SOE Graduate Handbook 21-22

Graduate Student Handbook 2021-2022 Certificate: School Administration, Supervision, and Leadership Ed.D., Education Policy and Leadership MA, International Training and Education Program MA, Special Education: Learning Disabilities MA, Teaching M.Ed., Education Policy and Leadership American University School of Education Spring Valley, 4th Floor 4801 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, DC 20016 Tel. 202-885-3720 Fax 202-885-1187 www.american.edu/soe

Table of Contents DEAN’S WELCOME MESSAGE................................................................................................................... 4 SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MISSION & PHILOSOPHY ....................................................................... 5 Shared Values and Educational Philosophy ................................................................................................... 5 Organizing Principles ..................................................................................................................................... 5 Academic Affairs Commitment ...................................................................................................................... 5

SCHOOL OF EDUCATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES................................................................ 6 School of Education Office Hours .................................................................................................................. 6 Advising........................................................................................................................................................... 6 Program of Study............................................................................................................................................. 6 Registration ..................................................................................................................................................... 6 Adding a Course .............................................................................................................................................. 7 Dropping a Course .......................................................................................................................................... 7 Course Transfers and Waivers ........................................................................................................................ 7

PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS ........................................................................................ 8 Application for Graduation ............................................................................................................................. 8

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS .................................................................................................................... 8 Grading Policy................................................................................................................................................. 8 Incomplete Grades .......................................................................................................................................... 9 Grievance Procedures ..................................................................................................................................... 9 Grades & Schedules ........................................................................................................................................ 9 Maintaining Matriculation & Leave of Absences ........................................................................................... 9 Academic Integrity Code .............................................................................................................................. 10 Violations Adjudicated under the Academic Integrity Code .............................................................................................................. 10 Violations Adjudicated Elsewhere .......................................................................................................................................................... 11

STUDENT SERVICES.................................................................................................................................. 12 Academic Support and Access Center .......................................................................................................... 12 Auxiliary Aids ................................................................................................................................................ 12 Confidentiality ............................................................................................................................................... 12 Health Insurance .......................................................................................................................................... 12 Fees and Payment of Bills ............................................................................................................................. 12 International Student and Scholar Services .................................................................................................. 13 Financial Aid ................................................................................................................................................. 13 Funding and Scholarships ............................................................................................................................ 13 2

Bender Library .............................................................................................................................................. 13 SOE Librarian & Curriculum Materials Center ........................................................................................... 14 Counseling Center ......................................................................................................................................... 14 Student Identification Cards and Parking Information ............................................................................... 14 Student Email Accounts and Computer Labs .............................................................................................. 14 Learning Management Systems ................................................................................................................... 15 IT Help.......................................................................................................................................................... 15 SOE Social Media ......................................................................................................................................... 15

ORGANIZE YOUR STUDENT LIFE ........................................................................................................ 16 What is my AU ID? ....................................................................................................................................... 16 What is myau.american.edu? ........................................................................................................................ 16 How do I know what books to get for my course? ....................................................................................... 16 Where do I find the Academic Calendar? ..................................................................................................... 16

LIFE ON CAMPUS ....................................................................................................................................... 17 EagleBucks ................................................................................................................................................... 17 Center for Diversity and Inclusion ................................................................................................................ 17 Office of Advocacy Services for Interpersonal and Sexual Violence ............................................................ 17 Lockers .......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Printing.......................................................................................................................................................... 17 Food .............................................................................................................................................................. 18 Campus Safety ............................................................................................................................................... 18 Rave Guardian App ................................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Self-Defense Classes.................................................................................................................................................................................. 18 Public Safety Escort Service..................................................................................................................................................................... 18 Safe Ride to Campus ................................................................................................................................................................................. 18

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DEAN’S WELCOME MESSAGE Dear Graduate Student: Welcome to American University and the School of Education (SOE). The AU SOE has a proud tradition of preparing highly skilled educators and leaders who positively impact the lives of students and their families through their keen attention to education equity, antiracist practice and sustained excellence in teaching and learning. We expect you to continue this tradition while at the SOE and beyond!

This handbook was designed to help both new and continuing SOE graduate students successfully navigate student life in the School of Education. I hope that in the coming months, you will draw upon the strength of our community to create new knowledge and ideas that help address the shared challenges we face. You can show that our diversity and differences are the sources of infinite possibility. You can be, in your own way, a light in the darkness. Each day is an opportunity to be the positive change that is so needed right now.

