Cohort Selection FAQs

FAQ: What is a cohort?

A cohort is a set of people who are considered to be a defined group. For example, your graduating class (e.g., "Class of 2015") was a cohort. In Fresno State's Multiple Subject Credential Program candidates are grouped into "cohorts" based on their program pathways. Candidates take all their program courses with their respective cohorts over all three phases. In other words, candidates are growing and collaborating with the same group of people for the life of the credential program.

Candidates who choose and are admitted into residency pathways are identified by those residencies (e.g., STaR Cohort, FuTuRe Cohort, IMPACT Cohort). Candidates in partnerships are identified by those pathways (e.g., Clovis Cohort, Fowler Cohort). Candidates who choose evening schedules because they are already teaching full time are identified by numbered cohorts (e.g., Evening 1, Evening 2 Cohorts).

FAQ: Why do I have to choose a cohort?

All candidates in Fresno State's Multiple Subject Credential Program must be in a specific pathway, or cohort. Our whole program is based on a cohort model because evidence shows that cohesive cohorts provide social supports for candidates as they progress through the intense experience of a credential program.

FAQ: How do I select a cohort?

In order to make the best decision to ensure your own success, it is important to find out about the different available cohorts. Different cohorts can vary in schedule, location, requirements, support systems, perks, and pathway focus. Given all the variables, it is important to find the cohort that is the best fit for you, personally.

Once you know your first choice and second choice cohorts, fill out the electronic form sent to your @mail.fresnostate.edu email address.

FAQ: How do I find out about different cohorts?

Find out about different cohorts in the Advising Office in ED 100, on the Multiple Subject Credential Program website, and on the Central Valley Partnership for Exemplary Teachers website. Available cohorts are updated each semester. For information on a residency pathway, contact the dedicated "Faculty-in-Residence" (FIR) for that residency to set up an appointment. You can find FIR information by calling the Advising Office in ED 100.

FAQ: Am I guaranteed to get the cohort I select?

No. Some cohorts have additional admissions requirements (usually a special interview day) that you must meet in order to be admitted. There may also be times when your preferred cohort is full, as cohorts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

FAQ: Why does Fresno State use the cohort model?

Research documents evidence that the cohort model affords several benefits to students:

• Peer relationships and social supports
• Academic peer supports
• Professional networking
• Dedicated faculty provide additional supports to candidates
• More efficient administration

FAQ: What if I am the teacher of record in my own classroom?

Great! If you are already teaching full time (or plan to be), you must select one of the Evening Cohorts. All of our residency and partnership cohorts are daytime cohorts. If you qualify, you can complete the credential program as an intern. Find out more about the Teacher Internship Program here.

FAQ: What if I am teaching on a STP or PIP (emergency credential)?

That's a start! You will need to select one of the Evening Cohorts so you can teach during the day. Emergency credentials expire after a short amount of time so be sure to plan accordingly!

FAQ: How will I know if I got the cohort I selected?

Once you are accepted into a cohort, you will receive an email with cohort course registration information. This information should not be shared between candidates so that cohort enrollments remain accurate.

FAQ: What should I do if the cohort I want is full?

Oh, man! The cohort is full! You should always have a back-up cohort choice in case this happens to you. If your preferred cohort is full, you will automatically be considered for your second choice. If you did not indicate a second choice cohort on the form you submitted, you will be placed in the cohort with the lowest enrollment at the time of your placement. You will always be placed in a cohort with a parallel schedule to the one you selected. In other words, if you chose a daytime cohort, you will be placed in another daytime cohort; if you chose an evening cohort, you will be place in another evening cohort.

Alternatively, you can wait until the following semester to see if you can get into your preferred cohort (if it is available).

FAQ: Why do the available cohorts vary semester to semester?

Fresno State's Multiple Subject Credential Program works in close collaboration with our partner school districts. Our cohorts are co-designed by the university and school districts so that we can be responsive to the constantly changing needs of districts. Close collaboration with districts also allow our program to adjust quickly to policy or legislative changes that affect teachers and schools. In order to be nimble and responsive to this changing landscape, our program cohorts are negotiated and planned with school districts every year. In addition, sometimes cohorts are planned very quickly and with little notice. Our long-standing relationships with partner districts help ensure that our program remains current and relevant.

FAQ: Why isn't the cohort I want available this semester?

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FAQ: Are residency and partnership cohorts different?

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FAQ: What things do I need to consider when thinking about which cohort to select?

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FAQ: My schedule is problematic. Can I take different courses across cohorts?

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