Guide to the Transfer Process

I wanted to share some information to help you with the transfer process whether you’re busy working on applications for Fall 2015 or if you’re just beginning to think about next steps.  See the top item for information for next week and then read on for all kinds of information.  Be sure to bookmark this page for future reference!

Tuesday, February 24:

On-Campus Transfer Advising for  University of Maryland, College Park

Jessica Bancroft, Director of Recruitment and Admissions for the College of Education at UMD, will be hosting transfer advising sessions in the conference room inside CALT 115 on Tuesday, February 14 between 11 am and 2 pm.  Visit the link below to register by Monday, February 23

http://bitly.com/transfercp15

General Information

In case you missed the transfer information session last week, check out my presentation here:

http://bitly.com/transferfaq

Virtual Transfer Information Session

I will host two online Transfer Q&A sessions via Google Hangouts.  You can log-in at any time during the session to ask questions.  To participate, please email janagiel@aacc.edu for more details.  In your email, please indicate your preferred session:

Wednesday, February 25 from 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Tuesday, March 24 from 8:00 – 9:00 pm

Transfer Options in Maryland

Not sure where you plan to transfer to complete your bachelor’s degree?  Check out this list of Maryland Approved Programs for teacher certification:

http://bit.ly/TEACHtransfer

On-Campus Transfer Advising Sessions for the University of Maryland, Baltimore County

Dr. Vickie Williams, Director of Student Services from the Education Department at UMBC, will be hosting transfer advising sessions on March 4 and April 16.  If you are working on your application for Fall 2015, March 4 falls just before their priority admissions deadline.

Register for March 4 at http://bitly.com/umbcmar15 and for April 16 at http://bitly.com/umbcapril

Notre Dame of Maryland University Cohort Program Information Session

NDMU offers a bachelor’s degree program in Elementary Education at AACC.  To learn more about this part-time bachelor’s degree program, be sure to attend the information session on March 12 from 3:30 – 4:30 in CALT 130.  Register at the link below:

http://bitly.com/ndmu15

Campus Visits

You need to visit a campus to make sure it is the best fit for you!  This link has websites/contacts for scheduling a visit:

http://bitly.com/transferdays

Requesting Recommendation Letters & Building a Resume

Some transfer applications require recommendation letters or resumes.  For tips for requesting recommendation letters, visit http://bitly.com/recrecs and for resume suggestions, visit http://bitly.com/teachres

Praxis Information

For more details about the basic skills assessment, visit the website below:

http://www.aacc.edu/teach/praxis.cfm

For help with registering for the Praxis CORE, visit http://bitly.com/register4core

Graduation Application

If you’re graduating in May, be sure to apply now for graduation!  The deadline is March 1, so don’t delay.

Instructions: https://www.aacc.edu/myaacc/help/file/GraduationApplication.pdf

Meet with an Admissions Rep from the University of Maryland!

Are you planning to transfer to complete your Bachelor's Degree in Teacher Education at the University of Maryland, College Park?  Then be sure to sign up for a small-group advising session with an admissions representative from their College of Education!

University of Maryland

Transfer Advising Sessions

Tuesday, February 7

11 am - 2 pm

(30 minute sessions)

Sign-up at http://bitly.com/transfercp15

Find out what classes you need to graduate!

Did you know that you have access 24/7 to a tool that will help you figure out exactly which classes you need to complete your degree program and graduate?

It's called your Academic Evaluation and you can check your progress any time on MyAACC following these step-by-step instructions:

https://www.aacc.edu/myaacc/help/file/EvaluateProgramProgress.pdf

If you have any developmental requirements (reading, writing & math), you'll want to complete those ASAP!  If you see "Required" next to any of these courses, you'll need to get started with those. Contact me if you're not sure where to start with your developmental coursework.

If a credit course requirement has been completed, you will see the semester, the grade, and the number of credits for that course.  If you still need to complete a course, it will indicate "1 course needed."  

A course you are taking or one for which you are registered, will be noted by (IP) for "in progress."

Steps for Success:

1. Evaluate your program progress to create a list of the courses you still need to graduate.
2. Determine which classes to take in Winter & Spring
3. Register for Classes (Here are instructions for how to get yourself registered)

Want some help with this process?  E-mail janagiel@aacc.edu from your MyAACC email address with a list of courses you're planning to take for next semester.  I'll check your options to make sure you're on the right track!

Not ready to do this on your own, schedule an advising appointment as soon as possible.  There are just a few appointments left before winter break!

Praxis I to be Replaced by Praxis CORE

The Praxis I refers to the Pre-Professional Skills Tests (reading, writing & math) currently required for teacher certification in Maryland.  Starting in September 2014, teacher candidates who have not yet passed the Praxis I will be required to take the Praxis Core.

Students completing an AAT degree at AACC, must complete this testing requirement in order to graduate.

Students who do not have passing scores by the end of August 2014, will need to take the new Praxis CORE.  Students will not be able to combine passing scores on the Praxis I with those on the Praxis Core.

