FAQ

1. How do I fulfill the minimum 40-hour field experience requirement?

A highly interactive group leadership experience with appropriately aged youth is most beneficial for applicants. Past applicants have sought paid or voluntary experiences from community agencies including, but not limited to, the YMCA, Boys and Girls Club, Boy Scouts/Girl Scouts, as well as local churches, sports organizations, or neighborhood schools.

Applicants to the Bachelor of Science in Health, Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management must seek experiences in a related health or fitness field. Examples of relevant experiences include but are not limited to working or volunteering in a Physical Therapy or Occupational Therapy clinic, shadowing an athletic or personal trainer, or coaching sports.

Applicants need to initiate contact with an appropriate agency to work out the logistics of their experience.

2. How do I study for the PRAXIS?

Applicants are encouraged to first visit the Educational Testing Service's (ETS) website to obtain more details about the exam(s) as well as to complete free online practice questions. http://www.ets.org/praxis

Additional study aides may be purchased at most major bookstores (i.e., Borders, Barnes & Noble) or via the ETS website.

An online test preparation may be purchased to assist applicants in studying for the Praxis I: PPST, the Praxis II Math Content Knowledge Test (for PBCSE applicants), or the Praxis II Science Content Knowledge Test (for PBCSE applicants).

3. Is the PRAXIS available only in Hawaii?

There are a variety of national and international locations where you can take the exam. Please refer to the ETS website above for more information.

4. What if I don't meet the GPA requirement?

We encourage you to speak with an OSAS academic advisor to discuss your options and to create a personalized academic plan. Advisors are available for face-to-face, phone, or Skype appointments.

You may schedule an appointment by contacting our office at (808) 956-7849 or osas@hawaii.edu.

5. How do I establish residency?

Please refer to the University of Hawaii at Manoa catalog for information regarding residency. http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/default.htm

You may also contact the Residency Officer in the Office of Admissions and Records at ar-info@hawaii.edu or (808) 956-8975. Additional information may also be found at: http://www.hawaii.edu/admrec/res.html

6. If I am an international student, how can I apply?

In addition to meeting the general admission criteria for the University of Hawaii at Manoa's as well as the College of Education's admission criteria, international applications must also meet additional requirements like the TOEFL exam.

Please refer to the UHM catalog for more information. http://www.catalog.hawaii.edu/default.htm

1. What kind of advising services do you provide?

OSAS provides services for initial licensure programs at the undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, and Master's degree levels, as well as the Bachelor of Science program in Health, Exercise Science and Lifestyle Management.

We are able to help you clarify your academic and career goals and to help you stay on track for graduation. Although we can provide general advising services face-to-face, by phone, email, and internet (via Skype), federal privacy laws prohibit us from sharing confidential information. In person appointments are encouraged to discuss your specific concerns.

2. What can I expect during an academic advising session?

An academic advising session may cover a variety of topics. For prospective students, a session may entail a review of COE admissions requirements, course requirements, and application procedures. For current COE students, a session may involve an academic progress check, completion of student teaching and graduation forms, and other assistance as needed.

1. Do you offer scholarships or other forms of financial assistance?

There are a variety of financial assistance programs to help students fund their education. The following are a few that may be of interest. Students are also encouraged to seek additional assistance from other sources.

TEACH Grant Program - Federally funded program that provides grants to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Students must also be teaching in "high need fields," such as Mathematics, Science and Special Education. Students considering an application for the TEACH Grant need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible and before March 1, 2009. Information on the FAFSA and other financial aid can be found at the University of Hawai'i Manoa Financial Aid Services Office website at: http://www.island.hawaii.edu/finaid/

College of Education Scholarships - The College of Education administers scholarships via the UH Foundation for students currently enrolled in or applying to the College for the Fall 2009 semester. Visit our Tuition & Financial Aid page to view the list of Scholarships. Scholarship information and applications are expected to be available in January 2009 for awards in Fall 2009 & Spring 2010.

Special Education Program Stipends - Stipends may be available. Stipends require a 3-year commitment to serve as a special education teacher in the DOE. Funding for stipends cannot be guaranteed and may be impacted if resources are cut.