If you are a new student, I am delighted that you chose American, and I hope that your graduate study at American will exceed all your expectations. If you are a continuing student, I hope that the coming year will be rewarding and productive.

Best wishes and I look forward to meeting you soon, Cheryl Holcomb-McCoy, PhD Dean School of Education

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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION MISSION & PHILOSOPHY The mission of the School of Education is to create knowledge and prepare students to transform societies through education.

The School of Education aims to be locally, nationally, and globally recognized for making a meaningful impact in the field of education through innovative teaching, research, and service. Our impact will be achieved through rigorous scholarship; advocating for equitable and inclusive learning environments; advancing social justice; preparing effective educators; providing leadership in publicpolicy arenas; and collaborating with local, national, and global communities and organizations.

Shared Values and Educational Philosophy Four interrelated organizing principles that guide the curricular, instructional, research, and professional service activities of the School of Education faculty, inform the SOE conceptual framework. These principles, which are derived from our mission statement, are equity, community, diversity, and excellence. These principles represent our shared values and educational philosophy.

Organizing Principles We make clear to our students that we expect them to understand and appreciate the implications of a professional commitment to equity, community, diversity, and excellence. We help them understand that the meanings of these terms are not static and with time and varied circumstances we may negotiate the meanings and implications of these principles for our programs in keeping with the continuously changing world around us.

Academic Affairs Commitment In academic affairs in SOE, we make a commitment to antiracism. As an antiracist school, we strive to affirm, honor, and support the lived experiences of Black, Latinx, Indigenous, Asian, Multiracial, and other students of color. We actively acknowledge and challenge intersectional systems of oppression, including xenophobia, sexism, heterosexism, ableism, colonialism, among others. We commit to constantly engaging in self-critique and action, never resting until Black and Brown students and all oppressed students are honored and affirmed in SOE courses. We commit to keeping ourselves accountable and we humbly ask that you help us remain vigilant and accountable.

Please email Associate Dean of Academic Affairs, Corbin Campbell with questions, concerns, or suggestions to improve our antiracist commitment.

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SCHOOL OF EDUCATION POLICIES AND PROCEDURES School of Education Office Hours The School of Education, located on the 4th floor of Spring Valley, is open from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday. While not all faculty and staff are always available, during these hours administrative staff is available to answer routine questions. You may also call the office at 202885-3720 during regular hours.

During the 2021-2022 academic year, the School of Education faculty and staff will work in a hybrid setting.

You can still call the office number to be redirected to the appropriate person. We also encourage you to email any faculty or staff for faster response time.

Advising With the guidance of your program faculty and your graduate program coordinator, each student will develop a program of study that plans out all the course work for required and elective courses based on your study focus and interest. Your graduate program coordinator will contact you upon admission. Your graduate program coordinators are available throughout the year for advising. All advising is documented through the GoEd system. Log in with your AU username and password to see your advising schedule.

Program of Study The program of study establishes the timetable of the classes that students need to complete their degree. This assures that you will complete your graduate degree in a timely manner. All students must file a program of study before the beginning of their first semester of enrollment. The program of study is created in the GoEd system. Schedules of classes for each semester are designed based on these programs of studies. Students who request changes to their program of study must contact their graduate program coordinator. It is the responsibility of the student to adhere to their program of study.

Registration After meeting with the graduate program coordinator and completing your program of study, you will be able to register online with your student account through the AU Portal. Registration will generate billing. Please note that if you do not obtain an initial release from the graduate program coordinator to register, the system will not allow you to register online. Graduate-level courses taken in a different department typically require the permission of the graduate program coordinator for that department.

After your initial semester, please go to the Office of the Registrar’s home page to review the Schedule of Classes. Based on your program of study and the posted Schedule of Classes, register for classes via the AU Portal. Go to the Academics icon and then the Registration icon, follow the online registration procedures. Your graduate program coordinator will provide you with more detailed instructions.

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Adding a Course If you add a course, you must inform your graduate program coordinator. Adding a course may change your program of study. If you add a course that is not listed on your program of study, this will also alter your program of study and, potentially, your completion of the program. Courses may be added through the drop/add period.

