New Students
All new students, regardless of major, must register with an advisor their first semester. For the most effective, efficient initial registration, new students are encouraged to follow these steps:
- Activate your NSU Identity.
- Become Familiar with the Undergraduate Catalog.
- Review Course Wizard for Course Availability and Scheduling.
- Create a List of Questions to ask the Advisor.
- Schedule Appointment with Advisor.
Continuing Teacher Candidates
All teacher candidates majoring in one of the 10 initial teacher certification programs must register with an advisor throughout their program of study. Timely, informed registration plays a crucial role in a teacher candidate fulfilling the requirements necessary for degree completion. Continuing teacher candidates are encouraged to follow the following steps:
- Look for Notices in NSU E-mail Regarding the Opening of Registration.
- Become Familiar with the Academic Calendar, including Registration Dates.
- Review Course Wizard for Course Availability and Scheduling.
- Read Instructions for Student Transaction Form.
- Complete and Fax or Scan/E-mail Student Transaction Form to Advisor or Schedule Appointment with Advisor.
- Continually Update Program of Study Sheet.
Continuing Associate of Arts and Child Development Students
After their initial registration, students seeking the Associate of Arts with an emphasis in early childhood education or the Bachelor of Science in Education with a Concentration in Child Development may register online with
WebSTAR. However, students are strongly encouraged to maintain regular contact with an advisor to ensure requirements are being met. Moreover,
Course Wizard should be utilized as the primary source of information regarding course availability.
Just as our advisors do far more than add, drop, and withdraw students from classes, you should view your meetings with them as more than registration sessions. With your help and effort, they can assist you with obtaining your academic and career goals.
Ensure they know what those goals are. Will you be teaching in another state? Are you seeking to enter graduate school? Do you wish to be certified in another subject area? Do you experience test anxiety? Do you have difficulty with math or writing? Do you prefer face-to-face instruction to online coursework? These are all questions your advisor should be able to answer because you told them the answers at some point while meeting with them.
For the most effective advising session, attempt to perform the following each semester:
- Set up your appointment as early as possible. This will increase your chances of getting the preferred selection of courses you wish to take.
- Bring your program of study sheet and confirm with your advisor that it is updated and matches theirs.
- Create a list of questions and concerns you want to bring to your advisor’s attention.
- Ask your advisor if any opportunities where brought to their attention, e.g. new scholarships, workshops, classes, etc.
- Verify with your advisor the pre-requisite requirements of the courses you are registering for that semester so you know of any ramifications related to continuing in the program should you drop or withdraw.
What is a teacher candidate?
A teacher candidate is any student that has officially declared a major in one of our 10 state-approved initial teacher certification degrees.
What is matriculation?
Matriculation is the enrollment and admission of a teacher candidate into the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program.
What is a benchmark?
A group of require classes that must be completed prior to moving forward to the next group of classes in the program.
What is a curriculum sheet?
A curriculum sheet contains the requirements for your degree and major. See it as a road map, showing you a series of courses that will meet your degree and major requirements in order to graduate.
How much is the tuition?
NSU’s tuition varies. Please refer to Tuition and Fees in the current Undergraduate Catalog to determine your tuition rate.
How long is the program?
Our Bachelor of Science degrees are 120-122 credits in length; our Associate of Arts degree is 60-66 credits.
Am I eligible for graduation?
Consult your advisor.
When can I register?
Registration dates are always posted on the Academic Calendar. Also look for e-mails from the program office informing you registration is open.
What courses do I need to take?
All of your classes require for degree completion are listed on your curriculum sheet. Always confirm with your advisor that courses you wish to take will count toward the requirements of your degree.
How many courses am I allowed to take each semester?
Refer to the Course Load Policy for the Fischler School of Education and Human Services in the Undergraduate Catalog.
Can I test out of my classes?
Yes. Through Challenge Exams and CLEP, you may test out of selective courses. Contact the Office of Academic Services for more information.
What are the required tests that I have to take?
Teacher candidates in a Florida state-approved initial teacher certification degree must take and pass all three sub-tests of the Florida Teacher Certification Exam:
- The General Knowledge Test (GKT), consisting of the Math, Reading, English Language Skills, and Essay sections
- The Professional Test
- The Subject Area Test
* Teacher candidates seeking Nevada certification must take the Praxis I and Praxis II exams
When do I take these tests?
Refer to your curriculum sheet. Florida students take the GKT prior to Benchmark II courses; the Professional Test prior to the internship, and the Subject Area Test during the internship prior to graduation. Nevada students take the Praxis I prior to Benchmark II and the Praxis II prior to graduation.
Where is the class schedule?
The best source for the class schedule is Course Wizard, located at http://www.fcas.nova.edu/coursewizard/
Can I register for classes if I haven’t passed the tests?
It depends on the classes. Passing scores on the General Knowledge Test is a requirement for registration of Benchmark II courses.
Will I have to reapply again if I take time off?
Yes, if you do not take a class for longer than one calendar year. You will also be placed on a new curriculum sheet, if applicable.
Where and how do I get my placement?
Refer to the Office of Placement Services’ Webpage at http://www.schoolofed.nova.edu/undergraduate/placementservices.htm
If I’m a day student can I take day or online classes?
Yes.
If I’m an evening student can I take day or online classes?
Yes.
If I’m an online or off-site student can I take classes at the Main Campus?
No. You will need to submit a Change of Program form and become a Main Campus student, day or evening, to take classes on Main Campus.
What happens if I have to miss a class?
First and foremost, refer to your course syllabus. You should give your instructor as much advance notification as possible. If it is not possible to provide advance notification, you should contact your instructor immediately and explain your situation. You should also be prepared to provide documentation. Communication through your NSU e-mail account is encouraged.
How many credits have been accepted from my previous school(s) that I attended?
Refer to your curriculum sheet. Courses with the notation “TR” indicate previously completed courses have been transferred. Please note additional credits may have transferred for financial aid purposes as well, but will not appear on your curriculum sheet.
As a teacher candidate in one of our 10 state-approved initial certification degrees, you are also fulfilling requirements set forth by the Florida or Nevada Departments of Education to be fully certified to teach in your chosen subject area upon successful completion of the program. Therefore, the Undergraduate Teacher Education Program has carefully implemented various measures to ensure our students are fulfilling the standards necessary for obtaining initial certification. There requirements are often an integral part of your coursework and in the case of the certification exams and the curriculum sheet as a whole are required to graduate. Below are items that you as a teacher candidate should know and understand, and your advisor can explain in greater detail:
- Your Matriculation Requirements.
- Financial Aid Ramifications for Dropping or not Attending Classes.
- When Sub-Test to the Florida Teacher Certification Exams or Praxis are Required.
- The Role of the Portfolio Requirements for Degree Completion, including Benchmark Courses.
- The Role of Placement Services for Field Experiences and the Internship.
You are also expected to familiarize yourself with the policies and procedures found in the Undergraduate Catalog and Student Handbook.
Upon receiving your curriculum sheet, it remains in effect from your first semester through graduation unless you change majors or stop attending for one calendar year from the last calendar year you were enrolled. Students who return from over a year’s absence must re-apply to the program and will be placed on the current curriculum sheet.