FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

• Registration for workshops
• Registration for credit
• Transcripts
• Refunds

Graduate credit
	1 graduate credit hour tends to be more practical in nature 2 graduate credits blends theory and practice, and 3 graduate credits provides a study of theory, practice, and application.
	Do I need to register for graduate credit? No, registration for graduate credit after taking an ASPD workshop is NOT required, however, graduate credit is necessary for those who plan to use these professional development programs for additional state endorsements. Many districts require graduate credits for salary/lane/.
	If I want graduate credit, when and how do I register for it? Directions and registration forms are provided inside of the OnlineClassroom for the course. Near the end of a workshop, whether online or in a face-to-face setting,participants will be reminded to complete the registration form and submit a payment. Directions for completing the form and submitting it will be included with the form. Forms will be made available online.
	Why does registering for credit require an additional step and payment? Credits can only be issued by institutions of higher education so ASPD established partnerships with accredited universities. To get credit, one must be enrolled as a student. ASPD separates the registration for the course and the registration for credit for clarity, and for affordability.
	How did ASPD courses become eligible for credit? ASPD partner colleges/universities review proposed programs for appropriate depth and rigor. This is the same process the institution uses to approve any other course. ASPD courses are approved because they posses sufficient depth and rigor.
	What is the difference between 1 credit hour and 1 hour of continuing education credit (CPDU, CEU, etc.)? 1 graduate credit hour: The program is designed to provide the participant with at least 15 hours of learning activities (readings, viewings, projects,discussions (face-to-face or through the use of online communication tools), applications, and/or assessment. Graduate credit hours may be awared by institutions of higher education only. 1 continuing education unit: A continuing education unit is typically based on seat time/attendance.  CEUs are given regardless of whether work is done or not, or the quality of the work.  Continuing education units can be awarded by authorized providers.  Note:  ASPD is an approved ISBE CPDU provider. Examples: Pat Q. Garcia attends a class that meets for 3 hours. At the end of the workshop, Pat was given a certificate from the professional development provider awarding3 continuing education units. A. G. Patel attends a program that meets for 3 hours after work for 10 weeks, and completes another 15 hours which include online activities, readings, and a project which is evaluated after it is submitted. Upon review, it was determined that A.G. successfully complete all assignments and activities. As a result, A.G. earned 3 graduate creditsfrom an accredited college.

Transcripts
	How do I get a transcript? Follow the procedures established by the college or university that awarded credit for the ASPD program(s) you completed. Transcripts are ordered directly from the college of university that awarded the credit, or from a transcript processing company such as getmytranscript.com. Follow the directions for requesting a transcript as directed by the university partner that awarded credit for an ASPD program.
	Is there a fee for requesting transcripts? Most institutions do require a fee for processing transcripts and varyamong institutions.
	How long will it take for me to get transcripts? Transcript processing varies among institutions. The timelines published by an institution usually refer to the amount of time it takes staff to generate and package transcripts. When requesting a transcript, one should add another 7-10 days to the time an institution states it will need to process a transcript request. This additional 7-10 days will cover the time it takes for mailing since this usually includes moving the transcript package from the processing office to a mail room, then to the US Mail or other carrier.
	What is an “official transcript”? An official transcript means a transcript that is received in a sealed enveloped which has the seal of the university or college over the mail flap.
	Why are “official transcripts” required? Schools, districts, colleges, and employers often state that “official transcripts” must be submitted. This increases the validity of the transcript and decreases the likelihood that it was altered after it was sent from the institution.

Refunds
	What is ASPD’s refund policy? Up to 72 hours before a course begins – ASPD refunds 100% of a payment if registration is cancelled.  Less than 72 hours before a course begins – ASPD issues a company credit for cancelled registrations. After the course start date – No refunds or credits because it was assumed the participant would attend.  ASPD bases decisions to “run” a course based on enrollment, and as such, incurs costs once a course begins.