Postsecondary Education Administration Student Handbook1

Postsecondary Education Administration

Student Handbook

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership & Counseling

Questions pertaining to the program should be directed to

Dr. Ben Littlepage

Postsecondary Education Administration Coordinator

(270) 809-2796 or

Dr. Brian Bourke

Postsecondary Education Administration Assistant Professor

(270) 809-3588 or

TABLE OF CONTENTS

SECTIONPAGE

Postsecondary Education Administration (PSE) Overview………………………………………3

MissionStatement………………………………………………………………………..3

Program Values………………………………………………………………………….3

Student Learning Outcomes………………………………………………………………3

Program Delivery………………………………………………………………………….3

Higher Education Specialization…………………………………………………………..4

Student Affairs Specialization………………….………………...………………...... 4

Internship Overview….……………………………………………………………………4

Capstone Research Project Overview……………………………………………………..4

Faculty andStaff…………………………………………………………………………..5

Campus Resources………………………………………………………………………………5

Admissions………………………………………………………………………………………6

Process & Requirements………………………………………………………………...6

Decision…………………………………………………………………………………..6

Readmission……………………………………………….………………………………7

Frequently Asked Questions……………………………………………………………7

Academic Policies & Processes………………..……………………………………………8

Academic Advising……………………………………………………………………….9

Registration…………………………………………………………………………….9

Assessment………………………………………………………………………………10

Graduation Requirements………………………………………………………………..10

Frequently Asked Questions………………………………………………………….10

Suggested Tips for Success…………………………………………………………………….11

Appendices……………………………………………………………………………………. 13

Appendix A: Admissions Rating Form……………………………………………….13

Appendix B: Academic Plan….…..……………………………………………………14

Postsecondary Education Administration Overview

The Master of Arts in Postsecondary Education Administration (PSE) prepares emerging leaders to become transformational practitioners of higher education and student affairs within the context of the P-20 environment. The PSE program targets those who desire a career in this exciting field as well as individuals with an established career in higher education looking for advancement. The core curriculum fosters growth in research, human relations, multicultural inclusion, and leadership theory. The specializations in Higher Education and Student Affairs are differentiated by nine credit hours of predetermined courses. Two supervised internships offer students opportunities to explore functional areas in higher education from an administrative perspective. Faculty advisors will work closely with students to identify site placement to best serve their personal and professional goals. The exit requirement for the program is evaluated through a capstone research project. Students will begin work on the capstone project their first semester of the program. Project benchmarks have been established throughout the curriculum to help guide students throughout the process.

Mission Statement

The mission of the PSE program is to develop influential leaders that understand the comprehensive nature of higher education and can apply alternative solutions to contemporary issues within the field.

Program Values

Graduates of the program will be:

prepared to explore innovative, alternative solutions to contemporary issues within the P-20 context;
focused on service to the profession and to advancing the holistic needs of college students;
committed to life-long learning and professional growth;
able to exhibit a diverse worldview and maintain an ethical center; and
visionary-thinkers in postsecondary-specific competencies.

Student Learning Outcomes

SLO1: Innovation – Students will incorporate postsecondary education concepts, theories and practices of innovation to explore solutions to complex problems.

SLO2: Competencies – Students will demonstrate advanced knowledge and understanding of postsecondary-specific competencies.

SLO3: Diversity – Students will embody principles of inclusiveness and diversity and will apply techniques, tools, and strategies that reflect these beliefs.

SLO4: Leadership – Students will build leadership capacity through research, practice and individual professional growth

SLO5: Engagement/Service – Students will serve the academy and advance the holistic development of college students.

SLO6: Research – Students will use results from research and assessment projects to inform and improve practice within the context of postsecondary education.

Program Delivery

The program supports candidates with a desire to move into leadership positions within a two-year or four-year postsecondary educational institution. The program allows for full-time or part-time study. Course content is delivered through traditional, hybridized and online methods.

