FAQs

MAT

What does MAT stand for? What about ECE, ELED, etc? 

MAT stands for Master of Arts in Teaching. We typically use acronyms for our different programs.

ECE= Early Childhood Education

ELED = Elementary

MGE= Middle Grades

SEC= Secondary

SPE= Special Education

Is MAT an Alternative Certification program?

No, the program you're enrolled in is a Traditional Teacher Preparation program. Admission requirements and program structure differ between the Traditional MAT Program and Alternative/Residency Certification Programs. You can read about Alternative Certification here.

What are the term dates?

You can view the Academic Calendar here.

How can I start the process of observing in schools?

If you currently work in a school is it likely you can complete your field hours there. In some cases, you will need to reach out to schools to request to observe. NLU offers a Letter of Introduction you are welcome to use. 

Licensure

What’s a PEL?

A PEL is a Professional Educator’s License. Per ISBE (the Illinois State board of Education), “In order to serve as a teacher, school support personnel, or an administrator in the state of Illinois at a public or approved non-public programs, an individual must obtain a PEL.”

What grades will I be licensed to teach?

Per ISBE, the current grades ranges per program for SPE is K through Age 22.

What’s an endorsement?

Think about the PEL as the foundation for being qualified to teach, to which endorsements are added. Adding more endorsements means you can teach more grade ranges and/or subjects. You can view the endorsements NLU offers here. 

How do I add an endorsement?

Requirements will vary based on the endorsement you are seeking. In general, additional coursework and/or passing a content test will be required. Ask your Academic Advisor for a more specific layout, but we generally recommend students focus on their MAT requirements and licensure before pursuing any additional endorsements.

Registration

Am I registered for classes? I don’t see them in D2L.

To check if you are registered for a class, go to the NLU Portal: My Services > Students > Degree Evaluation. Registered classes will have a blue half-moon symbol, say “REG”, and show up on the bottom of the page under “Pre-registered”. 

Courses should appear in D2L one week before term start (when they are opened by the instructor).

What is a degree plan?

A degree plan is created by your advisor and is a comprehensive listing of all course requirements and deadlines that are important to your program. A requirement of the program is to meet with your advisor for a degree plan meeting. Any time you drop a course or otherwise do not follow what is on your degree plan, you should be meeting with your advisor or asking for and updated plan.

What class do I have next? When and where is my class meeting? 

Check your course schedule- go to the NLU Portal>Student Services>Advising>View My Schedule.

If I need to make adjustments to my schedule and/or degree plan, what do I do?

Contact your Academic Advisor if you need to add/drop a course, slow down your program progression, take a term off, or withdraw. 

Will dropping a class impact me?

If you drop before or during the first week of term, you will receive a 100% refund and have no impact on your GPA or completion ratio. Dropping after the first week of class is considered a withdrawal and will impact your completion ratio. You can view NLU’s drop/withdrawal policy here.

I think I’m going to fail a class. What should I do?

First, reach out to your professor to confirm you cannot pass the class. If it is confirmed, you have to request to withdraw from the class before the last day of class. You can withdraw with the Drop Form, or email your advisor directly.  

Where can I see my transcript?

View your unofficial transcript in the NLU Portal using this path: Student Services > Students > Academic Transcript. Your GPA is also on your transcript!

Official transcripts have to be ordered. Please use this link. 

Payment, Aid, and Scholarships

Who do I contact if I have questions about my finances?

The Office of Student Finance. Their number is (888) 658- 8632 ext. 5350. The full contact information on their site. 

When should I apply for FAFSA?

New students should apply as soon as possible. Your Enrollment Specialist will send the link and school code.

Continuing students need to re-apply before the Summer term each year (the NLU aid year begins with the Summer term). 

When is aid dispersed?

After the first week of term start.

Where can I see my bill?

In your NLU Portal. Go to Student Services> Financial Aid. This link shows a helpful visual. 

What is the estimated cost?

You can view the National College of Education's tuition information here. 

Are there scholarships?

View information about the scholarships offered by NLU here.

Do I have to sign up for a payment plan each term?
No. Once you sign up, your option will remain the same throughout your program. 

What will happen if my account is past due?
You will be assessed late fees of not more than $15 per month.  In addition, all records and future registrations will be blocked.

Not answered? View the complete list of financial FAQs here.