If you took the SAT, ACT or GRE, you may already have qualifying test scores.  Visit bitly.com/satpraxis to find out.

Who should take the Praxis I this summer?

·         Students who have started taking, but have not

yet passed the Praxis I

·         Students planning to graduate in Fall 2014 or Spring 2015

·         Students who have already completed a college level math course (especially MAT 221)

·         Students who have completed the English requirement (ENG 111 & 112 or ENG 121)

Things to know

·       If you take an exam, you must wait 30 days to retake it

·       On the computer-based tests, you get your Math & Reading scores right away

·       Be sure to have your scores sent to AACC when you register

Significant Differences Between the Praxis I and Praxis Core

Praxis I Pre-Professional Skills	Praxis Core Academic Skills
Composite Score Allowed (527)	No Composite Score Recommended
2 hours, 40 minutes for combined	3 hours, 5 minutes for combined
Reading: 40 multiple choice	Reading: 56 multiple choice
Writing: 38 MC Questions, 1 essay	Writing:40 MC Questions, 2 essays
Math: 40 MC Questions	Math: 56 MC and numeric answers
Details:  http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/praxisi	Details: http://www.ets.org/praxis/about/core/

What's your next step?

Check out the transfer options for Maryland Approved Teacher Education programs available at:

http://bit.ly/TEACHtransfer

Questions?  Contact your AACC TEACH Advisor at janagiel@aacc.edu

How will you spend the winter break?

1. Relax and Be Happy!
   You've worked hard this semester, so be sure to take some time to relax!  Take a break and enjoy some special time with family, friends and loved ones this holiday season.  Do something that makes you happy!
   
2. Take a Winter Class
   It's not too late to register for an online, in-person or hybrid class in December or January.  Keep in mind that the classes are accelerated so they move pretty quickly. Not sure what classes fit your degree program?  Ask me!  For a list of winter classes, visit bit.ly/1bLcVLK  
   
3. Get Registered for Spring Semester
   Before you settle into winter vacation, be sure to register for your Spring courses.  Sections are filling up fast, so don't wait until January to register.  
   
4. Meet with your Advisor
   I am here to help!  Want to plan for winter and spring?  Ready to start preparing for the transfer process?  Want to develop a plan for graduating?  Click on the link below for my schedule and instructions for scheduling an appointment at the Arnold campus (Student Services Building, Room 200) or for Arundel Mills (Suite 309).
   https://www.aacc.edu/teach/file/schedule.pdf 
   
5. Prepare for and Pass the Praxis
   If you are working on an AAT degree, you'll need to pass the Praxis I.  Winter break is the perfect time to study for the test.  For more information, visit http://www.aacc.edu/teach/praxis.cfm.  You can also take a Praxis preparation class here at AACC this winter term:  EDU 002 (Praxis I: Reading Skills) and EDU 004 (Praxis I: Writing Skills).
   

Reminder: Register today for Winter & Spring

Spring Registration Update

Register for classes for Spring 2014 starting November 12th at 8:30 am.

The published course schedule is not yet available, but you can access the spring schedule using the course search option.  

For instructions, visit this tutorial.

Not sure how to register online?  Follow the instructions available here.

For payment schedules, visit http://www.aacc.edu/tuitionfees/spring.cfm

Not sure what classes to take? E-mail me at janagiel@aacc.edu or schedule an advising appointment. Instructions available at http://bit.ly/apptinfo

TEACH Grant

You could be eligible to receive nearly $4,000 per year if you would like to teach in a low-income school and you are planning to teach math, science, foreign language, English for speakers of other languages, special education or another high-need area.

 

Once you have reviewed the TEACH Grant Information, you can check to see if you are eligible by completing the TEACH Grant Interest Form and submitting it to AACC's Financial Aid Office.

 

Official TEACH Grant information below is from the Federal Student Aid website at http://studentaid.ed.gov/types/grants-scholarships/teach. Be sure to visit that website for details.

 

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 a year to students who are completing or plan to complete course work needed to begin a career in teaching.

As a condition for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must sign a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve in which you agree to (among other requirements) teach

• in a high-need field
• at an elementary school, secondary school, or educational service agency that serves students from low-income families
• for at least four complete academic years within eight years after completing (or ceasing enrollment in) the course of study for which you received the grant.

IMPORTANT: If you do not complete your service obligation, all TEACH Grant funds you received will be converted to a Direct Unsubsidized Loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education, with interest charged from the date the TEACH Grant was disbursed (paid to you or on your behalf).

Time Management

I don't know about you, but lately my to-do list seems to be growing much more quickly than I can check things off!  

If you're feeling the same way, check out one of the Time Management workshops:

Tuesday, October 22

3:30-4:15 p.m. 

Arundel Mills 108

Monday, October 28

3:30-4:15 p.m. 