Dropping a Course Discontinuing attendance in a course or notifying an instructor of your intention to drop a class does not constitute an official drop. You will receive a failed grade that will drop your GPA if you do not complete the add/drop course form. Please see your graduate program coordinator for access to this form on the Registrar’s site. Please let your graduate program coordinator know that you have dropped a course so that your program of study can be adjusted. Dropping a course may affect your graduation date. If you drop a course(s), it is imperative that you notify your graduate program coordinator. They will update GoEd and ensure you have a successful path to graduation.

Every semester has a specific drop deadline for a 100% tuition refund. Please note these dates carefully. It will be up to you to abide by these deadlines and personally drop a class on time for a 100% refund. If you are an online student, please review the appropriate academic calendar for online programs to ensure you have dropped a course in time to receive your desired refund. Drops may be completed online within the period specified in the Schedule of Classes as the time for a 100% refund. Drops made after the 100% tuition drop deadline must be done in person at the Registrar’s office. All students, in any program, are advised that if they do not withdraw or drop from a class before the deadline and they stop attending class, they will receive an FX for the course.

Course Transfers and Waivers Academic units can approve up to 6 credits to be transferred – additional credits transferred need approval of the Vice Provost of Research and Dean of Graduate Studies. (See 5.2) Transferred courses must be at the graduate level with a grade of B or better and must have been taken within the past five years. (See 5.4. for information about shared credits from AU degrees.) SOE regulates that this process must be completed within the add/drop period of the student’s first semester of studies. All course transfers must be submitted within your first two semesters of the program.

Waiving requirements is defined as satisfying degree or programmatic requirements by means other than those specified in the Academic Catalog. There is only one circumstance where waiving is allowed in the MAT and Special Education programs. If you are a full-time teacher of record in an approved school, you can have 3 credits waived of the 6-credit course sequence, EDU-697 Practicum Field Experience with Seminar EDU-699 Student Teaching with Seminar for MAT and 2 credits waived for EDU-792 InService Training Project Internship in Education for Special Education. Students enrolled in the MAT programs in Early Childhood Education or Secondary Education do not qualify for this waiver. If you qualify for this, please speak with your graduate program coordinator.

Please contact your graduate program coordinator to discuss the possibility of course transfer or waivers.

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PROGRAM COMPLETION REQUIREMENTS Application for Graduation Degree Students: The completion of courses and Capstone does not ensure automatic graduation and the receipt of the degree. All students must apply to graduate. To apply, file an Application for Graduation at the Registrar (no cost) early in the semester prior to your planned date of graduation.

The form can be found on the AU Portal under the Academics section. This form will generate a series of processes that must be completed before graduation, so it is important to apply as early in the semester as possible. More information on the application can be found on American University’s Graduation and Commencement page.

MAT and SELD programs require completion of Praxis tests or equivalencies before graduation.

Please work with your graduate program coordinator to ensure you are progressing with all graduation requirements.

UNIVERSITY REGULATIONS This graduate handbook does not substitute for the University Graduate Regulations. Please refer to the Graduate Regulations for all student policies.

Grading Policy Graduate students in the School of Education must maintain a 3.0 GPA to have their degree or certificate granted. A graduate student who fails to maintain this GPA during completion of the first 9 credit hours of graduate study may be placed on academic probation for one semester, after which the student must achieve and maintain a 3.00 average or be dismissed. If, at any point while a student is on academic probation status, it becomes mathematically impossible to raise his or her cumulative GPA to 3.00 within the allotted 9 credits from the onset of Academic Probation, the student will be academically dismissed. (3.14.1) A graduate student may be placed on academic probation only once. It should be noted that the grade point average is only one measure of academic performance. Maintenance of the required average does not necessarily imply that a student is making satisfactory progress. The university has the right to dismiss a student whose performance is judged unsatisfactory even though the student has maintained the required grade point average. A student who is dismissed may not be readmitted to the university, or enroll as a non-degree student, for at least a full year after the effective date of dismissal.

Any course for which the student receives a grade of C- or less must be retaken if the course is a requirement for graduation.

Courses that need to be retaken to raise a student’s GPA will have both the original grade, and the repeat grade calculated into their overall GPA. The overall GPA must be 3.0 or higher to receive a graduate degree.

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Incomplete Grades Students who are unable to complete a course, and who have received the instructor’s permission, can be issued an incomplete in advance of the assessment of final course assignments and must agree on an incomplete contract before grades are posted. The instructor will then submit an “I” grade for the semester and record the work needed to successfully complete the course online, as part of the grade report. If the work is not completed before the deadline listed on the contract (which cannot extend beyond the end of the next semester) the student will receive the default grade indicated on the Incomplete Grade Contract as submitted by the instructor. Please see further guidelines in Graduate Regulations 3.8 and 3.14.4.

