Information for Students

I. Scholarship Policies

For more information on scholarships go to http://ar.byu.edu/dept_scholarships/scholar.html.

These policies are designed to encourage your progress toward graduation while providing flexibility in charting your undergraduate experience. Please acquaint yourself with these requirements and contact the Scholarship Office if you have any questions or concerns.

Requirements

1. You must abide by the Honor Code and adhere to the dress and grooming standards of BYU.
2. Unless indicated in your award letter, your scholarship is a two-semester award for the academic year specified. If your award is for Fall and Winter Semesters, you may use it for those semesters or for Fall/Spring/Summer or Winter/Spring/Summer. Spring and Summer Terms combined equal one semester. If you choose to use your scholarship in a combination other than Fall/Winter, you will need to contact the Scholarship Office. If you will not be attending Fall or Winter Semester, you should also submit a Continuing Student Admission and Scholarship Deferment Application to the Admissions Office.
3. You may use your scholarship for university-approved Study Abroad, Travel Study, Field Studies, or International Internship programs. Please notify the Scholarship Office before you leave in order to make arrangements for the scholarship to be applied to the program.
4. Scholarships may not be used for Independent Study or Continuing Education or on other campuses.
5. You must register as a full-time, matriculated day school student and complete the minimum credit hour requirement associated with your scholarship. Salt Lake Center hours may be used to meet this requirement.

Credit Hours

If you receive a Fall/Winter scholarship, you must complete a minimum of 28 credit hours during the two semesters of your award, not enrolling in fewer than 12 credit hours per semester. We suggest you take a minimum of 14 credit hours per semester, but you may adapt your schedule to fit your needs as long as the combination of courses equals 28 credit hours for the two semesters and you are enrolled at least full time each semester. For example, you may take 16 hours one semester and 12 hours the next. If your award is for one semester, you must complete 14 hours that semester.

1. If you receive a spring/summer scholarship, you must complete a minimum of 6 credit hours each term.
2. Credits earned during spring and summer terms may not be used to make up shortfalls in the credit hour requirements associated with Fall/Winter scholarships.
3. During your last semester or terms before graduation, you may have your scholarship hour requirement reduced and your scholarship prorated. To do so, you must notify the Scholarship Office.
4. Courses repeated within the same academic year will count only once toward the minimum credit hour requirement.
5. Credit must be earned within the classroom to meet the minimum credit hour requirement. Credit earned through Independent Study, audited classes, and special examination, including language exams, may not be used to meet this requirement.

Reapplication

If you would like to be considered for scholarships for future enrollments, you must reapply each year by March 1, the continuing student scholarship deadline, even if March 1 falls within your first enrollment. Also you must have officially declared a major by the scholarship deadline. You reapply as a continuing student by applying on the Web at http://ar.byu.edu/scholarships. The Scholarship and Financial Aid Bulletin, which describes scholarships for the following year as well as the application procedure, is usually available each year beginning in January.

Provisions

1. The scholarship you have been awarded is available only to undergraduate students who have fewer than 160 credit hours, excluding Advanced Placement credit, and are paying undergraduate tuition.
2. BYU limits scholarship assistance to 8 semesters per student. Spring and Summer scholarships do not count against the 8 semesters of eligibility. Consequently, after receiving 8 semesters of Fall/Winter Semester scholarship assistance, you may still be eligible to receive Spring/Summer awards.

Deferments

1. You may defer your scholarship to serve an LDS mission. To defer a scholarship and your admission to BYU, you must complete an Admission and Scholarship Deferment Application, available in the Admissions Office, before you leave. The deferred balance of your scholarship will be made available beginning with the semester you return to BYU. If your scholarship is awarded as a percentage of tuition (e.g. half tuition), the value of your scholarship will be increased in proportion to the cost of tuition. Note: The scholarship will be deferred for the time you are actually serving your mission and may not be deferred for reasons of employment either before or after your mission.
2. Scholarships may be deferred for extenuating circumstances other than LDS missions. To receive consideration for such a deferment, you must submit a petition to the University Scholarship Committee.