Arnold/SUN 102 

Just in case those workshops don't fit your busy schedule, there is a webshop available 24/7 at
http://ola2.aacc.edu/vc/timemanagement/TimeManagementWebShop/

For more academic success workshops (including test prep, math anxiety, learning styles, stress management), visit http://www.aacc.edu/advising/file/pathways.pdf

Recommendation Letter Recommendations

Need a recommendation letter from a professor for a transfer application, job opportunity or scholarship?  Read these recommendations first!

Why?

Select someone who knows you well and can best speak to your potential.  An EDU professor would be a good choice when you are applying for transfer because of his/her ability to comment on your academic performance and the teacher dispositions that you possess.          

Who?

When an application calls for recommendation letters, read the information carefully to determine if you need a professional reference from an employer or supervising teacher or an academic letter of reference from a professor.

When?

Once you have determined that an academic letter of reference is required, note the application deadline.  Be sure that when you request a letter of recommendation that your professor has plenty of time to write it.  It is customary to make your request at least 2 weeks before the deadline, but earlier is better!

How?

It’s appropriate to make your initial request for a letter of reference in person or by email.  As clearly and politely as possible, explain what you are hoping to be recommended for and when that letter needs to be submitted.  Once the professor agrees to write the letter, be prepared to follow up by email with all of the pertinent information.

What?

When you send your follow-up email, thank your professor and include the following information to help your professor write a positive and thorough recommendation on your behalf.

•  Information about the program, scholarship, or job opportunity for which you are applying
•  Due date and details about how the letter should be submitted
• The name and address to whom the letter should be addressed
• Your updated resume, including any relevant professional experiences, extracurricular activities, or awards and achievements
• An unofficial copy of your transcript or details about which class(es) you took with the professor if some time has passed
• When possible, a draft of the letter or essay that you are submitting as part of the application process

Don't miss an e-mail!

How often do you check your @mymail.aacc.edu account?  Just in case logging in is not at the top of your to-do list, be sure to have those messages forwarded to you.  That way you won't miss an update from an instructor or classmate, a wait list notification, a scholarship opportunity or an important message from your TEACH advisor!

While you're at it, be sure to sign up for AACC's e2campus system to get texts/e-mail alerts about school closings and emergency information.

Here's how to forward your e-mail:

1.  Log in to MyAACC and click on your @mymail.aacc.edu Student Email

2. Once you've logged in, click on Options (on the right) and then See All Options

3. Select Forward your e-mail

4. Type in your preferred e-mail address in the space below Forward my e-mail to:
5. Then click on Start Forwarding

Ready to graduate?

If you plan to graduate at the end of this semester, be sure to check in with me (your advisor) to make sure you've completed all degree requirements.  Also, don't forget to submit your graduation application!

Here are the deadlines you need to know:

Fall Graduation: Deadline - November 1

Spring Graduation: Deadline - March 1

Summer Graduation: Deadline - July 1

For updated information from the registrar's office, visit http://www.aacc.edu/recreg/graduation/

To submit your graduation application online, follow these steps:

1. Log-in to MyAACC

2. Select the Self Services tab

3. Click on Credit Students and select Academic Profile

4. Click on Graduation Application




















5.  Read the information carefully and click on OK

6.  Choose the appropriate degree program and click Submit

New Blog Page - Top 10 Transfer Tips

Just added a new page to help guide AAT students through the transfer process.  It's never too early to think about what comes next!

 http://

Check out the list by visiting this link or clicking on Transfer Tips on the Menu Bar at the top of the page. 

What is a sophomore literature class?

Students completing the AAT for Early Childhood Education are required to complete a sophomore literature class.  What does that mean?

A sophomore literature class is any 200 LEVEL English class, but NOT the CREATIVE WRITING courses.

Check out the list of options below and then see what's being offered this semester.

ENG 215 - Early American Literature (Colonial to 1865)
ENG 216 - American Literature (1864-1945)
ENG 217 - Contemporary American Literature (1945 - Present)
ENG 222 - The American Novel
ENG 213 & 214 - British Literature 1 & 2
ENG 223 - The British Novel
ENG 211 & 212 - World Literature 1 & 2
ENG 220 - The Bible as Literature
ENG 221 - Introduction to Shakespeare
ENG 220 - Modern Poetry
ENG 224 - Modern American Poetry
ENG 225 - African American Literature
ENG 226 - Ethnic American Literature
ENG 227 - Literary Nonfiction
ENG 228 - Literature in English by Women
ENG 235 - Modern Drama
ENG 250 - Literature of the Chesapeake Bay
ENG 260 - Travels in Literature
ENG 280 - Special Topics in English

Visit the English department website for more details!

Get registered on Friday!

Need help registering?

Struggling with the new MyAACC?  If so, you're not alone.  To provide some assistance, AACC has posted some Tutorials to assist you.

Need help with registration?  Check out the Registration Tutorial and get yourself registered today!

Keeping Cool in Careers

It's steamy outside, but quite chilly down here on the first floor of the Careers building!  I am in the midst of helping students select courses for the Fall semester.  Some of our classes are filling up, so be sure to call 410-777-1962 to schedule an advising appointment.