Grievance Procedures Students who believe there is a reason to contest a grade given to them in any course taken may follow the standard academic grievance procedures described in the Academic Regulations.

Grades & Schedules Students may access grade reports, class schedules, class locations, course listings, and student account information through the AU portal. To access the portal, students must have a student I.D., OIT User ID, and password. It is recommended that students check their transcripts a few weeks after the end of every semester to make sure all grades have been posted. Please access the “Academics” link in the AU Portal to route yourself to your “unofficial” transcript.

Maintaining Matriculation & Leave of Absences Degree Students: Once enrolled in a degree program, a graduate student is expected to make progress toward his or her degree objective by maintaining continuous enrollment at American University. If, for some reason, students do not register for classes in each semester (except summer) they have two options: either they must register for EDU-099 to maintain matriculation, or they must request a Leave of Absence.

To maintain matriculation, the student must register for EDU-099. This is a cost of $150 for the semester. While registered for the 0-credit course, the student will still have access to the AU library, career center, AU portal, and AU email accounts. However, there will be no fitness center access. This is only to be used at the end of the program.

All temporary leaves are limited to 2 semesters, either consecutive or nonconsecutive. Students may take three leaves if one is deemed medical (9.4.1) Exceptions can be made for long-term military leaves, assuming the student can provide a start and end date of military service. (9.4.1.4) Medical leaves require documentation that the medical condition has been alleviated and that the student is ready to return to academic life at the University to go to the Dean of Students. (9.4.1.3) It is the student’s responsibility to notify the School of Education if they need to request a leave of absence.

Please see further guidelines on the Provost’s Graduate Regulations Page. Failure to register for a semester or to request a leave will result in an administrative stop or withdrawal on a student’s transcript.

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Time Limits to Degree: Graduate students are required to finish their degree within the time frame stipulated in the Graduate Regulations. (4.8) Master’s degree students or graduate certificate students are expected to complete all degree requirements in no more than six years after the date of first enrollment in the degree program. Students who need more time to complete their degrees should review the guidelines in the Graduate Regulations (4.8).

Certificate Students: Certificate students do not need to maintain continuous enrollment every fall and spring semester but must complete a minimum of six credit hours per year to maintain good standing in their certificate program. Students need to complete all certificate requirements within four years. (6.1) Please notify your coordinator if you need to take a semester off.

Academic Integrity Code Academic integrity lies at the heart of intellectual life. As members of a diverse community committed to the advancement of knowledge, we affirm the importance of respecting the integrity of one another’s work. The American University Academic Integrity Code describes standards for academic conduct, rights, and responsibilities as members of an academic community, and procedures for handling allegations of academic dishonesty. As an institution of higher learning, American University views academic integrity as an educational as well as a judicial issue.

The first obligation of a student is to conscientiously pursue the academic objectives, which he or she has set. Accordingly, it is expected that each student will conform to the regulations of the University, of the college or school in which he or she is enrolled, and of the classes in which he or she is registered. It is further expected that all examinations, tests, written papers, and other assignments will be completed according to the standards set forth in the Code.

Here is the definition of academic integrity according to AU. This information was pulled from section II of this link. Violating standards of academic conduct is a serious matter subject to discipline. Types of violations are listed and defined below. This section provides explanations and illustrations but does not exhaust the scope of these violations. Academic integrity is not merely a matter of conforming to rules; it must be understood in terms of the broader purposes of a university education.

Violations Adjudicated under the Academic Integrity Code 1. Plagiarism. Plagiarism is the representation of someone else's words, ideas, or work as one's own without attribution. Plagiarism may involve using someone else's wording without using quotation marks-a distinctive name, a phrase, a sentence, or an entire passage or essay. Misrepresenting sources is another form of plagiarism. The issue of plagiarism applies to any type of work, including exams, papers, or other writing, computer programs, art, music, photography, video, and other media.

2. Inappropriate Collaboration. Inappropriate collaboration occurs when work that the professor presumes is original to the student is in fact the product of collaboration so close that the originality is no longer individual to the student. Professors often expect students to study together, to brainstorm together, and to read and criticize each other's work; group projects also require much collaboration. However, these forms of appropriate collaboration become inappropriate when the originality of the work is lost. In addition, for many assignments, such as take-home examinations 10

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and some homework assignments, professors specifically limit or restrict collaboration, requiring that all the work is entirely the student's own. Before submitting work, students should clarify with their professors what forms of collaboration are appropriate for that assignment.