Discontinuance

You claim a scholarship by registering for classes and using the scholarship to pay your tuition. If after doing so you do not attend or you discontinue for non-emergency reasons, the scholarship will be canceled and you may be billed for the appropriate tuition and discontinuance fees. If you need to discontinue because of illness, injury, or extenuating circumstances, please contact the Scholarship Office as well as the Discontinuance Office for appropriate action.

Exceptions

These policies are standard requirements for all scholarship recipients. Exceptions are sometimes granted based on individual needs and circumstances. If you desire a modification to any requirement, you may request an exception by submitting a formal written petition to the Scholarship Office. Whenever possible, petitions for exceptions should be submitted prior to the necessary change.

Exceptions are not guaranteed. Factors considered by the committee when making exceptions include serious illness or injury, death or serious illness in one’s immediate family, extensive family responsibilities (such as those faced by a single parent with dependent children), among others.

If you ever have a question regarding the use of your scholarship, please contact the Scholarship Office, A-41 ASB, 422-4104.

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II. The Elementary Education Cohort Program

A.  The Elementary Education Four Semester Program

The Elementary Education Four-Semester Program

Entering Students Fall 2005

You are responsible for the following information.  Program courses must be taken in their designated semesters and must be successfully completed before enrolling in the next semester’s courses. It is recommended that you meet with an advisor in the Education Advisement Center (120 MCKB, eac@byu.edu; (801) 422-3426) to develop a graduation plan during the first semester in the program.

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION PROGRAM

Semester	Mandatory Orientation Meeting	Required Courses	Credit Hours*	FLEX Courses (required)
1—Arts	None	Dance 326, Engl 313, MthEd 305, Music 378, ExSc 375, TMA 352, VAEdu 326	16	The following must be completed at any time during the first 3 semesters (F/W/Sp/Su) of the program: El Ed 340, EDLF 452, HLTH 361
2—1st Cohort	None	El Ed 302, El Ed 351, El Ed 354, El Ed 356, IP&T 287, IP&T 301, MthEd 306	14
3—2nd Cohort	None	CPSE 400, El Ed 355, El Ed 357, El Ed 361, El Ed 362, El Ed 363, El Ed 365, El Ed 372	14
4—Student Teaching or Internship	First day of semester; See www.byu.edu/fieldservices for location and time.	El Ed 400 or El Ed 496R	V 12-14	Must be completed prior to this semester

* 12 credit hours are required to be considered a full-time student; 14 credit hours are required to maintain a scholarship

1st Semester—Arts:

Any course—except MthEd 305—not completed during this semester may be completed during a Spring and/or Summer term.

MthEd 305 must be completed during the Arts Semester.

 

2nd Semester—1st Cohort:

Each student is randomly placed into one of six district cohorts for the 2nd and 3rd semester of the program (Jordan, Urban, and Wasatch cohorts may be requested).

Students will be notified by mail prior to registration of cohort placement and registration instructions.

Cohort courses will be held the first seven weeks and the last four weeks of the semester.

Starting second block, students will complete a four-week practicum experience in their cohort’s school district.

Practicum hours will be: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm three to four days a week (days you do not have MthEd 306) and 7:00 am to 12:00 pm one to two days a week (days you do have MthEd 306).  This includes travel time to and from the university.

All program classes before 4:00 pm – except MthEd 306 – will not be held during the practicum

MthEd 306 must be attended throughout the semester, as well as program classes scheduled at 4:00 pm and later.

Practicum hours are neither optional nor flexible; plan ahead for work schedules and extracurricular activities.

Students are responsible for transportation during the practicum.  District placement will not be determined upon transportation availability. Students may create car pools arrangements within their cohorts.

 

3rd Semester—2nd Cohort:

This semester follows the same general requirements as the 1st cohort (see above).