Higher Education Specialization

The Higher Education specialization is designed for emerging administrative leaders in the areas of academic affairs, adult education, advancement and development, athletics, auxiliary services, business affairs, continuing education and information technology at postsecondary institutions including community colleges and four-year public and four-year private colleges and universities. There are nine credit hours of predetermined specialization courses and six credit hours of supervised internship in a higher education setting.

Student Affairs Specialization

The specialization in Student Affairs is designed for emerging leaders in student support services at postsecondary institutions including community colleges and four-year public and four-year private colleges and universities. Student support services are defined by the Council for the Advancement of Standards (CAS) in Higher Education (2012, p. 355) as admissions, academic advising, academic support services, campus activities, career services, counseling, disability services, financial aid, Greek life, housing and residential life, international student affairs, judicial services, LGBT services, multicultural student affairs, orientation and new student programs, recreation and intramural sports, religious programs, and veterans affairs. There are nine credit hours of predetermined specialization courses and six credit hours of supervised internship in a student affairs setting.

Internship Overview

The two internship courses for each specialization (PSE 720 and PSE 730 or PSE 725 and 735) are a signature component of the PSE program. The framework for the internship component is guided by the CAS Masters-Level Student Affairs Preparation Programs (2012). The purpose of the internship is to prepare students to work in a variety of functional areas by educating them on the culture of the profession and the values that guide it (p. 349). Students enrolled in the internship courses will gain exposure to the breadth and depth of the profession, develop administrative skillsets and interact with students, faculty and staff in various capacities. The internship is comprised of two components, field experience and a classroom component. Student interns, supervising faculty and site supervisors each have responsibilities assigned to them during the internship.

Capstone Research Project Overview

The capstone research project is the exit requirement for the program. Benchmarks have been established to guide students through the progression of the research project: topic identification, literature review, methods, IRB training and approval, data collection, data analysis, data interpretation and application, and the submission and presentation. The benchmarks are outlined and described in the Capstone Research Project Guide. Students, with the help of their faculty advisor, will begin progress toward these benchmarks their first semester of the program and conclude at or near the completion of the program. Each semester students will upload required benchmarks into a Canvas course shell appropriately titled PSE Capstone Research Project. Failure to submit benchmarks will result in an advising hold. Their faculty advisor will assess the benchmarks and provide feedback. Students are expected to make revisions as directed and resubmit benchmark documents. Students will be asked to present and defend their capstone research at the conclusion of the project; faculty, relevant postsecondary education personnel and fellow classmates will be invited to attend the defense. Faculty will also encourage students to submit an abbreviation of their project in the form of a presentation proposal or/and manuscript to relevant profession associations and referred journals, although this is not an exit requirement.

Faculty and Staff

Two full-time professors are responsible for the academic delivery of the program. Postsecondary education administrators also assist with the academic delivery from time-to-time.

Brian Bourke, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

3243 Alexander Hall

270-809-3588

Research Interests: student diversity, professional values of student affairs

Ben Littlepage, Ed.D.

Coordinator and Assistant Professor

3244 Alexander Hall

270-809-2796

Research Interests: academic success and motivation, change leadership

Campus Resources

Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling (ELC) / Bookstore / Library
Administrative Assistant / Karol Hardison / Katherine Farmer
3rd Floor, Alexander Hall / 2nd Floor, Curris Center / 3rd Floor, Alexander Hall
270-809-2793 / 270-809-6992 / 270-809-6180
/ /
Registrar / Financial Aid / Bursar
Tracy Roberts / Janet Balok / Wendy Cain
1st Floor, Sparks Hall / 5th Floor, Sparks Hall / 1st Floor, Sparks Hall
270-809-3380 / 270-809-2596 / 270-809-2318
/ /
Student Disability Services / Institutional Diversity, Equity & Access (IDEA) / Graduate Assistantships
Velvet Wilson / Camme Duffy / Courtney Noland
4th Floor, Wells Hall / 1st Floor, Wells Hall / 2nd Floor, Wells Hall
270-809-5737 / 270-809-3155 / 270-809-5304
/ /
Graduate Admissions / Helpdesk / Center for Teaching, Learning & Technology (CTLT)
Kathy Garrison
Basement, Sparks Hall / 3rd Floor, North Applied Science Bldg.
270-809-3779 / 270-809-2346
/