Dishonesty in Examinations (In Class or Take Home). Dishonesty or cheating in examinations is the use of inappropriate or unauthorized materials, information, or study aids in a test. Unless the instructor directs otherwise, an examination is assumed to be solely a student's own work. No communication is allowed among students either through voice, written, electronic, or any other form of transmission, nor are students permitted to consult books, papers, study aids or notes without explicit permission. Dishonesty in examination includes but is not confined to copying from another's paper, giving, or receiving unauthorized assistance, obtaining unauthorized advance knowledge of questions on an examination, and using mechanical or marking devices or procedures to achieve false scores on machine-graded examinations. Specific policies regarding examinations may vary with individual professors.

Dishonesty in Papers. Dishonesty in papers covers but is not limited to submitting material obtained from another person or company or purchased from either. All papers and materials submitted for a course must be the student's original work unless the sources are cited.

Work Done for One Course and Submitted to Another. This category of violation covers the presentation of the same work in more than one course at any time during a student's academic career without prior consent from both instructors. When incorporating their own past research into current projects, students must cite previous work. This requirement applies even when the work submitted had been originally for a project for another institution. When the previous instructor cannot be consulted, faculty may permit such a submission.

Fabrication of Data. Fabrication is the falsification, distortion, or invention of any information or citation in academic work. Examples include, but are not limited to, inventing a source, deliberately misquoting, or falsifying numbers or other data.

Interference with Other Students' or Scholars' Work. Interference with the work of others covers but is not limited to acts that deny others access to scholarly resources, or deliberately impede the progress of another student or scholar. Examples include sabotaging laboratory experiments or research, giving misleading information, knowingly deceiving other members of a project team or group, disrupting class work, making library material unavailable to others, or altering the computer files of another.

Bribes, Favors, and Threats. Students may not bribe, offer favors to, or threaten anyone with the purpose of affecting a grade or the evaluation of academic performance.

Other Academic Misconduct. No specific set of rules or definitions can embrace every act of academic misconduct. A student who employs any form of academic deceit has violated the intellectual enterprise of the university.

Violations Adjudicated Elsewhere Copyright Violations. Copyright laws must be observed. These laws govern practices such as making use of printed and electronic materials, duplicating computer software, photoduplicating copyrighted materials, and reproducing audio visual works. The Student Conduct Code prohibits theft and the unauthorized use of documents and requires adherence to local, state, and federal law. These provisions will be enforced through the Student Conduct Code.

Copies of the Code can be found at the Office of the Registrar, or online.

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STUDENT SERVICES Academic Support and Access Center If you wish to receive accommodations for a disability, contact the Academic Support and Access Center at 202-885-3360 or asac@american.edu to register with a disability or for questions about disability accommodations. Once you are approved and receive a memo from the Academic Support and Access Center, please notify your faculty with the memo to receive accommodations in the classroom. As accommodations are not retroactive, timely notification at the beginning of the semester, if possible, is strongly recommended. For more information, visit AU’s Academic Support and Access Center web page.

Auxiliary Aids Students who require auxiliary aids will be permitted to use such aids, including but not limited to, tape recorders, Braille, or recorded texts, oral or manual interpreters, note-takers, other assistive or adaptive equipment, or assistants. Students may be accompanied by guide dogs in classrooms, in other university premises, and in university housing. In many cases, the university’s role will be to inform students of the resources available to them through state vocational rehabilitation agencies, government programs, or charitable organizations. The university will not provide wheelchairs, hearing aids, personal attendants, or other kinds of “personal devices”. The university, however, is the “provider of last resort” for some of the other categories of auxiliary aids that are unavailable from any other source. University responsibility for provision of auxiliary aids will be determined on a case-by-case basis.

Confidentiality Information and records about the student's disability and accommodations, if any, are treated as confidential information under applicable federal and state laws, as well as university policies, and are only provided to individuals who are required to receive such information on a need-to-know basis.

Health Insurance For any full-time student (9 credits or more), student health insurance is mandatory, unless the student signs a waiver. Please call the AU Student Health Center (202)885-1222 or visit their site here for more information about insurance and waiving insurance. The Student Health Center is located on the first floor of the McCabe Building.