Practicum hours will be: 7:00 am to 4:00 pm every day (no MthEd 306 this semester) for four weeks.  This includes travel time to and from the university.

 

4th Semester—Student Teaching or Internship:

All prerequisite coursework (including FLEX courses) must be completed prior to this semester.

Student Teaching only occurs during Fall or Winter Semester due to public school schedules.

Candidates may student teach in a local partnership school district or in a national or international location (i.e. Pacific Islands, Mexico, Houston, or Washington D.C.).

Internships are year-long, public school experiences that replace student teaching.

Internships begin in the Summer or Fall and continue on into the following Spring Term.

Students interested in applying for a full-year academic internship in lieu of one semester of student teaching must meet with an EAC advisor ASAP!

The advisor will review program requirements to assure candidate qualifications for student teaching or an internship have been met.

 

B. Deferment/Discontinuance:

Deferment from the Elementary Education or Early Childhood Education program may be granted on the basis of extreme need, such as to serve a mission, for health or financial problems, and special programs, such as Study Abroad or teaching in another country

Candidates who decide not to continue in the program must notify the Department of Teacher Education in writing and meet with secretarial personnel in 201-A MCKB to complete deferment documents. If leaving BYU, it is also the student’s responsibility to defer from the university in A-153 ASB.

Failure to formally defer from the program terminates the student’s continuation. To request readmission, the candidate must submit a formal application in writing to the Professional Review Committee. The request may be granted based on prior performance and space availability.

Deferment requests require documentation (e.g. copy of a mission call or a letter from a physician or therapist).

Candidates wishing to defer after admission to the program, but prior to beginning the first semester (Arts semester) will be required to reapply to the program.

Candidates deferring after the first or second professional cohort semesters may be required to participate in a short practicum prior to re-starting the program to help update and to reinforce skills necessary for the next phase of their professional development and assist with continuity.

 We strongly believe teaching is a moral endeavor.  Therefore, we have high expectations of you as a teacher candidate.  Your success is our goal.  We offer our support as you develop the knowledge, skills, and dispositions of a teacher and moral steward in the classroom; as you learn the content and pedagogy of teaching; and as you learn to be an on-going contributor to the education profession and the community at large. 


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C.  Expectation for Professionalism

The following statement taken from the syllabi for the 302/372 courses expresses the form of professionalism that is expected of all cohort participants:

When visiting schools and serving as a cohort teacher, you will be expected to exhibit the highest standards of professionalism.

Attendance and Punctuality: Attendance and punctuality for BYU classes and for practica experiences are aspects of professionalism. Patterns of unexcused absences and tardies will necessitate contact from instructors and may affect your standing in the program. Make every effort to attend every day. Only the direst of personal emergencies, such as the death of a close family member or a serious contagious illness, will be an acceptable excuse for absence. (Leaving school early or arriving late because of a holiday or work is not considered professional behavior!)

If you are absent unexpectedly for one of the above reasons during your practicum, you must call the school and talk to your mentor teacher, or leave a message, which you are sure will be delivered, informing your teacher that you will not be present that day and giving an explanation for your absence. Make sure you deliver required instructional materials to your mentor. Do not contact your BYU instructor(s) initially. Contact the school directly. You are expected to arrange a time with your mentor teacher to make up the practicum time you missed. Your BYU instructor must be contacted if more than one day is missed during each practicum. Failure on your part to follow these procedures will be considered a serious breach of professionalism. Remember, this is your responsibility. You are expected to be a professional. In this program we take professionalism seriously. Think now about what kind of a professional you want to be. Serious breaches of expected professionalism may seriously affect your grade or even cause you to be dropped from the program.

Confidentiality: You are expected to treat matters which occur in your classroom with respect and confidentiality. Do not discuss your mentor teacher’s performance and personality outside of class. Do not become involved in tale bearing or gossiping anywhere. Nothing can ruin your relationship with your mentor teacher, school authorities, or parents faster than not keeping confidences.

