certificates and transcripts
| Applying for Certificates | I Studied Prior to March 2004 |
| How to Request Transcripts | Acceptable Forms of Proof of Degree |
| Certificate FAQs | Video Tutorial for Certificate Applications |
Applying for TESOL CertificatesTo apply for a School of TEaching ESL Certificate you must have:
If you have met these requirements, congratulations! Continue reading to understand the procedures for applying for certificates.*Official transcripts will be required with your application. If you were admitted by BA waiver, the procedures for certificate application differ. Please contact Kim Darcy for more information. ** If you completed your STESL coursework prior to March 2004 click here for instructions pertaining to your situation. DO NOT PROCEED, the following information does not apply to your situation. The Two CertificatesIf you've completed your School of TESL coursework March 2004 or later, you are eligible to apply for two different certificates: The Seattle University Post-Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL AND The School of Teaching ESL certificate in TESOL. Each has its own advantages and procedures. The Seattle University Post Baccalaureate Certificate in TESOL This certificate is the primary reflection of your academic coursework. All graduates, not just SU graduate students, who completed their course work after March 2004 are eligible to apply for the Seattle University certificate. This certificate is issued directly from Seattle University. You may only apply for one Seattle University Certificate. The School of Teaching ESL Certificate in TESOL This is generally considered to be a supplemental certificate that was created by S-TESL because is is issued more quickly (4-6 weeks, as opposed 10-14 weeks with the SU certificate). Unlike the Seattle University certificate, this S-TESL certificate can be notarized and multiple copies may be requested. This is helpful when applying for international positions. How to apply for SU and S-tESL certificates
Important: If you apply for both certicates at the same time, only one set of official transcripts is required.
Have Questions?Check out our useful visual guide for a walk through of the certificate application process. (Adobe Flash required to view)
Certificate FAQsclick question to display answer. Q. I'm in my final S-TESL class. When can I apply for my certificate?
You must wait until your grades have posted at Seattle University for your final class in order to request your transcript. This usually takes 4-5 weeks after the course is over.
Q. How much do the certificates cost?
There is no charge for your first Seattle University certificate. However, should you need to apply for a replacement certificate, a $25 fee will be assessed.
The optional S-TESL certificate costs $10 per certificate. STESL certificates being delivered to international addresses are $35 for the first, $10 for each additional. Q. May I request both certificates?
Yes, as long as you meet the qualifications for each certificate.
Q. May I request more than one certificate?
You may only request one (1) SU certificate. Should you lose or damage your SU certificate and need to order a replacement, a $25 fee will be assessed.
You may request as many S-TESL certificates are you wish. In fact, we recommend ordering at least 3 copies of this certificate. When applying for overseas positions employers often request an original, notarized certificate. Q. I obtained a BA after I completed my certificate studies at S-TESL. Can I apply for a Seattle University or S-TESL post baccalaureate certificate?
No. Seattle University or S-TESL post baccalaureate certificates can only be issued to a student who obtained a BA prior to beginning studies at S-TESL. Students without a BA prior to studying at STESL are only eligible for a “Certificate of Training in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages” This alternative certificate does not indicate our relationship with Seattle University on the certificate.
Q. I want to apply for both certificates; do I need to submit two sets of documents?
Not if you apply for both certificates at the same time.
Q. Does the S-TESL certificate state any affiliation with Seattle University?
Yes, the certificate states "The School of Teaching English as a Second Language, in cooperation with Seattle University College of Education, awards this Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages to [NAME]"
Q. Why is there a fee for the S-TESL certificate, but not the Seattle University certificate?
The S-TESL certificate is notarized. The fee covers the cost of notary service.
Q. What if I apply for the Seattle University certificate, and later decide I want the S-TESL certificate as well? Can I still apply for the second certificate?
Yes, but a new set of supporting documents will need to be submitted with the S-TESL certificate application. For this reason, we strongly encourage you to apply for both at the same time.
Q. I am applying for the Advanced Certificate and I see that I need to re-submit my proof of degree and my SU transcript. I don’t understand why. Don’t you already have these on file from when I applied for my 12 credit certificate?
While it may seem redundant in some cases, please keep in mind that each certificate and form is a legal document. Each legal document requires its own proof of degree and proof of SU credits.
Q. How long does it take to receive both certificates?
The Seattle University certificate takes about 10-14 weeks to receive. The S-TESL certificate takes approximately 4 weeks to receive. Consider these timelines when applying for certificates so the certificates will be mailed to an address where you can be reached.
Q. I see that you do not want me to send my transcripts directly to the School of Teaching ESL. I don't understand. This seems easier.
Since transcripts are not identifiable from the outside envelope, we ask that they not be mailed directly to us from your university or college. Transcripts that are not accompanied by certificate request paperwork are discarded.
Q. I'm a graduate student at Seattle University. Do I need to submit a transcript from my undergraduate program?
No. However, we still will need proof of degree. Your official and sealed Seattle University transcript can serve as proof of degree, but ONLY if you have studied at least one quarter in on-site classes at Seattle University. If you choose not to submit your Seattle University transcript, your original and sealed undergraduate transcript can serve as your proof of degree.
