COE Advising Center

Important COE Undergraduate Information

Directions: Below is information that all COE Undergraduate students should know. Click on a question to view the answer.

  1. UNLV Academic Advising Mission Statement
  2. Where do I go for academic advising?
  3. What should I bring to my academic advising appointment?
  4. What is the Undergraduate Catalog and where can I get it?
  5. Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
  6. College Probation
  7. College Suspension
  8. University Suspension
  9. Repeat Policy
  10. PPST (PRAXIS I) General Information
  11. Passing the PPST: Strategic Tips
  12. Praxis II: Subject Assessments Important Notice Regarding Praxis II
  13. Scholarship Information
  14. Mistakes to Avoid
  15. UNLV Email Account Requirement
  16. GPA Estimator After A Semester

UNLV Academic Advising Mission Statement
The mission of academic advising is to assist students by collaborating with them in identifying and pursuing their educational goals, providing accurate and timely information, and promoting student responsibility and accountability for their academic success.

Where do I go for academic advising?
All undergraduate students in the College of Education are strongly encouraged to meet with an academic advisor every semester. You can make an appointment with an academic advisor by calling 702-895-1537. Appointments can take place in-person (preferred) or over the telephone. "Online advising" is available for NEWLY ADMITTED STUDENTS ONLY (click here) . During Fall and Spring semesters, the COE Undergraduate Advising Center is open Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm and Wednesday 8:00am to 7:00pm. During winter and summer break, office hours are 8:00am to 5:00 pm, Monday-Friday. We are located in CEB 226.

What should I bring to my academic advising appointment?

  1. If you are a newly admitted student transferring from another institution, you should bring course descriptions for all of your transfer coursework. Course descriptions can be found in an institution's catalog.
  2. If you are a student with transfer work that has not yet been evaluated, you should bring copies of all of your transfer transcripts.
  3. An updated and completed copy of your degree sheet so that you and your advisor can discuss course requirements and plan future semesters.
  4. All students should come prepared with a list of planned courses for the upcoming semester as well as questions! To assist you with your planning use the Advising Appointment Prep Sheet [PDF] [Microsoft DOC]

You may e-mail an academic advisor in the COE Undergraduate Advising Center by clicking here. Quick questions can often be answered over e-mail; however, questions that require analysis of transcripts or other detailed information may require an appointment. E-mails will be answered within 1-2 working days. Curious about your academic advisor? Click Here

What is the Undergraduate Catalog and where can I get it?
The UNLV Undergraduate Catalog is the official university publication that describes academic courses, university policies, and requirements for graduation. Catalogs are distributed during New Student Orientation or may be purchased at the University Bookstore. Catalogs are also available online at http://www.unlv.edu/pubs/catalogs/undergraduate/.

Grade Point Average (GPA) Requirements
An overall UNLV GPA of 2.75 or higher is required for all Education majors (except Human Services Counseling, which requires a 2.5 GPA) . In addition, some majors have specific grade requirements for particular courses. For example, Elementary Education majors must earn a "C" or above in all degree-applicable courses. Secondary Education majors must maintain a 2.75 teaching field GPA, in addition to an overall 2.75 GPA. Additional GPA requirements are explained in detail in your Undergraduate Catalog. A minimum 3.0 GPA is strongly recommended for students considering graduate school.

College Probation
Any student whose overall GPA falls below 2.75 (2.5 for Human Services Counseling) is automatically placed on College probation. Probationary students are required to meet with an academic advisor and repeat courses with grades below "C."

College Suspension
College suspension results when a student's overall GPA falls below 2.5 (2.2 for Human Services Counseling). Students placed on College suspension are not permitted to take courses at UNLV through the College of Education for at least one semester. Students must meet with a professional advisor and/or the COE Chair of Academic Standards in order to be reinstated. Immediately following reinstatement, students must repeat courses with grades below "C" and may have a limit placed on the number of credits they may take.

University Suspension
University suspension results when a student’s grade point balance (GPB) falls below –15.00. Students placed on University suspension may not attend UNLV for a minimum of one calendar year. See your Undergraduate Catalog for more detailed information regarding university suspension, policies, and procedures.