Dress:

You never get a 2nd chance to make a first impression.

The dress and grooming of both men and women should always be modest, neat, and clean consistent with the dignity adherent to representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and any of its institutions of higher learning.

It is important to identify yourself as someone businesslike and serious about your work in the schools. If you dress professionally (i.e. ties for men; nice slacks/jackets/dresses for women), students perceive that you are more intelligent and that you have more authority. You do not want the parents, staff, or students to confuse you with a big brother or sister in the classroom to drop off a lunch or a message. Dress and speak conservatively to avoid distracting from your instruction with extreme clothing, hairstyles, and slang.

Many mentor teachers now dress in a way that is too casual for cohort or student teachers to use as their guide for appropriate school dress. Mentor teachers have a history at the school and they are not “temporary” in the building, which gives them a level of authority that cohort or student teachers do not have when they dress in the same way.

Men: A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extreme styles or colors, and trimmed above the collar leaving the ear uncovered. Sideburns should not extend below the earlobe or onto the cheek. If worn, moustaches should be neatly trimmed and may not extend beyond or below the corners of the mouth. Men are expected to be clean shaven; beards are not acceptable. Earrings and other body piercing are not acceptable.

Women: A clean and well-cared-for appearance should be maintained. Clothing is inappropriate when it is sleeveless, strapless, backless, or revealing; has slits above the knee; or is form fitting. Dresses, skirts, and shorts must be knee length or longer. Hairstyles should be clean and neat, avoiding extremes in styles and colors. Excessive ear piercing (more than one per ear) and all other body piercing are not acceptable.

Female cohort or student teachers need to be particularly aware of skirt lengths, tightness, and slits because sitting on low chairs or stooping to assist is a common practice in schools. Snug, sheer, or short tops and low necklines should not be worn to school as teachers frequently bend over to assist students with their work. Your clothing should allow active participation (bending/stretching).

D.  Placement Files

Elementary education students set up their placement files during the Arts semester orientation.

E.  Weighting of Classroom and Practicum Experiences in Grading of Cohort Students

The grading policies for El. Ed. 302 and 372, as stated in the syllabi, exemplify the consideration that the coursework and practicum experiences are given in the grading of cohort students:

Class work and practicum receive weightings of 70% and 30% respectively for grading purposes.

Class work 70% A student receiving below C- for class work cannot continue in the program. The final grade for the course, which includes the grade in the practicum, may be above a D but the student cannot continue in the program. District Liaisons keep appropriate records and contact the department secretary regarding the status of any students in this situation.

Practicum 30% With a final practicum evaluation below C-, a student cannot continue in the program. The final grade for the course, which includes the grade in class work, may be above a D but the student cannot continue in the program. District Liaisons keep appropriate records and contact the department secretary regarding the status of any students in this situation.

Students may appeal to the Teacher Education Appeals Committee through the Associate Chair. The Appeals Committee reviews the student’s performance, professionalism, records, etc. in class work and practicum. Their attention and decisions will be guided by departmental policy, by evidence in the records, and by the student’s appeal. Using discretion, the following will help guide the decision making process: “Single Event”—If the problem has been caused by a single event, the student may, at the committee’s discretion, be removed from the cohort and allowed to repeat the course. “Pattern of Performance”—If there has been a pattern of difficulties in the student’s performance, that student will be removed from the program. If the Department Committee renders a decision unsatisfactory to the student, she/he may appeal to Dean’s Appeals Committee through the Associate Dean, submitting any additional information to be considered in her/his behalf.

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III. Sex Discrimination (see Equal Employment Opportunity Office)

Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 prohibits sex discrimination against any participant in an educational program or activity that receives federal funds. The Act is intended to eliminate sex discrimination in education. Title IX covers discrimination in programs, admissions, and activities, as well as student-to-student sexual harassment. BYU’s policy against sexual harassment extends not only to employees of the university but to students as well. If you encounter unlawful sexual harassment or gender based discrimination, please talk to your professor; contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895 or 367-5689 (24-hours); or contact the Honor Code Office at 422-2847.