Fees and Payment of Bills Fees are paid through the AU portal. To send a payment by check, mail contents to American University Student Accounts, 4400 Massachusetts Avenue NW, Washington, DC 20016-8073.

Payments can also be done in-person at AU Central, 201 Asbury Building. Students who are attending on merit, partnership discount or other University financial aid will find their bill adjusted at the beginning of the semester. In addition to paying tuition, all graduate students are assessed a Graduate Activity Fee, Sports Center Fee, and Technology Fee per semester. These fees are not covered by either tuition remission or by assistantship awards and may vary in cost according to full or part time status. For any questions or concerns regarding your bill, payment, or anything ese with your student account please contact AU central at aucentral@american.edu or 202-885-8000.

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International Student and Scholar Services International Student & Scholar Services has the resources to support academic success and participation in campus life including academic counseling, support for second language learners, response to questions about visas, immigration status and employment and intercultural programs, clubs, and other campus resources. (202-885-3350, Butler Pavilion 410).

Financial Aid Various payment plans and student loan options are available. Students need to be registered for five credit hours or more each fall or spring semester to receive Federal financial aid. Students need to be registered for two credit hours or more in each summer semester to receive Federal financial aid. Summer students must indicate on their FAFSA form that they are taking summer courses. Consult the Office of Financial Aid, at AU Central, 201 Asbury Building | Email: financialaid@american.edu | Phone: (202) 885-8000, about all student loan options. Access their website here. The financial aid email automatically triages your email to your Financial Aid counselor. You can find your assigned counselor through the Contact Us page.

Funding and Scholarships Scholarships and partnership discounts are awarded by the School of Education. They are not awarded by the Office of Financial Aid. Scholarships and partnership discounts are awarded each semester based on your registration credits, so it is important to register early. Discounts are applied by end of add/drop period. Students should refer to their cost breakdown to know their student payment.

The Office of the Provost maintains lists of internal funding opportunities for graduate students at AU. Some of these opportunities support students who are already enrolled in graduate programs, and they may be relevant for SOE students. The Office of Merit Awards also provides information and counseling for students interested in nationally competitive scholarships.

Bender Library The University Library supports student study and research through its services and collections and serves as a gateway to a vast array of resources outside its walls. The library's print collections include over 745,000 volumes, which are supplemented by 20,000+ e-books, 258,000 digitized primary source materials, 45,000+ online periodical subscriptions, 41,000+ media and sound recordings and 14,245 musical scores. Through its many on-line and electronic resources, students have access to citations, abstracts, and the full text of additional resources. ALADIN, the library's online catalog system, lists holdings for American University and six other Washington Research Library Consortium (WRLC) libraries. Many electronic databases are also available through ALADIN permitting students to find references to books, newspapers, and journals.

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SOE Librarian & Curriculum Materials Center Each academic department has a reference librarian designated for its students. The School of Education’s librarian is Hannah Park. Although all librarians will assist you, Hannah is especially well versed in the resources for students in the School of Education. She can be reached by phone (202) 885-3845 or email hpark@american.edu. On the fourth floor of the Spring Valley building is the Curriculum Materials Center. A wealth of educational resources, ranging from children's literature to certification requirements, can be found there.

Counseling Center Graduate school can be a stressful time in adult life, but help is available! Any graduate student who is experiencing psychological stress for any reason is encouraged to stop by the Counseling Center at 214 Mary Graydon, or to call them at (202)885-3500 for an appointment. The Center is available for confidential initial counseling, and referral out for extended services. The Center also runs discussion groups.

Student Identification Cards and Parking Information Registered students need to obtain an American University identification card. Information on how and where to obtain this card can be found here or by calling the One Card Office at (202) 8853370. This card will serve as a student ID and library card.

Parking information can be obtained at the front desk of the Public Safety building, by calling (202) 885-3111, or online here. Commuter parking lots on campus are free after 5:00 PM. Shuttle Bus: AU runs a regularly scheduled shuttle bus service from the Red Line Tenleytown Metro Stop. This shuttle is provided free to students with valid IDs. Board the shuttle bus next to the Sears appliance store on the west side of Wisconsin Avenue. During regular semester weekday hours, the shuttle will run every ten minutes between the hours of 7 am and 12:30 am (midnight). Schedule available here.

