years by taking 10-12 semester hours per year.

Candidates must be registered for EDPC 611 Action Research Project before participating in graduation ceremonies. In addition, candidates who choose to walk and subsequently prolong the completion of their final Action Research Project over one year from the initial registration date must renew their registration at a cost of $150 per semester hour per year.

Transfer Credit

Candidates may request to transfer up to nine hours of course work from other regionally accredited colleges or universities. A transfer of credit request form must be completed. Requests for transfer credit approval may be directed to the program director and will be considered on a course by course basis as applicable to the particular specialty area. Continuing Education Units (CEU) courses are not accepted as transfer graduate credit. A candidate must submit an official transcript from the university which awarded the graduate credit.

With program director approval, candidates may transfer up to twelve hours of course work previously taken under the supervision of EMU graduate faculty, i.e. EMU Teacher Education Program institutes or site-based courses. Only six credit hours can be transferred into the specialty area.

All transfer credit must meet the following criteria: 1) course work was completed within five years of admission to the EMU program; 2) credit must reflect applicability to EMU’s M.A. in Education specialty area goals and program purposes; and 3) all transfer work must have a grade of A or B.

Transfer of credits completed at EMU to another institution is at the discretion of that institution. Candidates should check with the institution to which they wish to transfer regarding the transferability of EMU credits.

Tuition Refund Percentages

Candidates who withdraw within the prescribed guidelines for withdrawal will receive a credit of institutional charges equal to the percentage of the time remaining in the class (rounded to the nearest 10 percent) and multiplied times the refundable university charges for tuition and room and board. Candidates who withdraw prior to the first day of classes will receive a full refund of all payments. No refunds are made for "transcripted" courses once the course has begun.

Aid recipients who change their course registration after the beginning of each semester must notify the financial assistance office. Enrollment status is very important to aid eligibility. Students who withdraw must also notify the financial assistance office. Financial aid refunds due to withdrawal are calculated using the percentage of term not completed as mandated by federal aid regulations. More information about aid adjustments and refunds related to changes in enrollment status may be obtained from the Financial Assistance Office.

M.A. in Education: Literacy Agent

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (21 hrs.)

(Required course work–15 hrs.)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 hrs.)
EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 hrs.)
EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3 hrs.)
EDLA 541 Literacy Assessment (3 hrs.)
EDDT 581 Language and Culture (3 hrs.)

(Electives–6 hrs.)

Chosen from other M.A. in Education tracks.

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Literacy (3 hrs.)

*M.A. in Education: Reading Specialist

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (21 hrs.)

(Required course work–21 hrs.)

EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 hrs.)
EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 hrs.)
EDLA 531 Literacy in Community and Family Arenas (3 hrs.)
EDLA 541 Literacy Assessment (3 hrs.)
EDDT 581 Language and Culture (3 hrs.)
EDLA 551 Developing an Effective Reading Program (3 hrs.)
EDLA 601 Multicultural Children’s Literature (3 hrs.) OR EDLA 611 Adolescent/Young Adult Literature (3 hrs.)

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Literacy (3 hrs.)

D. Additional required course work for licensure (4-6 hrs.)
EDI 631 Word Study (1-3 hrs.)
EDPC 601 Practicum: Literacy (3 hrs.)

*In order to receive a reading specialist endorsement in Virginia or Pennsylvania, a candidate must also complete their required state assessments.
Virginia: Virginia Reading Assessment     www.vra.nesinc.com
Pennsylvania: Praxis #0300   http://www.ets.org/praxis

 

M.A. in Education: Diverse Needs Strategist: TESL

Three areas of emphasis are built into the Specialty Area: (1) TESL, (2) At-Risk Populations and (3) Special Education.

(1) *Teaching English as a Second Language (TESL) Emphasis

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (24 hrs.) (NOTE: 24 hrs. of required course work)

+EDDT 551 Methods of Teaching ESL/FL (3 hrs.)
+EDDT 571 Language Acquisition and Grammar (3 hrs.)
+EDDT 581 Language and Culture (3 hrs.)
EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 hrs.)
EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3 hrs.)
EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 hrs.)
EDLA 541 Literacy Assessment (3 hrs.)
EDPC 601 Practicum: TESL (3 hrs.)
+**EDDT 591 ESL Assessment and Support (3 hrs.) (substitutes for EDLA 541)

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: TESL (3 hrs.)

NOTE: In addition, candidates who have not reached a level of proficiency in a foreign language at Intermediate Level II must take additional hours of foreign language to achieve that level. Candidates who have had equivalent course work may substitute elective replacements.

