Q. What payment options are available? [back to list of questions]
A. You have several options:

• You can pay within 30 days of being billed for each semester.
• You can apply for financial aid as a full time graduate student. If this is the route you choose to take, you must have your admission papers completed and in to Fielding as quickly as possible. The forms for financial aid need to be filed prior to enrollment. Should your financial aid not be in place at the beginning of a semester, you may need to arrange for a short-term note somewhere else until your loan is granted. All fees must be paid in full before you can register for the next semester.

Q. Is there a thesis? [back to list of questions]
A. You will take part in a Capstone Research Project which
is intended to focus on an area of inquiry and interest that:
1) you have a passion to learn more about,
2) will involve inquiry and action research,
3) will have a major impact on your learning,
4) be something you apply in your classroom or work setting,
5) will have a life after your LC experience,
6) will interest others in the profession, and
7) will expand the knowledge of the profession.

A variety of formats and applications can be used. To be credible, the capstone project must meet expectations set by Fielding and should be embedded into your portfolio.

A major difference between a thesis and a capstone is the method by which it is shared with other professionals. You will be telling the story of your project in a journal article.

Q. Will I have an area of emphasis? [back to list of questions]
A. You may declare several areas of emphasis in which you will demonstrate high levels of expertise. Most likely, these areas will become part of your capstone project. It is possible to narrow or broaden your focus as you learn and grow during the program. Remember that you are in charge of your learning. Areas of interest can be as broad as authentic assessment, whole language, inclusive education for pre-K-16, middle level implementation, or as refined as Four Block in a first grade classroom or a unit of curriculum. The facilitators who support you and your Advisory Group will help you to frame this project.

Q. What happens if I can't make part or all of a weekend session? [back to list of questions]
A. Adult students will have circumstances that require missing part(s) of a weekend LC session. This may be worked out with the LC and your facilitators. But, keep in mind that missing a weekend session is like missing 15 to 20 hours of an on-campus program...a significant time for learning and not something to be taken lightly. A significant part of the LC learning comes from being present to experience the process. When someone misses part or all of a weekend, not only is that person unable to receive and take part in the process learning, but the rest of the LC is unable to tap into his or her expertise and support as learning experiences unfold. You need to maintain the highest of expectations for your learning, and participating in the weekend learning experiences should be part of those expectations. Everyone is affected when you attend and when you don't.