Admissions

It is the responsibility of all students to be knowledgeable of rules, regulations, and requirements applicable to MSU Graduate School and PSE program admissions.The Graduate Catalog located on the MSU website and in MyGate (student portal) is the official document in which admissions policies and procedures governing the institution and its students can be found. You are encouraged to call or email your advisor if uncertain about a particular policy, process or requirement.

Process and Requirements

The PSE Admissions Review Committee welcomes applications on a rolling, year-round basis.

Applicants musthave a baccalaureate degree conferred before applying to graduate school and the PSE program.The steps below are designed to guide prospective students through the admissions process. All admissions requirements can be found by visiting the PSE program webpage at It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit and ensure the receipt of all admissions materials. A section for frequently asked questions regarding admissions concludes the Admissions section of the handbook.

Complete an online MSU Graduate application.
Request all undergraduate and post-baccalaureate (if applicable) transcripts be sent to MSU Graduate Admissions.
Complete and mailoremail the PSE program application to the Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling.
Submit Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores to MSU Graduate Admissions.
Mail oremail two writing samples to the Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling. The writing samples are explained in the PSE program application.
Request three letters of reference to be mailed or emailed to the Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling.
An interview of the applicant may be requested by the PSE Admissions Review Committee in order to make an admittancedecision after admissions materialshave been received.

Decision

The PSE Admissions Review Committee will make admissions decisions on a monthly basis using the Admissions Rating Form, found in Appendix A. Only completed application packets will be considered for unconditional admittance into the program. It is the responsibility of the applicant to submit and ensure all admissions materials have been received by the MSU Graduate School and the Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling.Failure to submit all admissions material could result in an advising hold. The Committee will decide whether to Accept Unconditionally, Accept Conditionally, Deny or Defer an applicant during the monthly meetings. A brief explanation of all four possible admittance decisions can be found below. Applicants have the right to appeal adecision by contacting the Department Chair, Dr. Susana Bloomdahl, in writing at

Accept Unconditionally – committee had little or no reservation about the applicant’s fit and ability to be successful in the PSE program. The student is permitted to enroll in the upcoming term.

Accept Conditionally – applicant did not submitted all admission materials and/or the committee has some concern about an applicant’s fit and ability to succeed in the PSE program. The student may be asked to interview with the committee and complete up to 15 credit hours before a decision of unconditional admittance or denial can be made.

Deny –committee determined the applicant would not be a good fit for the PSE program.

Defer – committee felt more information about the applicant is needed or the applicant would not be successful beginning the PSE program now. A decision will be made about the applicant at a later date.

Readmission

A graduate student in good standing, who has previously attended Murray State University but has had four semesters of non-attendance, will be readmitted upon completion of the MSU Graduate Application and the $40 nonrefundable fee. All graduate applicants must apply through the MSU Graduate Admissions for an initial review of their application and transcripts. At that point, MSU Graduate Admissions will determine whether the application and transcripts should be forwarded to the appropriate academic department for approval. Before applying again or requesting new transcripts, the student should call MSU Graduate Admissions to see if previous transcripts are still on file.