Repeat Policy
Students are strongly encouraged to repeat any grades below "C." A student may repeat any UNLV course once at UNLV and not have the original grade computed in the GPA. Courses that are initially taken at UNLV must be repeated at UNLV in order to have the initial grade omitted from the computation of the GPA. (When a repeat course is completed more than once, only the original grade is omitted from the GPA).

PPST (PRAXIS I) General Information
The PPST is offered by:
Educational Testing Services (ETS)
http://www.ets.org/praxis
1-800-772-9476

  1. What is the Pre-Professional Skills Test (PPST)? The PPST (Praxis I) is a basic skills test required of all Education majors (except Physical Education non-license option, and Postsecondary Workforce Education majors), which assesses an individual's knowledge in reading, writing, and mathematics. All UNLV teacher-licensure students must pass all three portions of the PPST; there are no exceptions.
  2. When should I take the PPST? The PPST should be taken as soon as possible. New students should take the PPST within their first three semesters at UNLV. Transfer students should take the PPST immediately. The College of Education Advising Center must have a student’s official scores (either via phone or paper) from ETS in order to register for classes that require the PPST. It is the student’s responsibility to ensure that the Advising Center receives the scores.
  3. How much does it cost to take the PPST? In general, the test is $130. To determine if you are eligible for a fee waiver, please contact ETS.
  4. What scores are considered passing in Nevada?
Passing Scores Reading Writing Math
Paper-Pencil 174 172 172
Computerized 174 172 172

Note: Previous computer scales were 321, 318, 317.
If the PPST was taken BEFORE 07/01/2000,
passing paper-pencil scores were 172, 172, 170,
and passing computer scores were 319, 318, 315.

  1. Should I prepare for the PPST? Yes, it is recommended that you review the type of material on the PPST to determine if you will require additional preparation before taking the test.
  2. How can I prepare for the PPST? First, visit ETS’s site to download the ‘Test at a Glance.’ The Test at a Glance is a free practice test that enables students to see the general format and content of the PPST. In addition, test preparation books are available at most major bookstores and libraries, or directly through ETS. UNLV also offers free tutoring for the math portion through the Math Center, 702-895-1197. Free tutoring for the writing portion is available through the UNLV Writing Center, 702-895-3908. Or, students may utilize tutoring through the Center for Academic Enrichment and Outreach, 702-895-4782.
  3. How can I take the PPST? The PPST may be taken on the computer at Prometric Testing Center (800-853-6773) or paper-based (http:www.ets.org/praxis/). It is generally offered Monday through Saturday at Prometric Testing Center, while the paper-based format is usually offered once every two months. Students should register for the test as soon as possible. When registering for the PPST, the test codes are 0710, 0730, and 0720.
  4. How long does it take to obtain my official scores? Please contact ETS to determine their processing time. If the scores will not arrive before a deadline, students may schedule an appointment with the Advising Center’s front desk staff to hear their scores by phone (contact ETS to determine the fee). ETS may not give scores by phone until the computer testing center and/or paper-based scores have been reported.
  5. What if I do not pass one section of the PPST; can I just retake that section, or must I retake all three parts? You will be required to only retake the section(s) in which you did not pass. Please contact ETS to determine how many times the test may be repeated in any given period.

Passing the PPST: Strategic Tips
I have taken the PPST, and did not pass one or more sections. What should I do now?

First, do not panic…you are not alone! Many students do not pass one or more sections of the PPST. Second, determine why you think that you did not pass the section(s). If you did not review with a test preparation book, now is the time to do so. If you did prepare with a test preparation book and did not pass, the following is a list of suggestions to help you succeed in passing the PPST. For recommended courses at the Community College of Southern Nevada (CCSN), please contact CCSN for details. Students may apply to CCSN at, CSN Admissions, or call 702-651-3000 for details. Students are immediately admitted and pay a $5 application fee upon registering for courses. If you have detailed questions about the CCSN PRAXIS I REVIEW courses, call 702-651-4400.

I. Reading

  1. CCSN course: EPD 162B PRAXIS I Reading Review (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 702-651-4400.
  2. CCSN course: READ 097-READING SKILLS IV (This course is a three credit letter grade and spans the duration of the semester), 702-651-4005. This course cannot be used in lieu of the PPST for UNLV initial licensure students.

