Frequently Asked Questions
Enrollment Questions
Who can enroll in the Certificate Program?
Any USA graduate student can enroll. All Grad students are encouraged to enroll and can do so by filling
out the online Enrollment Form at http://goo.gl/forms/2TYGdjq8Zg . Enrollment is very simple and
takes only a minute or two.
If I am currently unsure about enrolling in the program, can I enroll at a later date (e.g., next
semester)?
Yes. You can enroll anytime during your graduate degree program.
What happens if I enroll but don’t finish the requirements?
While we hope everyone who enrolls will complete the program, there are no negative repercussions if
you do not. No one will contact you. It is better to enroll and not complete the program than to not
enroll at all.
Administrative Questions
How long will it take to complete the certificate?
We anticipate that most graduate students will complete the program in approximately two semesters.
However, there is no limit on the number of semesters you can take to complete the requirements.
Will completion of the Certificate Program appear on my transcript?
No, it will not. You should list completion of the certificate on your resume. A list of the professional
development activities you have completed through the program will also become part of the teaching
portfolio you submit for the certificate.
Who keeps track of my completion of the requirements?
Completion of your certificate requirements is tracked on a shared Google document to which you will
have access. Entries are made by the program coordinators based on attendance at workshops and
other events.
Documents you create for the program (e.g., statement of teaching philosophy, workshop reflections,
faculty observations, SoTL paper, etc.) must be included in the online teaching portfolio you build during
the program.
Once all my requirements are completed, will I receive a formal certificate of completion?
Yes, you will. Once you have completed all of the requirements, you will receive a formal certificate.
Questions about Requirements
What are the requirements for the Certificate?
The requirements are the following:
1. Attend seven instructional workshops and write a 1-page reflection on each.
2. Attend one instructional technology workshop
3. Attend Sakai 101 workshop
4. Observe faculty teaching three different classes
5. Teach a short lesson (20-25 minutes)
6. Complete short paper on the Scholarship of Teaching and Learning (SoTL)
7. Create your Statement of Teaching Philosophy
8. Complete 4 hours of service or additional scholarship
These requirements are explained in more detail in the Program Requirements document.
Is there a particular order in which I must take the workshops?
No, but the orientation session that includes the workshop on Fundamentals of Course Design must be
taken first.
How often is each of the required workshops offered?
Each of the required workshops will be offered once each Fall and Spring semester.
Are there specific guidelines that must be followed for the faculty observation?
Yes, there are. A teaching observation form is provided. You must attend several of the instructional
workshops prior to completing faculty observations.
What needs to be included in the teaching portfolio?
The following sections and documents must be included in your electronic portfolio:
1. Reflection papers on each instructional workshop
2. Three teaching observation forms
3. Lesson plan for your microteaching session
4. Reflection on your microteaching session and how you will improve if applicable
5. Feedback received on your microteaching session
6. SoTL paper
7. Statement of Teaching Philosophy
8. Record of service/scholarship activities
Is there a deadline for submitting my teaching portfolio?
You will build your teaching portfolio in the online project site for the Graduate Student Teaching
Certificate. All items must be included before your final certificate is issued.