Credential Information

If you are a National University student and have a question or concern regarding your credential program please contact our Student Services Coordinator by call 1-866-NU ACCESS, ext. 8300. 

If you would like to talk to National University about enrolling in a credential program please contact 1-800-NAT-UNIV and ask for the Admissions Department in your area.

GENERAL INFORMATION FOR ALL CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS
Candidates seeking admission to a Credential program (at either undergraduate or graduate level) at National University should refer to the academic information for undergraduate or graduate admission procedures. Information below that is specific to either an Undergraduate/Blended or Graduate level program is notated.

CREDENTIAL PROGRAMS ADMISSION PROCESS
In addition to the admission requirements listed in the “General Admission Procedures” sections of this catalog, applicants to all of National University’s credential programs must comply with the following admissions procedure:

Stage 1: All credential candidates must complete a credential orientation and candidate statement prior to the completion of TED 305 (undergraduate) or TED 601 (graduate) for Multiple or Single Subject candidates, EXC 602A for Special Education candidates, CED 604 or PED 604 for Pupil Personnel Services candidates, EDA601 for Administrative Services candidates. The candidate statement must be reviewed and signed by the faculty advisor for admission to the School of Education.

Stage 2: The Certificate of Clearance is a document that verifies the candidate has completed the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing fingerprint, character, and identification process. Candidates are required to obtain a Certificate of Clearance prior to scheduling any coursework with a field experience component and/or prior to clinical practice.

Stage 3: Candidates must show either proof of completing the Basic Skills Assessment, or show attempt to complete the Basic Skills Assessment.

Stage 4: Candidates must complete credential orientations for their specific program either online or in person with their Credential Program Specialist.

Note:

• Candidates are not eligible for financial aid until the evaluation is complete.
• Candidates transferring from a credential program from another university must provide a letter of good standing.
• Undergraduate candidates who have coursework in transfer that may meet coursework requirements at National University should coordinate with their admissions advisor.
• Graduate candidates may be eligible for up to 13.5 quarter units of transfer or content waiver based on previously completed coursework that is equivalent to a course at National University. An E-Form waiver must be submitted for any course equivalencies and can be done via the student portal or with the assistance of an admissions advisor.
• Candidates with international degrees who do not hold a U.S.-approved bachelor’s degree must receive an evaluation from a CTC-approved international evaluation agency before being admitted to the University and starting the first course.

CREDENTIAL RESIDENCY REQUIREMENTS
All candidates enrolled in a Credential program must meet the residency requirements as specified in the degree. ALL student teaching courses MUST be taken in residency and may not be waived. Courses taken online are considered to be in-residence.

Undergraduate Residency:
• Please see Academic Information for Undergraduate Degrees for overall degree residencies as well as your degree requirements for specific residencies

Graduate Residency:
1. Candidates must complete a minimum of 31.5 quarter units in residence at National University to be recommended for a credential to the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. Courses taken online are considered to be in-residence.
2. The residency requirement does not apply to candidates in the following programs:

• Level II Special Education
• California Reading Certificate
• Early Childhood Special Education Certificate
• Professional/Tier II Administrative Services Credential
• An additional credential if one is previously held
• Note:
• All Credential related coursework must be completed with a GPA of 3.0 (“D”, “F” or “U” grades are not accepted and must be repeated).
• Candidates who are absent for a period of 12 months or more must re-enroll and be re-evaluated under a new catalog.
• All credential courses are valid for seven years.

THE STUDENT AGREEMENT
To ensure that graduates of National University’s teaching and services credential programs are able to meet the legal requirements of the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), all applicants for admission to credential programs must enter into a student agreement. A copy of the student agreement is contained in the credential information packet that is available from a Credential Program Specialist.

The student agreement gives National University the right to suspend or terminate the candidate’s participation in the credential program upon a showing that the candidate has:

• Committed acts or engaged in conduct that could constitute grounds for denial of a credential;
• Failed to demonstrate the requisite skills and qualifications to satisfy the requirements for a credential; or
• Demonstrated other qualities or behaviors enumerated in the student agreement inconsistent with National University’s recommendation of the candidate for an education credential. The student agreement also authorizes National University to release to the Commission all pertinent information pertaining to the candidate’s qualification or fitness for a credential.

STUDENT ASSISTANCE, NOTICE OF NEED TO IMPROVE, AND DISMISSAL FROM SCHOOL OF EDUCATION PROGRAMS
National University is committed to maintaining quality standards throughout its credential programs and to graduating competent professional educators. As required by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC), National University identifies and assists candidates who need special assistance and retains in its programs only those candidates who are suited for entry to or advancement in the education profession. The CTC is charged by the state with evaluating the moral character and fitness of all persons who wish to teach or perform certified services in California public schools. Every person who is an applicant for, or who now holds any credential, certificate, permit, or license authorizing service in California public schools is answerable to the CTC and the Committee on Credentials for his or her fitness-related conduct. California’s Laws and Rules Pertaining to the Discipline of Professional Certificated Personnel (2002), available on the CTC website at www.ctc.ca.gov, address legal, ethical, and behavioral standards to which all such persons must adhere.