U-Pass: The University Pass (U-Pass) program will be available to all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students. The U-Pass program will provide unlimited rides throughout the semester on Metrorail and Metrobus (including express and airport shuttle buses) for trips to school, work, internships, cultural events, and entertainment. The cost of the pass will be added as a mandatory student fee for all full-time undergraduate, graduate, and law students and can be covered by financial aid. For more information, please visit the U-Pass site. Cards will be available for pickup at the beginning of the semester, and will be linked to a unique serial number for each student.

Student Email Accounts and Computer Labs Email accounts are automatically established for all students upon their first registration. To first activate your account, go to the AU Portal. You will also establish a password that will have to be periodically updated to enter the AU Portal. There are several computer labs on campus open to AU students - please check the OIT webpage for information on the location and times of these labs. You need to obtain your student photo ID prior to being able to use the computer labs and have access to AU Portal.

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Learning Management Systems SOE utilizes the Canvas Learning Management Systems (LMS). You can access Canvas at canvas.american.edu with your AU username and password. Canvas allows AU professors to post information about classes, assignments, videos, and more. Students can use the site to access important documents, submit assignments, contact classmates, participate in discussion boards, and check course grades.

Faculty and students have access to Canvas 24/7 support via email, chat, and phone. Support includes how to use specific tools and features in Canvas. Click the Help button located on the left navigation in Canvas or visit the AU ServiceNow portal at help.american.edu. You can also email canvas@american.edu or call 202-885-3904 for any AU specific questions.

IT Help Answers to your technology questions are just an email, instant message, or phone call away.

Contact the IT Help Desk at (202)885-2550, helpdesk@american.edu, or hereto reach one of our professional staff who can answer your questions and provide general troubleshooting assistance.

You can receive help with computer configuration issues, discuss software problems, report network access difficulties or hardware malfunctions of university owned equipment, or get advice on just about any technical issue you may face at AU. Most questions can be answered over the phone during your initial call but, if necessary, a network analyst may be sent to your campus location for on-site assistance. The best time to call is from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, but the IT Help Desk is staffed every day, around the clock.

SOE Social Media Please like our SOE Facebook Page, follow @AU_SchoolofEd on Twitter, and follow @auschoolofeducation on Instagram to stay in touch with events, jobs, internships, and teacher happenings!

EPL LinkedIn Page ITEP LinkedIn Page MAT LinkedIn Page Special Education LinkedIn Page

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ORGANIZE YOUR STUDENT LIFE What is my AU ID? When logging in on some university related websites (e.g., Canvas, portal) you are being asked to enter your account information. That information is the part in front of the @-sign of your email address (for example fr1234a) and the password you chose for your student account.

What is myau.american.edu?

Myau.american.edu, also known as “the portal”, houses your official AU information. This is how you register for classes, view your final grades for each term, see your schedule for each term, request transcripts, connect to AU’s HR department, apply for graduation, sign up for certain events, and much, much more. You log in with your AU account information. Please note that passwords for myau.american.edu are only valid for 90 days. You will be required to change your password after the 90 days are up. Once you change your password it is ALSO changed for your AU email account, Canvas, and AU’s wireless network!

Please note that while other systems such as GoEd and Canvas are essential for your progress as a student, the portal shows your official academic progress.

How do I know what books to get for my course?

If you go through myau.american.edu/Academics/Buy Textbooks (under the personalized links column) you will see your registered courses. You can click on “All My Courses” and you are automatically forwarded to the University Bookstore.

• Books are listed – You can buy or rent them through the bookstore OR look for other vendors that may sell or rent the books for a better price • No books are listed – Professors have until 4 weeks before classes start to submit their book requests. If no book is listed for your class it means, there is no request submitted by the professor yet. If two weeks before classes start there is still no book listed, it is likely that for that class there will be no textbook.

• Still unsure? Check Canvas or if a course syllabus has been posted and if that lists textbooks.

• Still unsure or no syllabus? Email the professor. All professors can be found via www.american.edu using the search bar in the top right corner.

Where do I find the Academic Calendar?

The Academic Calendar can be found here. The academic calendar contains important dates about classes, registration periods and final examinations. The School of Education strictly adheres to this calendar.

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LIFE ON CAMPUS Below is a sampling of resources for life as a Graduate student. We encourage you to visit the Office of Graduate Studies page for a comprehensive list.

EagleBucks AU’s mascot is the eagle; hence the campus currency is called EagleBucks. EagleBucks is a prepaid form of currency that comes off your AU ID Card. You can add money to your EagleBucks account anytime throughout the semester. Your EagleBucks rollover if you do not spend them all.