*For TESL licensure, students must take an English linguistics course and a specialized practicum to meet licensure requirements. A 14-week internship (7 hrs.) is required for candidates seeking TESL as an initial license.

**Required in Pennsylvania

+Pennsylvania Department of Education certification as approved through Intermediate Unit 13

M.A. in Education: Diverse Needs Strategist: At-Risk Populations

Three areas of emphasis are built into the Specialty Area: (1) TESL, (2) At-Risk Populations and (3) Special Education.

(2) At-Risk Populations Emphasis

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (21 hrs.)

(Required course work—15 hrs.)

EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3 hrs.)
EDDN 631 Research in Risk and Resiliency (3 hrs.)
EDDA 501 At-Risk Issues in School and Community (3 hrs.)
EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 hrs.)
(One course in literacy—3 hrs.)

(Electives—6 hrs.)

Chosen from other M.A. in Education tracks.

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: At-Risk Populations (3 hrs.)

M.A. in Education: Diverse Needs Strategist: Special Education

Three areas of emphasis are built into the Specialty Area: (1) TESL, (2) At-Risk Populations, and (3) Special Education.

(3) *Special Education Emphasis

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (21 hrs.)

(Required course work—12 hrs.)

EDDS 611 Curriculum and Instructional Support for Special Education Students (3 hrs.)
EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3 hrs.)
EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 hrs.)
EDDS 511 Foundations and Procedural Issues in Special Education (3 hrs.)

(Electives—9 hrs.)

Chosen from other M.A. in Education tracks.

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Special Education (3 hrs.)

*For special education licensure, candidates may be required to take additional course work to satisfy requirements for state licensure.

M.A. in Education: Curriculum & Instruction Practitioner - Elementary, Middle or High School

A. Program Core (12 hrs.)

[Recommended early in program]
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3 hrs.)
EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3 hrs.)
EDCC 531 Social & Ethical Issues in Education (3 hrs.)
[Recommended later in program]
EDCC 551 Action Research in Educational Settings (3 hrs.)

B. Specialty Area (21 hrs.)

(Required—12 hrs.)

EDCI 501 Curriculum and Instructional Strategies (3 hrs.)
EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3 hrs.)
EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3 hrs.)

Specialty Area Elective:
One of the following literacy courses is recommended:
Elementary: EDLA 501 Foundations of Literacy (3 hrs.)
OR
Middle: EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 hrs.)
OR
High: EDLA 521 Integrated Literacy Instruction (3 hrs.)

(Electives—9 hrs.)

Elective courses chosen from other EMU M.A. in Education tracks. Students may wish to transfer 6 hours of graduate work in their content area specializations.

C. Reflective Practice (3 hrs.)

EDPC 611 Action Research Project: Elementary, Middle or High School (3 hrs.)

*Certificate in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation in Educational Settings

To qualify for the certificate in Peacebuilding and Conflict Transformation in Educational Settings, candidates must complete 15 semester hours from the following courses. EDCC 521 is required.

EDCC 521 Peacebuilding and Conflict Resolution (3sh)
EDCC 501 Creating Cultures of Change: Constructivist Environments (3sh)
EDDN 511 Teaming and Collaboration (3sh)
EDDN 631 Research in Risk & Resiliency (3 sh)
EDDA 511 Teaching Diverse Learners (3sh)
EDLA 601 Multicultural Children's Literature (3sh)
EDI 611 The Bullying Phenomenon in Schools: How to Create Healthy Communities (1sh)
EDI 621 Restorative Discipline (3sh)
EDID 531 Teaching Tolerance (1sh)
EDID Elective (1sh)

Upon approval from the advisor, candidates may choose electives from among the following PAX prefix courses offered by the Conflict Transformation program in Lancaster.
PAX 553 Practice: Skills for Conflict Transformation
PAX 565 Leadership for Healthy Organizations
PAX 605 Advanced Practice: Facilitating Group Processes

*As filed with the Pennsylvania Department of Education.

Fall Semester

Course schedules are outlined in the M.A. in Education brochure and updated regularly at www.emu.edu/maed .

Orientation:
September 6, 2008, 9:30-11:30 a.m. in Lancaster

Action Research presentations:
August 16, 2008 in Harrisonburg
November 15, 2008 in Lancaster
December 6, 2008 in Harrisonburg

Offices are closed:
November 26-28, 2008
December 24, 2008-January 2, 2009

Spring Semester

Course schedules are outlined in the M.A. in Education brochure and updated regularly at www.emu.edu/maed .

January 10, 2009 in Lancaster

Action Research presentations:
March 7, 2009 in Lancaster
April 18, 2009 in Harrisonburg