If a candidate is identified as being deficient or needing assistance to meet program standards at any point during his or her program, the candidate’s instructor of record during coursework or University supervisor during a fieldwork assignment will issue the candidate a Candidate Assistance Plan. The plan will indicate one of three possible actions that the instructor/supervisor intends to recommend to the lead faculty in the program:

1. The candidate is identified as needing improvement in designated areas. A plan of improvement, with an expected date of completion, is attached to the form. The candidate will be permitted to continue taking classes or continue in his/her fieldwork assignment while completing the plan.
2. The candidate is identified as needing improvement in designated areas. A plan of improvement, with an expected date of completion, is attached to the form. The candidate receives a failing grade in the class or an unsatisfactory grade in the fieldwork assignment. The candidate will not be permitted to continue taking classes or continue in his/her fieldwork assignment until the plan is completed and the class or fieldwork assignment is re-taken, at the candidate’s expense.
3. The candidate is identified as being unsuited for the education profession and is recommended for dismissal from the program.

Upon receiving a Professional Growth and Development Plan, the candidate will meet with his/her instructor of record or University supervisor, along with the regional lead faculty and/or the lead supervisor. This Faculty Assistance Team will discuss any recommended plan of improvement with the candidate and will later meet with the candidate to evaluate the candidate’s performance of the expectations listed on the plan.

If the candidate is allowed to continue in the program and receives a second unsatisfactory grade in a practicum or student teaching assignment, the candidate will be recommended for dismissal from the program. The process for a hearing and appeal, upon recommendation for dismissal from a program, is outlined in the Policies and Procedures section of this catalog.

REQUESTING ACCOMMODATIONS TO A CANDIDATE GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT PLAN
Students with disabilities who wish to apply for accommodations to a Candidate Growth and Development Plan (Plan) may do so through submitting an application for accommodations to the National University Office of Scholarships and Special Services (Special Services). Applications for accommodations for a disability may be requested from the Office of Scholarships and Special Services, National University, 11255 North Torrey Pines Road, La Jolla, CA 92037-1011, Phone: (858) 642-8185. Students seeking special accommodations due to a disability must submit an application with supporting documentation to Special Services.

The application will be reviewed within fourteen (14) days of receipt by the Committee for Students with Disabilities (CSD). The CSD will engage in an interactive process with the student regarding the accommodations request and determine the appropriate accommodations to be administered during the Plan. Once the CSD determines the appropriate accommodations, written notification is sent within seven (7) days to the student and faculty responsible for the implementation of the Plan.

Following receipt of the CSD notification, the faculty responsible for implementing the Plan will schedule a formal meeting with the student to review the Plan and the approved accommodations. The timeline for completion of a Plan is halted during the accommodations application and review process, and begins following the formal meeting. If the accommodations request is not approved, the timeline for completion of the Plan begins upon receipt of the CSD’s notification letter.

If a student is denied accommodation(s) or believes that the accommodation afforded is insufficient, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Services, who will render a decision within seven (7) days of receipt of the appeal or prior to the start date of the next course, depending on which occurs first. The decision of the vice president is final. The timeline for completion of a Plan is also halted during the appeals process.

If a student believes that accommodations approved by Special Services have not been implemented in the Plan, they should immediately contact Special Services. The timeline for completion of the Plan is halted during this process. Special Services will contact the instructor to resolve the student’s concern and ensure the approved accommodations are properly implemented. Special Services will provide the student with notification of progress, findings, or resolution within fourteen (14) days. If either the student or Special Services feel that a satisfactory resolution is not reached, the student may appeal to the Vice President for Student Services, who will render a decision within seven (7) days of receipts of the appeal. The decision of the vice president is final. If the complaint is not satisfactorily resolved at the University level, the student may choose to file a complaint with the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights, 50 Beale Street Suite 7200, SF, CA 94105, Phone: (415) 486-5555, Email: ocr.sanfrancisco@ed.gov. The timeline for completion of a Plan is also halted during the appeals process.

Program Advisement
Every credential program has an assigned faculty advisor who is available to provide program specific advisement related to a specific program field. The faculty advisor name and contact information is listed in the catalog under the heading of specific programs. These advisors are a resource for specific questions candidates may have about classes, curriculum, and instructors.

Each candidate also has a Credential Program Specialist available to him/her to help navigate the specifics of the state credentialing requirements. These requirements can vary and are in constant flux due to changing legislation and the dynamic nature of public education. It is very important for candidates to work closely with their local Credential Program Specialist to understand and educate themselves on the specifics of their particular credentialing requirements.