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IV. Policy on Accommodations for Students with Disabilities (See EEO office for students with disabilities)

Brigham Young University is committed to providing a working and learning atmosphere which reasonably accommodates qualified persons with disabilities. If you have any disability which may impair your ability to complete a course successfully, please contact the Services for Students with Disabilities Office (422-2767). Reasonable academic accommodations are reviewed for all students who have documented disabilities of the types that qualify. Services are coordinated with the student and instructor by the SSD Office. If you need assistance or if you feel you have been unlawfully discriminated against on the basis of disability, you may seek resolution through established grievance policy and procedures. You should contact the Equal Employment Office at 422-5895, D-282 ASB.

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V. Fingerprinting

Since July 1, 1998, the Utah State Office of Education has required two sets of fingerprints from each potential teacher. The Bureau of Criminal Identification (BCI) and the FBI run the background checks. The Utah State Office of Education charges students $69.00 for the processing of the fingerprints. Background checks are valid for three years.

Candidates in Early Childhood Education, Elementary Education, and Secondary Social Sciences must apply for fingerprinting before submitting an application.

• Go to the Advisement Center (120 MCKB).
• Fill out the blue form and pay the $69 background check fee with your Signature card. This fee is nonrefundable.
• Have your application form initialed.
• The blue form and the fee will be submitted to the State Office of Education by the Advisement Center at the time you submit your application.
• Immediately upon receipt of your acceptance letter, make an appointment in the Advisement Center to have your fingerprints taken digitally. There will be a nonrefundable $10 fee when this occurs.

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VI. Orientation for Student Teachers

These orientations are held by districts—not as a whole group at BYU.

Students check the web page for the district to which they have been assigned and for information on what they should do the first day of the block. Liaisons will contact students, update their web pages, and inform schools and mentor teachers of placements.

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VII. Professional Review

Minimum Candidate Requirements—After admission to the Elementary Education program, candidates are required to maintain a 2.85 GPA. In addition, candidates must achieve at least a C- in each course in the four-semester program. Violation of either of these two standards results in suspension from the program until the deficiency is rectified.

Additional Candidate Requirements—During the program, faculty regularly review each candidate’s standing in (1) academics, (2) teaching, (3) interpersonal relations, and (4) professionalism. Patterns of deficiencies in any of these areas may result in suspension or termination from the program.

Referral Process—Faculty members may refer a candidate for professional review, if areas of concern expressed by the faculty remain unresolved.

Faculty evaluate candidates in each of the four areas stated above. This evaluation occurs at mid-semester or whenever a deficiency arises.

The Professional Review Committee requests of all faculty (at mid-semester and end-of-semester) a report on the deficiencies of all candidates.

Once a deficiency or questionable performance is noted, the faculty member completes a Professional Review Form, documenting the area of deficiency.

The faculty member meets with the candidate to complete a Candidate Action Plan and a review date is agreed upon.

If conditions have been met, deficiencies addressed, and behaviors modified appropriately by the review date, the faculty member files an informational copy of the form with the Chair of the Professional Review Committee.

If deficiencies have not been addressed to the satisfaction of the faculty member, a referral is made to the Professional Review Committee.

Both faculty member and candidate may review the educational record of the student which will be submitted to the committee and submit additional written information to the Committee. Both the faculty member and the candidate will receive a complete copy of the final education record of the candidate to be reviewed by the Committee before the review.

The Committee will set a hearing date and request in writing the appearances of the faculty member and the candidate. The candidate may bring a spouse, parent or peer to advise and support the candidate, but the candidate should be prepared to be his or her own spokesperson. An individual accompanying the candidate will not be allowed to advocate on behalf of the candidate.