II. Writing

  1. UNLV Writing Center, 702-895-3908. You may bring a writing sample and obtain free assistance, or obtain help with the best way to outline and structure an essay.
  2. CCSN course: EPD 163B-PRAXIS I REVIEW: WRITING (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 702-651-4400.

III. Math

  1. Obtain free tutoring through the UNLV Math Center, 702-895-1197.
  2. CCSN course: EPD 164B-PRAXIS I Math Review (This course is one credit pass/fail and meets for 5 weeks), 702-651-4400.
  3. CAEO tutoring, 702-895-4782. Math lab-hourly fees apply.
  4. Bill Hanlon’s PPST math videos and packet ($10). Contact 702-799-3832, ext 249.

Are you running out of time when taking the test?

  1. You could improve your scores by working on your time-management techniques in the testing setting. Contact CAEO at 895-4782 for possible workshops or services.
  2. You could explore the possibility that you have a disability related to the section/type of test. For testing, contact the Disability Resource Center at 895-0866. Students with certain documented disabilities may receive extended time. Contact ETS for details.
  3. Were you born in a country other than the United States, and English is not your primary language? If so, you may be eligible for additional time. Contact ETS for details. If a Certification of Documentation form is required, students must bring their out-of-country birth certificate and/or Green Card to the UNLV English Language Center, CDC-Bldg. 1-11.

Not sure how or where you are going wrong?
ETS can provide you with a Diagnostic Preparation Program. This program will assess your strengths and weaknesses by evaluating your previous test results. The fee ranges from $65 to $150 depending on which section you would like analyzed and how the test was taken.

Praxis II: Subject Assessments Important Notice Regarding Praxis II
All students on teacher licensure tracks must take the PRAXIS II prior to graduation. In addition, students will be required to take and pass the PRAXIS II in order to have a 'Completion of Approved Program' letter submitted to the Nevada State Department of Education for initial licensure (for students pursuing a degree leading to teacher licensure). In order to ensure that UNLV receives the PRAXIS II scores in time to submit the 'Completion of Approved Program' letter, students should take it at the end of the semester prior to student teaching. Students should list both UNLV (RA4861) and the Nevada State Department of Education (R8670) as score recipients.

The Clark County School District will not hire any new teachers unless they have passed the specialty area Praxis II Test.

To determine which PRAXIS II tests(s) are required for your major, please see the Nevada section of the Praxis Registration Bulletin. Additional details regarding the PRAXIS II may be obtained from the Nevada State Department of Education or Undergraduate Advising Center staff.

Scholarship Information
Please visit the UNLV College of Education Scholarship Information website for more information.

Mistakes to Avoid
By meeting with an academic advisor every semester, it is likely that you will avoid mistakes that prolong your goal of graduation. Below are some tips related the most common mistakes students make. By following these tips, you will most likely stay on track for the completion of your degree.

  1. Meet with an advisor every semester. Come prepared with questions and a list of planned courses for the upcoming semester . Use the Advising Appointment Prep Sheet [PDF] [Microsoft DOC] to help you prepare for your advising appointments.

  2. Pay close attention to the drop dates set by the Office of the Registrar and Admissions. If you think you may be earning a grade below "C," make sure to discuss the option of dropping or auditing the course with your academic advisors.

  3. Use your Undergraduate Catalog to ensure you are taking courses in the proper sequence, along with following appropriate policies and procedures. If your Catalog contains something you do not understand, ask your academic advisor to explain!

  4. If you are in a teacher education program, take the PPST now. In order to register for courses that require the PPST, the Undergraduate Advising Center must receive your scores BEFORE you can even REGISTER for the courses that require passing scores.

  5. Remember that you must have 62 credits from a 4-year institution.

  6. Remember that you must have 124 credits in order to graduate. Some of the programs in the College of Education have less than 124 required credits, so electives may be necessary.

  7. Pay close attention to application deadlines for Field Experiences. See your academic advisor for details.

UNLV E-mail Account Requirement
The College of Education Advising Center will periodically send you important messages and announcements via your UNLV e-mail address. If you have not activated your UNLV e-mail account, you may visit http://rebelmail.unlv.edu for more information. You are responsible for information sent to your UNLV e-mail address.

GPA Estimator After A Semester
The College of Education Advising Center offers a GPA Estimator After A Semester [MS EXCEL FILE] for undergraduate students.

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