Credential Candidate Placement File Service
When requested, the School of Education provides a placement file service for credential candidates. A placement file contains a standardized resume form, two student teacher evaluations, and three letters of recommendation. Placement files are prepared and sent to school districts upon written authorization from the candidate.

CLINICAL PRACTICE INFORMATION
Detailed requirements for clinical practice are listed in the specific program areas of the catalog and in other handbooks and/or orientation courses. All Clinical Practice, Student Teaching, Internship, Practicum and Advanced Specialization coursework is scheduled by a Credential Program Specialist.

Student Teaching Placements
Candidates are placed in their student teaching assignment by the University. Candidates should not contact districts directly to obtain student teaching placement. Please see detailed Student Teaching requirements in the specific program areas of the catalog.

University Internships
University Internship credential programs provide opportunities for Graduate/Post-Baccalaureate candidates to assume the responsibilities of full-time “teachers of record” while completing the credential coursework required for a preliminary credential. Interns are salaried credentialed employees of a school or agency, working on a two year Internship Credential valid only at the site of hire. University Internship credential candidates meet the requirements of No Child Left Behind (NCLB).

National University candidates who are interested in becoming a university intern must meet the internship eligibility requirements to be enrolled in the program. Please see the detailed University Internship requirements under each specific credential program in the catalog.

Option for of Student Teaching Out-of-State (Courtesy Placement)
Candidates who have completed their California credential program coursework who wish to do their student teaching in an area of residence outside of California.

Option for Non-California Residents to obtain a Preliminary Multiple or Single Subject Credential
Candidates interested in completing a California preliminary credential who wishes to complete the entire program while holding residence outside of California. Only a limited number of candidates living outside of California may enroll in the teacher education program to complete their coursework online and their student teaching in their area of residence outside of California.

Requirements for both Out-of-State Options
Permission to student teach outside of California must be obtained by submitting a Courtesy Placement Request to the Courtesy Placement/Out-of-State department. The Out of State Program Specialist will review the candidate’s eligibility requirements, and will interview the applicant to assess the candidate’s knowledge, skills and dispositions. Successful completion of the student teaching program requirements and an interview will determine the candidate’s eligibility for out-of-state or courtesy placement. Candidates must meet all California program and testing requirements to be eligible for an out-of-state or courtesy placement.

Although National University makes every effort to find out-of-state or courtesy placements, the University is unable to guarantee placements. Out-of state requests are difficult to arrange because other states often have specific compliance requirements. Agreements between National University, a State Teaching Credential Office, Department of Defense (outside United States), and a cooperating university must be approved before placement is considered.

The school of choice must adhere to strict guidelines that correlate with California standards and practices, mirror a California Public school setting, and serve diverse populations.

A signed contract must be obtained from the requested school district. These agency agreements are secured by the National University credential staff. After a district contract is approved, a University Supervisor is hired by NU and a Supervising Teacher is assigned by the district to supervise the candidate. It is not unusual for this process to take several months to complete.

In addition, some states will not allow out of state universities to place student teachers into their schools and will therefore require that the candidate enroll and pay for student teaching coursework at a local university. In these cases, the candidate must enroll and pay for National University student teaching coursework in addition to the local universities courses.

Upon completion of student teaching and all other credential requirements, candidates will meet the requirements for a California Teaching Credential. If a candidate desires a credential for another state, the candidate must contact the appropriate state agencies and meet the specific state requirements before student teaching.

Please contact your Credential Program Specialist if you have additional questions about this placement option.

RECOMMENDATION FOR A CALIFORNIA CREDENTIAL

To be formally recommended for a California Teaching or Services Credential by National University all candidates must meet the following requirements:

• Undergraduate: Completed all requirements for the blended bachelor’s degree. (Completion must be verified by the Registrar’s office and degree must be conferred).
• Graduate: Proof of a conferred bachelor’s degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher education (IHE) or an international degree of U.S. equivalence
• Successful completion of the National University Admissions process.
• Successful completion of the program coursework within seven years.
• Official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended on file at National University.
• Completion of the undergraduate or graduate residency requirements.
• Undergraduate candidates must also have a minimum of a 2.5 cumulative GPA overall for their bachelor’s degree.
• Written evaluations of performance in field experiences, internships, educational projects, student teaching, and other practicum.
• Successful completion of the coursework with a minimum grade point average of 3.0. (Grades of “D”, “F” or “U” are not accepted).
• Fulfillment of all financial obligations to the University before applying for the credential; zero account balance.
• A completed CTC credential application with valid credit card to pay for CTC online application fee.

Note: Candidates must have access to Microsoft Office on either a PC or Mac platform. Since National University and the CTC regularly use e-mail to communicate with candidates, it is highly recommended that candidates do not use AOL, Earthlink, or school district e-mail addresses since these e-mails are regularly blocked from these accounts. An active Yahoo! or Hotmail account is recommended instead.

Please see additional program specific requirements to be recommended for a California Credential.