Decisions reached by the committee may include continuation, continuation with probation, suspension, or termination. Decisions are made by majority vote. The candidate and the faculty member receive written notification of the Committee’s decision.

Candidates may appeal the Committee’s decision (See Appeals Procedures).

Committee Membership—The Committee consists of a chair and six members (3 faculty members, 1 student, and 1 public school representative). An associate chair of the department is the voting chair of the Committee. The candidate may request disqualification by the chair of any member upon showing cause for bias. The chair shall be responsible to determine all issues of procedure, which should be fair and impartial.

Click here for a pdf copy of the Professional Review Form

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VIII. Appeals Procedures for A Student Who Has Been Removed from a Program within the School of Education

Students may appeal if they are being removed from the program because of poor academic performance, poor teaching performance, or lack of professionalism if they can provide information that supports a re-examination of their status. The following procedures are required:

The student prepares a one-page sheet outlining the basis for the appeal and submits it to the Teacher Education Office (205 MCKB). The appeal should be based on evidence or information not originally considered by the Faculty Review Team.

The Department Chair reviews the written appeal and either schedules a conference with the student or refers the appeal to the Teacher Education Department Appeals Committee.

The student may request a meeting with the appeals committee in person by scheduling an appointment through the secretary in 205 MCKB. The Appeals Committee meets the third Thursday of each month.

The student is responsible for presenting his or her own appeal and supporting information to the committee. The student may bring a spouse, parent or peer to advise or to offer new information in support of the appeal, but the student should be prepared to be the primary spokesperson.

The student receives written notification of the Appeals Committee’s decision.

If the student appeal is supported by the committee, the student will receive instructions on how to proceed. If the student appeal is denied by the committee, the student will be encouraged to contact the Counseling and Career Center (422-3035) for information on alternative career choices.

If a student’s appeal has been denied by the Department of Teacher Education Appeals Committee, that student may forward their appeal beyond the department level, if the case meets the criteria established by the Dean’s Office for a formal appeal:

The student has met with the faculty to discuss the concern and made an effort to resolve the issue without success. The date and summary of the conference (s) are required in the appeal.

The student has filed a written appeal following departmental guidelines, and that appeal has been considered by the department chair and/or the Department Appeals Committee. The appeal and supporting documents are required.

The student has new information to offer related to the appeal or has evidence that there were irregularities in the earlier reviews that resulted in a negative decision by the Department Appeals Committee.

A student filing an appeal to the Dean’s Office is required to do the following:

Write a cover letter for his/her appeal material, outlining the new information or irregularities in the earlier reviews that justify another level of appeal.

Provide documents or information related to the conference with the faculty and Department Appeals Committee.

Meet with Associate Dean to review the cover letter and other required materials and discuss the appeals procedure.

The Dean will review the cover letter and supporting documents and make a decision or refer the appeal to the Dean’s Appeal Committee.

The Dean’s Appeal Committee is chaired by the Associate Dean and consists of three faculty members outside of the student’s department. The student will be invited to meet with the committee and explain the appeal and supporting materials. The committee will excuse the student and discuss the merits of the appeal and make a decision or ask for additional information and schedule a second meeting prior to making their decision. The student will be notified by telephone and in writing of the decision of the committee by the Associate Dean.

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IX. Complaint/Grievance Procedures

Students may submit a complaint or grievance about any aspect of their program. The following procedures are required:

*              If the complaint involves faculty, the student first meets with the faculty member to resolve the issue.

*              The student prepares a written statement outlining the basis for the complaint and submits it to the Department Chair.

*              The Department Chair reviews the complaint and either schedules a conference with the student or refers the appeal to the Department Grievance Committee.

*              The student may request a meeting with the committee in person by scheduling an appointment through the secretary in 205 MCKB. The Grievance Committee meets the third Thursday of each month.

*              The student receives written notification of the decision or action of the chair or the committee.

NOTE: Students may also submit issues and concerns informally through their representatives on the Student Advisory Council.