Frequently Asked Questions: Admissions

Is there one admissions requirement that carries more weight toward a decision than others?
A comprehensive, objective admissions rubric, found in Appendix A, is used by the PSE Admissions Review Committee to make admissions decisions. Although all admissions requirements are important and evenly weighted, a demonstrated ability to write with purpose, clarity and free of structural and grammatical errors is important to the committee.
Do I need to request my academic transcripts be sent to MSU if my degree was conferred by MSU?
No. Your academic transcripts are already housed on campus.
What is the maximum number of credit hours that can be applied to the PSE program from another previous completed graduate program?
Nine credit hours could be applied to the PSE program from a previously completed graduate program if mutually agreed upon by the student, coordinator and department chair.
How do I schedule the GRE?
You can visit to schedule a test date, find a testing site, access study materials and pay for the exam.
Is there a minimum GRE score needed for admissions?
There is not a minimum GRE score needed to apply since admissions decisions are based on a comprehensive review of materials. Competitive applicants score 144 (or higher) on the Verbal section, 141 (or higher) on the Quantitative section and 3.0 (or higher) on the Analytical section.
Does my GRE score expire?
GRE scores of five years or later will not be accepted.
Is there a minimum undergraduate GPA needed for admissions?
The PSE program requires all applicants possess a cumulative 3.0 undergraduate GPA to be considered for unconditional admittance.
Who is the ideal person to submit a reference letter on my behalf?
Professors, faculty and staff mentors, faculty and staff student organization sponsors, present and past employers, and academic advisors are appropriate references.
What are the admissions deadlines for the program?
The PSE Admissions Review Committee accepts applications on a rolling basis. Completed application packets received two weeks before the term begins may be deferred for a later committee review.

What is the mailing address for the Dept. of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling (ELC)?
Murray State University

Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling

3rd Floor Alexander Hall

Murray, KY 42071

With whom should I email my required admissions materials?
Dr. Ben Littlepage, , prefers all admissions materials be sent in one email, with exception to the MSU Graduate Application and GRE scores.

Academic Policies & Processes

All students admitted to the PSE program are required to follow a planned program of graduate study. Each student will complete a Graduate Program Form and an Academic Plan of study, in collaboration with the advisor, during the first nine weeks of his/her first semester. Any subsequent change to either formmust be approved by the student’s advisor and the program coordinator (if different). The student and program coordinator are responsible for notifying MSU Graduate Admissions of the program changes on an official graduate substitution form available in MyGate. Students have eight years to complete the degree requirements for the academic year in which they entered the program. Failure to complete the program in eight years will result in the academic forfeit of completed credit hours.

Students must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 or better throughout the duration of their academic pursuit in the program. Failure to maintain a cumulative 3.0 GPA will result in the student being placed on academic probation for one semester. The student is responsible for raising his/her GPA to 3.0 or better, while on probation. Failure to increase the cumulative GPA will result in academic dismissal from the program. The student can appeal academic dismissal by contacting the Department Chair, Dr. Susana Bloomdahl, in writing at

A graduate course can be repeated, but the original grade will remain on the transcript. In calculating the GPA, a repeated course shall be considered an additional course. Students in the PSE program cannot audit a course. Students struggling in a course can withdraw. The academic transcript will reflect, in the course history, if a student withdraws before the Add/Drop deadline. A student who withdraws from a course before the official last day to withdraw will receive a W for the course. Withdrawn courses after the Add/Drop deadline require the permission of the instructor and are not entitled to a refund. A student can request an Incomplete for the course if extenuating circumstances are acknowledged by both the student and professor. A grade of I will appear in MyGate for anIncomplete course grade until the professor recognizes the student has completed all demands. Check the Academic Calendar for deadlines pertaining to Incompletegrades in courses. A course is considered Complete with a grade of C or better. Students will be required to retake courses for which they received a grade of D or lower.

MSU, the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling and the PSE program reserve the right to modify regulations regarding admissions, registration, course arrangements and academic advising. It is the student’s responsibility to be knowledgeable about academic policies and procedures as well as modifications. The Graduate Catalog found in the MSU website and in MyGateis the official document for academic policies and procedures governing the institution and its students.Staff affiliated with MSU, the Department of Educational Studies, Leadership and Counseling and/or PSE program will inform students of modifications impacting them directly through email, which is the primary mode of communication. You are encouraged to call or email your assigned academic advisor with questions regarding academic policies and processes.