Q. I have lost my certificate. Can you send me a copy of my original?
We do not keep copies of certificates. If you have lost your certificate you must re-apply for another certificate. In other words, you must start the application process from the very beginning. Although your first certificate from Seattle University if issued without a fee, any replacement certificates will be assessed a $25 replacement fee.
Q. My name has changed since I received my bachelor's degree. Will this change how my application is processed?
Both the Seattle University and the S-TESL certificates are legal documents. If your name differs from one document to another, there must be evidence of legal name changes to be sure your certification is legal and correct. Acceptable proof of name change includes: a) a copy of your marriage certificate, or b) a copy of your legal name change document, or c) a copy of your divorce certificate (if returning to your maiden name)
Q. The name on my Seattle University transcript differs slightly from the name on my undergraduate or graduate transcript. ie: Joseph Smith vs. Joe Smith. Is this a problem?
Yes, this is a problem. The names on both transcripts must match exactly. The solution for such a problem is unique to each situation. Please email Kim Darcy hasegawa@seattleu.edu for assistance.
Q. I graduated a long time ago but never received a certificate. Why?
Did you submit an application packet to our office? Certificates are not automatically issued to graduating students. If you submitted an application but never received your certificate, we will be happy to investigate the issue. If you never applied for a certificate, you may still apply for one at any time. Certificates do not expire.
Q. Can I drop off my application packet in person?
Mailing your packet is the preferred method. You may bring your application in person, but you must make an appointment first, and you cannot expect your documents to be evaluated on the spot.
Q. I already have a copy of my transcript. Can I submit a photocopy of this?
No. Your transcript must be an official and sealed transcript. You should specify you require an official and sealed transcript when requesting your transcript from your university.
Q. After you've processed my certificate request will you return my supporting documents?
No. Supporting documents (transcripts, change of name documents...) are not returned to the student.
Q. Can I submit a photocopy of my actual diploma as proof of degree?
No. We will only accept an official and sealed transcript as proof of degree.
Q. I am an international student. What proof of degree do you need from me?
We need an official sealed transcript (a list of grades for all classes taken) from your university in English. Please note that an official and sealed diploma will not suffice. We must have the official and sealed English transcript.
Documentation of Degree Note:Although students are required at the time of registration to declare where they obtained at least a bachelor's degree, they are not required to provide supporting documentation until they have completed their studies and are applying for a certificate.
However, in the case of students who obtained their degree from a non-US institution, it is sometimes beneficial to begin the documentation process well in advance of program completion. Processes to obtain official document ion from international universities is highly variable and can be very lengthy, especially if official translation is required.
If you obtained your degree from a non-US institution, including institutions in Canada or Mexico, you are strongly encouraged to contact Admissions Director, Kim Darcy prior to completion of certificate requirements. Kim Darcy will access your situation and discuss your specific document requirements. Delays in the issuing of certificates can result if your situation is not accessed prior to graduation.
To assist Kim Darcy in keeping a record of your individual situation all correspondence regarding documentation should be via email only. TranscriptsTranscripts are issued by Seattle University's Office of the Registrar. The School of Teaching ESL does not issue transcripts. Transcripts are not automatically issued, you must request them. A transcript is not to be confused with a grade report. Grade reports are automatically issued at the end of the quarters you've studied and are unofficial notices of your grades for that quarter. A grade report indicates your grades have posted to your record at Seattle University. Transcripts are not automatically issued, they must be requested. The transcript will contain your entire SU adademic record, while a grade report only displays quarter activity. To request your Seattle University Transcript follow these procedures:Fax, mail, or deliver the completed Transcript Request Form with your signature to the Office of the Registrar (University Services Building, 103). You may order up to 10 transcripts per quarter at no cost; there is a $5 fee for each transcript request over 10. Seattle University Note: some browsers may not open the above link correctly. If this is the case, visit SU's transcript page, then scroll down to " Alumni, Former Students, and Current Students" and follow directions in that section. I just finished my last class, when should I order my transcript?You'll need to make sure the grades from your last class have posted to your transcript. This can take up to five weeks from the last day of your last class. Before submitting your transcript with your certification request, check your unofficial transcript (Seattle University issues an unoffical trancript along with all official transcripts requests) to ensure your fianl grades have posted. I've only taken classes at STESL, can I still request a Seattle University transcript?Yes. STESL students earn credit from Seattle University. Seattle University issues grade reports and trancripts that reflect these credits. The SU form asks for my student ID number. I wasn't issued a Student ID number, how do I obtain this?The STESL office does not have access to student ID numbers, ID numbers are issued by the Seattle University Office of the Registrar. Contact this office at 206-296-2000 to obtain your ID number. Can Seattle University fax my transcript?No. Seattle University cannot fax your official or unofficial transcript to you. It can only be mailed, or picked up in person. Can I order my transcript online?No. S-TESL students are not able to access the online ordering system. How long will it take?Transcript requests are processed in the order that they are received. Requests should be processed within 3 business days (this does not include delivery time). Processing may take up to 5 days during peak times (e.g., the beginning and end of each quarter). |