If a student is not satisfied with the decision of the chair or committee, that student may forward the complaint beyond the department level, if the case meets the following criteria established by the Dean’s Office for a formal appeal:

*              The student has met with the faculty (if applicable) to discuss the concern and made an effort to resolve the issue without success. The date and summary of the conference (s) are required in the appeal.

*              The student has filed a written complaint following departmental guidelines, and that complaint has been considered by the department chair and/or the Department Grievance Committee. The complaint and supporting documents are required.

*              The student has new information to offer related to the complaint or has evidence that there were irregularities in the earlier reviews that resulted in a unsatisfactory decision by the Department Grievance Committee.

A student filing an appeal to the Dean’s Office is required to do the following:

*              Write a cover letter for his/her appeal material, outlining the new information or irregularities in the earlier reviews that justify another level of appeal.

*              Provide documents or information related to the conference with the faculty (if applicable), the chair, and Department Grievance Committee.

*              Meet with Associate Dean to review the cover letter and other required materials and discuss the appeals procedure.

*              The Dean will review the cover letter and supporting documents and make a decision or refer the appeal to the Dean’s Grievance Committee.

 

The Dean’s Grievance Committee is chaired by the Associate Dean and consists of three faculty members outside of the student’s department. The student will be invited to meet with the committee and explain the appeal and supporting materials. The committee will excuse the student and discuss the merits of the appeal and make a decision or ask for additional information and schedule a second meeting prior to making their decision. The student will be notified by telephone and in writing of the decision of the committee by the Associate Dean.

 

This policy is consistent with the University’s policy on Resolving Academic Grievances found in the Undergraduate (p. 51) and Graduate (p. 25 catalogs.

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X. Final Exam Policy (May 2002)

University Final Exam Policy (posted in winter, spring/summer, and fall schedules):

"Final examinations will be given at the times shown in the class schedule.  Examinations are not given early.  The examination period is preceded by reading days which give time for conscientious review, study and synthesis of the semester's work.  The reading and the examination periods are firmly scheduled parts of the semester; you must not make plans that interfere with these important academic activities.  If illness or other uncontrollable circumstances prevent you from taking an examination at the scheduled time, you are responsible to inform the class instructor as soon as possible.   Your instructor may give the grade Incomplete, depending on the circumstances.  The incomplete cannot be given unless you and your instructor together prepare a contractual agreement."   (Click on this link for a copy of the final exam policy of the University.)

Department of Teacher Education final exam policy and procedures:

The Department of Teacher Education will support the University policy for final exams as stated in the University class schedule. Department of Teacher Education further clarifies the policy in the Department to include the following points:

• No final exams will be administered earlier than the scheduled exam time for the course and section, or after the last final exam period during final exam week. 
  
  
• In the Elementary Education Program the final exam schedule may deviate from the university final exam schedule.  The deviation from the posted University examination schedule is due to the unique nature of the class offerings within the Department and therefore will be adjusted and announced as soon as possible after the beginning of the semester.  If students MUST know their schedules for exams and cannot wait for the actual dates and times, they should plan their schedules so that they will be on campus for the last scheduled exam time on the last day of finals.
  
  
• Students who are not able to take the final exam during the scheduled time have the following options:

1.     Drop the class before the drop deadline and receive a "W". 2.     Drop the class after the drop deadline and receive a "UW" (which will be on their transcripts permanently, even if the student retakes the class). 3.     Arrange with the instructor to take the final exam after the appointed exam time but prior to the last final period during the final exam week. 4.     Don't take the final, accept the penalty for missing the test, presentations, class period, etc., and receive a lower grade.

• The grade of "I" or "incomplete" is reserved for students who have an illness or other SERIOUS situation that legitimately keeps them from completing course requirements by the last class meeting and/or taking the final exam at the scheduled time.  Not completing assignments, marriages, or wanting to go home early are not considered serious situations.
  