EagleBucks are redeemable everywhere on Campus and at many places in Tenleytown and the Northwest D.C. Area. Click here to load money on your AU ID card, check your balance, and look for vendors off-campus that accept EagleBucks.

Center for Diversity and Inclusion The Center for Diversity and Inclusion (CDI) is dedicated to enhancing LGBTQ, multicultural, first-generation, and women’s experiences on campus and to advancing AU’s commitment to respecting and valuing diversity by serving as a resource and liaison to students, staff, and faculty on issues of equity through education, outreach, and advocacy. It is located on the 2nd floor of Mary Graydon Center (202-885-3651, MGC 201 & 202).

Office of Advocacy Services for Interpersonal and Sexual Violence OASIS provides free and confidential advocacy services for students who have experienced sexual assault, dating or domestic violence, sexual harassment, and/or stalking. Please email or call to schedule an appointment with a victim advocate in OASIS. (oasis@american.edu, 202-885-7070, Health Promotion and Advocacy Center – Hughes Hall 105). Students can also book an appointment with one of our two confidential victim advocates.

Lockers AU has permanent lockers and temporary lockers.

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Spring Valley lockers (located on the 4th floor) Temporary Day lockers are available in the Commuter’s Lounge located on the first level of the East Quad Building. You pick a combination for your numbers lock. All lockers are emptied at the end of the day, so don’t forget to pick up your things! The Commuter’s Lounge is a great place if you need a quiet place to study or charge your phone or laptop.

Printing Your AU ID card has $25 in printing money already loaded onto your card per semester if you are a full-time student ($12.50 per semester if you are part-time). Printers print black and white only and print double-sided by default. Printing stations are located on the lower level of the library. To print, swipe your AU ID card in the slot on top of the printer. If your personalized screen does not come up, try swiping your card again with the magnetic strip facing a different way. After releasing your documents to print, remember to log off. You can print in color by selecting the colored printer. The document will be printed on a color printer in the library lower level. For additional information about printing services, click here..

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Food Aside from main vendors in Mary Graydon Center (first floor), there are many smaller food places (e.g., Kerwin building, SIS building, Mud Box on the lower level of the library). Most vendors only accept Eagle Bucks so make sure you have enough money on your AU ID card, but some also accept credit cards. More information can be found on AU's dining services website.

Next to the Spring Valley Building is the Spring Valley shopping center that includes Wagshal’s (market with a salad bar, hamburgers & tacos to order; and the deli next to CVS with a hot food bar and sandwiches). Across the street is La Pain Quotidien, Pizzeria Paradiso, Compass Coffee, Starbucks, and Millie’s.

Campus Safety AU’s Public Safety Officers are trained police officers. They are here to ensure that AU’s students are safe.

Rave Guardian App The Rave guardian app allows students to identify friends, roommates, and family as 'Guardians' along with Campus Safety. Students can set a Rave Guardian Timer. During a Timer session Guardians and Campus Safety can check the status of student. If the Rave Guardian timer is not deactivated before it expires, campus safety is automatically provided with the user's Rave Guardian profile to proactively identify and check-in on the individual.

Self-Defense Classes AU’s Public Safety offers free self-defense classes each semester to any member of the AU community. The classes are taught by AU Public Safety officers (both female and male) and teach very specific moves on how to defend yourself should you be attacked. There are three short courses available. These courses are separated into a men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral class. The one full length course available is for women. This is not your ordinary self-defense class as in your last session you must defend yourself against an attacker – This mirroring of a real-life scenario is intense but necessary to show you very vividly what you must do to defend yourself. The Public Safety office is happy to hold classes for groups that are unable to make the pre-scheduled classes.

If interested in attending a class that is not listed on the calendar, please email PublicSafetySelfDefense@american.edu.

Public Safety Escort Service To ensure your safety you can call Public Safety for an escort on foot or in a vehicle if you need to walk alone on campus at night. To arrange for an escort, call (202)885-2527 or use an emergency telephone.

Safe Ride to Campus If you are stuck in the city without any money or a ride home, you can call a cab and have it take you to American University’s Public Safety. Notify Public Safety that you are on your way by calling (202)885-2527. Public Safety will pay for your cab and place the charge on your student account. This ensures that you always have a way back to campus. D.C. is a big city--do not hitchhike and do not accept rides from strangers.

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