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Applications for Field Experience next Spring are due December 15th! Don't delay- check out the details in the Additional Resources area!
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What is the Application for Field Experience?
What is the Application for Field Experience?
The Application for Field Experience requires you to complete and submit a total of 4 requirements (also called "Checks") to the Office of Field Experience through the SONIA platform.
Criminal Background Check Verification - see below for options.
Mandated Reporter Certification - Complete the training and upload the certificate.
UGC Field Experience Acknowledgement Form - Navigate to the “Forms” tab in SONIA to find the form. Click the red “Edit” pencil button to open and edit the Form. Once completed, click submit.
Application for Field Hours - also located in the "Forms" tab, click the red “Edit” pencil button to open and edit the Form. Once completed, click submit.
Check out this great video Walkthrough of how to submit your Application for Field Experience!
SONIA is NLU’s online platform for students, cooperating/mentor teachers, and university supervisors to access (and submit) all the required Forms & resources related to all levels of Field Experiences.
Review SONIA for this information as well as additional guides and helpful videos!
When will I need to submit my Application?
When will I need to submit my Application?
Review your Degree Plan to determine your due date for the Application. You should see a box labeled "Submit Application for Field Experience" followed by a date, similar to the one here. Reach out to your Advisor with any questions on when to expect hours to begin.
Where do I go to start submitting my requirements?
Where do I go to start submitting my requirements?
Navigate to SONIA and click "Office of Field Experience: BA & MAT Educator Preparation" at the bottom right . (Click here for a login walkthrough!)
Choose "Student" as your role.
Click on "University Sign-In" at the top left
Sign in using your NLU username/password
You will see several resources on this home page after logging in, from FAQ's to more specific topic video's and guides. Take some time to familiarize yourself.
To begin submitting Checks, click on the "Checks" tab at the top. You should see the different requirements in each box, colored red. They will change to green as they are submitted and verified.
Which option should I choose for the BACKGROUND CHECK requirement?
Which option should I choose for the BACKGROUND CHECK requirement?
There are two different options for submitting a verified Background Check - which one you submit will depend on where you wish to complete the required hours.
Note: If you work at a school or childcare center, that is not part of CPS, you still need to complete a new criminal background check for NLU.
Option 1:
Option 1:
You would like to complete your hours at a non-Chicago Public Schools site.
Directions for all non-CPS placement sites (suburban school districts, childcare centers, charter schools, private schools, etc.)
Complete a State of Illinois Criminal Background Check (fingerprinting) at Accurate Biometrics using the NLU UCIA form.
Complete the NLU UCIA form. Note: Write your name & address in the “Requestor Information” section on the form so the results are mailed to you! Do not send the results to NLU.
Visit the Accurate Biometrics website to find the nearest location to you.
Bring the NLU UCIA form, your ID, and payment with you to complete the fingerprinting.
Upload the receipt to SONIA as a placeholder until you receive the results in the mail.
Once you receive the results in the mail, upload the results into Sonia in the “documents” section under Criminal Background Check Verification.
Please plan ahead, as results may take 1-3 weeks to be mailed to you!
Note: If you’ve recently completed a background check (CBC) for a job and it was done within one year of your field experience start date, you may upload those results instead of completing a new background check for NLU.
Please note that you must upload the actual results document—receipts or confirmations are not accepted.
Option 2:
Option 2:
You would like to complete your hours in Chicago Public Schools (District 299)
Directions for CPS placements - follow the directions for CPS employees or nonemployees
CPS Placements for nonemployees (you do not work in CPS):
Visit the CPS Field Experience website and follow the instructions to complete the Field Experience Registration.
Visit the Accurate Biometrics website to find your nearest location.
Complete the CPS Fingerprinting Background Investigation Form
Bring the CPS Fingerprinting form, your ID, and payment with you to complete the fingerprinting.
Upload your receipt to the SONIA checks page.
You may receive an email from fieldexperience@cps.edu asking for your Receipt document and TCN number.
Once CPS receives your fingerprint report, they will send you a Field Experience “Report to Service” Approval Notice email (may take up to 15 days).
Upload a copy or screenshot of the Approval Notice email to your SONIA checks page.
CPS Placements for employees:
Visit the CPS Field Experience website and follow the instructions to complete the Field Experience Registration.
Email fieldexperience@cps.edu stating you would like to complete field experience for National Louis University within your school of employment.
Include your CPS issued email address and the school you are currently employed at.
Once verified, a Report to Service Approval Notice email will be sent to you, valid only at your school site of employment.
Upload a copy or screenshot of the approval email to your SONIA Checks portal.
If you want to visit a different school for field hours or receive a new job at another CPS school site, you will need to complete a new CPS background check.
I have everything submitted, what now?
I have everything submitted, what now?
You will receive an email confirming that you have finished all requirements. Completing the process will also allow you to be assigned your Field Specialist, who will assist you in this process for the remainder of your program.
Who is my Field Specialist?
Who is my Field Specialist?
You will be assigned a Field Specialist once all of your required checks are submitted and approved. Look out for additional communication directly from The Office of Field Experience, including a mandatory orientation ahead of field hours and Student Teaching. Please attend OFE Office Hours (below) to get help with your application ahead of being assigned a Field Specialist.
Once you are assigned a Field Specialist, you can always see their information on the landing page of SONIA once you log in.
What if I missed the deadline?
What if I missed the deadline?
Missing your deadline will result in a change in your Degree Plan and may also push back your graduation projection. It's important to start early and ask questions when you have them. Contact your Advisor with questions regarding your plan and courses.
What if I have specific questions on my application or situation?
What if I have specific questions on my application or situation?
Plan on attending the Office Hours below to speak with a Field Specialist who can assist you in submitting your application.
Still have questions? Attend the Office Hours below to speak with an OFE Field Specialist over Zoom.
Office Hours:
Zoom Link: https://nl.zoom.us/j/97727538824
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