  

  The instructor determines if an "I" grade is appropriate according to conditions indicated on the "I" grade application.  The student then meets with the instructor to complete a contractual agreement for the grade of "incomplete."  This must be done well in advance of the last class meeting or the final exam (unless the serious situation happens between the last class meeting and the final exam).  Students may pick up an "Incomplete Grade Contract" in the ASB in the Petitions Office. After completing the contract the student then takes the contract to the ASB, pays $10 at the Cashiers Office and returns the contract to the Department of Teacher Education with the receipt from the Cashiers Office stamped on the contract.  The instructor and student determine together the required date to complete the requirements, not to exceed one year.
  
  
• If the situation is highly extraordinary and warrants further consideration the student may write a one page appeal to:
  
  
  Dr. Nancy Wentworth, Associate Chair
  Department of Teacher Education
  205-B, McKay Building

The appeal should be clearly stated and include justification for disregarding University and Department policy. Letters will be carefully read and considered.  However, students should be aware that the Department will strive to uphold the University and Department of Teacher Education policies.  (Approved by the Department of Teacher Education faculty, 9 May 2002)

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XI. Disruptive Student Conduct Procedures

The Disruptive Student Conduct Policy is designed to encourage students to accept responsibility for their actions and to avoid conduct that is disruptive to the educational processes; to the educational environment (including housing); or to the administrative functions of the university.

To provide a safe and secure educational environment, consistent with the Church Educational System Honor Code and the values and standards of Brigham Young University, individuals who violate this policy by exhibiting disruptive behavior may be subject to university disciplinary actions. These actions may include, but are not limited to: counseling and restitution; sanctions, such as warning, probation, suspension or dismissal from the university; expulsion from campus property; and if warranted, referral for criminal prosecution. The Honor Code Office will be responsible for the administration of this policy.

Please see Disruptive Student Conduct Procedures for additional information and details.

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               XII. Bringing Children to Classes

The Department of Teacher Education encourages and supports mothers and fathers in the pursuit of their professional preparation as teachers. We recognize the challenge to provide appropriate care for children while parents attend classes.

However, bringing children of any age to class is not in the best interests of the child, the parent as a learner, peers in the class, or the instructor. We acknowledge that occasionally an illness or family emergency may interrupt the regular childcare routine.  When this is the case, please contact the course instructor prior to the beginning of class. The instructor may approve or disapprove of having the child in the classroom.

XIII. Graduation Without Licensure

Candidates in Early Childhood Education and Elementary Education may apply for graduation with a B.S. degree without teaching licensure by submitting a written request to the department chair. 

This option is available under two conditions:

1. A change in personal circumstances for the candidate. (Candidates who request this option may apply to return to the university in a post-baccalaureate status to complete student teaching, and thereby licensure, within five years of graduation).
2. The recommendation of the faculty based upon candidate performance or professionalism. (Candidates who are required by the department to use this option may not return to add licensure without department review).

This policy applies only to candidates at an advanced stage of their professional preparation.  It is not an initial option for candidates but may be implemented in the two situations expressed in the preceding paragraph.

The following conditions must be met.

• All university requirements must be satisfied (GPA, general education, religion, and at least 120 credit hours).
• All major requirements must be satisfied with the exception of student teaching.
• If a candidate receives a failing grade in a major course, that course must be repeated successfully in order to meet graduation requirements.
• If the candidate performs below standard in a practicum course, the department may require a substitute course to meet graduation requirements.

XIV. Transportation to Practica and Student Teaching Sites

Candidates have the  responsibility to plan for and arrange transportation to and from assigned partnership school sites for practica and student teaching experiences.  BYU takes no responsibility for these arrangements.

Candidates will be placed in a district and a school as determined by the program. Requests for a specific placement location will be considered only  under extreme extenuating circumstances. The partnership districts are Alpine, Jordan, Nebo, Provo, Salt Lake Urban, and Wasatch.

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