FORM F
UNIVERSITY OF UTAH
DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION
PROCEDURES OF THE ADMISSIONS COMMITTEE:
MASTERS/ LICENSURE PROGRAM1
COMMITTEE COMPOSITION
The Admissions Committee is composed of (1) five faculty members (or their designees) who serve as coordinators in the areas of Distance Education; Early Childhood, Mild/Moderate Disabilities, Severe Disabilities, and Sensory Impairments and (2) at least one faculty member at large. The Department Chair appoints these individuals and the Chair of the Committee.
STUDENTS SEEKING ADMISSIONS TO THE DEPARTMENT: Students seeking admissions to the Graduate School and Department of Special Education must prepare and submit a full admissions file for consideration by the Admissions Committee. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure that each document is present and up-to-date.
REVIEW OF APPLICANTS
EACH APPLICANT FILE FOR THE MASTER=S PROGRAM IS READ PRIOR TO THE ADMISSIONS MEETING BY COMMITTEE MEMBERS SERVING AS PRIMARY AND SECONDARY REVIEWERS. THE PRIMARY REVIEWER PRESENTS THE FILE FOR REVIEW AND EVALUATION; THE SECONDARY REVIEWER PROVIDES ADDITIONAL PERTINENT INFORMATION BEFORE REVIEW AND EVALUATION BY THE ENTIRE COMMITTEE. After committee discussion, one of the following actions is taken: 1) recommendation to the Graduate school for acceptance into a Master's degree program (with a licensure option); 2) recommendation for denial of admission; 3) recommendation for no action. Actions require a majority vote of the committee members present.
A multi-factored approach is used in evaluating each applicant=s file. The committee uses professional judgment in assessing the applicant's potential for success as a professional educator. The file will include: (1) student application forms; (2) all transcripts of undergraduate and graduate education; (3) test scores; (4) written professional career statement; and (5) current references. International students are required to submit scores from the GRE, the TOEFL/TWE and either the TSE or SPEAK.
Supplementary information may be requested from the applicant, such as additional written material and/or an interview with one or more committee members. Department faculty will receive a list of applicants prior to each Admissions meeting and will have an opportunity to provide written information to the committee. Performance in Special Education classes taken prior to admission will be considered by the committee.
WHEN THE NUMBER OF APPLICANTS EXCEEDS THE NUMBER OF AVAILABLE PLACES IN A SPECIALTY AREA, AS DETERMINED BY THE DEPARTMENT, THE COMMITTEE WILL USE A RANKING SYSTEM BASED ON THE MULTI-FACTORED CRITERIA. EACH COMMITTEE MEMBER WILL DO AN INDEPENDENT RANKING OF THE APPLICANTS IN THE SPECIALTY AREA PRIOR TO COMMITTEE DISCUSSION.
NOTIFICATION OF COMMITTEE DECISION
Students are notified by mail of the decision of the Admissions Committee within approximately three weeks after the posted final deadline for admissions. Faculty advisors are assigned to all admitted students until such time as the students choose their supervisory committees.
DENIALS
Questions or concerns about the basis for denial should be directed to the Chair of the Admissions Committee. Students who are denied admission may reapply to the department during a subsequent admissions period if they believe that new or updated materials will form the basis for admission to the department. They are encouraged to work with the Department Academic Advisor as they prepare their materials to make sure that their file is both complete and current.
APPEALS
If a student wishes to appeal a decision denying admission to the Department, the student should write a letter to the Department Chair describing the basis for believing that the decision violated the Admissions Committee=s written standards and procedures. The Department Chair will review the decision for compliance with Committee standards and procedures. Based on the findings, the Chair will make a determination to uphold or reverse the decision.
CONFIDENTIALITY
Admissions files are handled confidentially in accordance with University Regulations and applicable law.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT
THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION IS COMMITTED TO POLICIES OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND PROHIBITS DISCRIMINATION ON THE BASIS OF RACE, COLOR, NATIONAL ORIGIN, RELIGION, SEX, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, AGE OR STATUS AS A VIETNAM VETERAN, DISABLED VETERAN OR PERSON WITH A DISABILITY. THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION SEEKS TO PROVIDE EQUAL ACCESS TO ITS PROGRAMS, SERVICES AND ACTIVITIES FOR PEOPLE WITH DISABILITIES. REASONABLE PRIOR NOTICE IS NEEDED TO ARRANGE ACCOMMODATIONS. EVIDENCE OF PRACTICE NOT CONSISTENT WITH THESE POLICIES SHOULD BE REPORTED TO THE OFFICE OF EQUAL OPPORTUNITY AND AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, 581-8365.
COMMITTEE GUIDELINES FOR MULTI-FACTORED ADMISSIONS PROCESS
Graduate Record Exams (GRE)
Preferred Subtest scores:
Verbal - At or above the 50th percentile
Quantitative - At or above the 50th percentile
Analytical/Writing - At or above 4
ALL TEST SCORES MUST BE CURRENT--TAKEN WITHIN THE PAST FIVE YEARS
NOTE: International students are also required to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL iBT). However, international students whose native language is English should check with International Admissions (801-581-3091) about requirements for taking the TOEFL-iBT. This test is internet-based and has an oral component to it.
The following minimum scores are required for the TOEFL iBT:
| Reading | 22 (preferred score = 25) |
| Listening | 22 (preferred score = 25) |
| Speaking | 23 (preferred score = 25) |
| Writing | 23 (preferred score = 25) |
Therefore, the minimum total score is 90 and the preferred total score is 100.
GRADE POINT AVERAGE
Undergraduate GPA 3.0
TRANSCRIPTS
Accredited institution of higher learning
Major/Minor
Age of transcripts
REFERENCES
Current references (dated within one year of Committee review), including one from applicant's most recent supervisor (if applicable)
Professional relationship of respondent to applicant
Strength of endorsement of academic and professional performance
The committee may exercise its prerogative to follow up on letters of recommendation by contacting the respondent for additional information.
WRITTEN CAREER STATEMENT
Content
Professionalism of writing
FACULTY COMMENTS
Department faculty members are invited to provide, in writing, information about any applicant on issues relevant to the admission criteria. This information should be addressed to the Chair of the Admissions committee and will be placed in the applicant's file.
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS
Performance in Special Education classes taken prior to admission.
RE: 3/2/06