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INDIANAPOLIS: COVID-19 Information for Current and Prospective Students

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Erica McGeady
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As of Monday, March 16th, Relay Indianapolis pivoted to online instruction in response to the evolving COVID-19 outbreak. We also have temporarily closed our administrative office, though staff and faculty continue to work remotely. 

Please see the most up-to-date information regarding Indianapolis’ COVID-19 response for prospective and current students below. As always, if you have questions please contact us at support@relay.edu. 

Information for Incoming Graduate Students

Admissions: Transcripts

  • Relay Indianapolis’ admissions deadlines are here. Please note that Relay is currently unable to receive hard copy transcripts. Please see here for information on how to submit your transcripts to Relay. 

Admissions: Content Knowledge

  • Some certification seeking applicants are required by the Indiana Department of Education to take and pass an Indiana CORE Content Exam in order to be enrolled with Relay Indianapolis. (Visit our Indiana Certification Eligibility support article to learn whether this applies for your application and certification area.)
  • We have been notified by Pearson – the test vendor who administers the Indiana CORE Content Exams – that testing centers reopened on May 15th where local guidance permits. You can find additional guidance from Pearson here with the latest information regarding testing, refunds, and rescheduling of exams.
  • If a certification-seeking candidate to Relay Indianapolis’ Non-Residency or Residency program is required but unable to take a content area examination due to the closure of testing centers amid COVID-19, the candidate can be considered for provisional acceptance with the following stipulations:
    • A candidate unable to complete their testing requirements for licensure due to COVID-19 related closures or other complications may be issued an Emergency Permit for the 2020-21 school year if hired by a school employer willing to approve an emergency permit application;
    • The candidate must take and pass the appropriate Indiana CORE Content Exam in alignment with their certification area and Relay major by or before August 1, 2021;
    • Failure to pass the Indiana CORE Content Exam by August 1, 2021 will result in administrative withdrawal from Relay Indianapolis; and
    • In the case of administrative withdrawal, the student acknowledges that all prior tuition and/or fees owed to Relay are still due. 
  • If applicable, candidates will sign in acknowledgement as part of their application to Relay. Additionally, we urge all candidates to continue preparing for their content exams, and reach out to support@relay.edu with any additional questions. 

Certification: CPR/AED/Heimlich Certification

  • The state of Indiana has allowed a temporary suspension of the CPR requirement for obtaining an initial license or permit. Applicants may obtain an initial license or permit without completing CPR; however, new licensees and permittees are still required to complete the CPR requirement, including hands-on skill practice on a mannequin, by September 30, 2020. When prompted to upload proof of CPR in the initial application, applicants should upload a Word document stating CPR will be completed by September 30. See the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensing and the Relay Indianapolis CO2022 Certification Handbook for more information on license and permit applications.
  • Due to the disruptions in CPR training caused by COVID-19, both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) have authorized an extension of the expiration dates of CPR certification cards issued by their organizations. Please visit the Indiana Department of Education Licensing page for additional information. 

Summer Class Logistics

  • The Relay Indianapolis Summer Session is scheduled for July 13-17, 2020 from 9-4PM EST. and will be conducted entirely online from 9 am - 5 pm. Students will be expected to connect for synchronous, online classes during standard business hours. Professors will provide additional details about class times, protocols, and expectations prior to the beginning of Summer Term.
  • Summer 1 classes for Teach for America corps members will be scheduled separately in coordination with TFA and information will be provided directly to corps members when available.

Relay Tuition & Financial Options

  • See here for information regarding applying for financial aid and other tuition options.

Information for Current Graduate Students

Relay Indianapolis Classes

  • All Relay Indianapolis classes for the remainder of the Spring 2020 term will be conducted online. Current graduate students will continue to receive class logistics from their professors.
  • Our Summer 2 Term is scheduled for June 22-26, 2020. This will occur in an online setting only. More information on daily schedules will be provided from the campus in May.

Teacher Licensure

  • We have been notified by Pearson – the test vendor who administers the Indiana CORE Content Exams – that testing centers reopened on May 15th where local guidance permits. You can find additional guidance from Pearson here with the latest information regarding testing, refunds, and rescheduling of exams.  While testing centers are currently closed, we encourage applicants to continue studying for all required exams.
  • All Residents of the Class of 2021 should continue to prepare to apply for their Transition to Teaching Permit through the Indiana Licensing Verification and Information System (LVIS). More details on how to apply can be found in the CO2021 Indianapolis Certification Guide.
  • CPR/AED/Heimlich Certification:
    • The state of Indiana has allowed a temporary suspension of the CPR requirement for obtaining an initial license or permit. Applicants may obtain an initial license or permit without completing CPR; however, new licensees and permittees are still required to complete the CPR requirement, including hands-on skill practice on a mannequin, by September 30, 2020. When prompted to upload proof of CPR in the initial application, applicants should upload a Word document stating CPR will be completed by September 30. See the Indiana Department of Education, Office of Educator Licensing and the Relay Indianapolis CO2022 Certification Handbook for more information on license and permit applications.
    • Due to the disruptions in CPR training caused by COVID-19, both the American Heart Association (AHA) and the American Red Cross (ARC) have authorized an extension of the expiration dates of CPR certification cards issued by their organizations. Please visit the Indiana Department of Education Licensing page for additional information. 

Pass/Fail Grade Option

  • Relay Indianapolis will offer the option for all enrolled students to take any coursework Pass/Fail for the spring 2020 term. We are providing this option to those who would benefit from alleviating the stress associated with earning a specific course grade, as there might be other pressing priorities such as acclimating to online teaching, caring for one’s self or family members, and many other responsibilities that have developed as a result of COVID-19. The Registrar’s Office will send guidance to all enrolled students to describe how to request a Pass/Fail grade instead of a letter grade for all who prefer that option. 
  • It is important to note that our minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA requirement for graduation will remain unchanged for the Class of 2021. This means that taking coursework Pass/Fail for some students may not be the right option if you hope to graduate on time. Any student in the Class of 2021 with a cumulative GPA lower than 2.7, should consult directly with their adviser before opting into taking a course(s) Pass/Fail. By opting into a course as Pass/Fail, your final Pass/Fail grade will not impact your term or cumulative GPA; however, a Fail in any course will require you to retake the course in order to complete your program of study and graduate. All Pass/Fail requests must be submitted by June 15, 2020, 11:59 PM. Please look out for communication from the Registrar’s Office, and connect with your adviser if you have questions about this process or would like support in making this decision. 

Relay Tuition & Financial Options

  • Federal Loans: All borrowers with federally held student loans will automatically have their interest rates set to 0% for a period of at least 60 days. In addition, borrowers now have the option to suspend their payments without accruing interest for at least two months to allow them greater flexibility during the national emergency. To request this forbearance, borrowers should contact their loan servicer online or by phone. 
  • Payment Plan Options:  If you are struggling to make your tuition payment, please contact Student Financial Services at support@relay.edu no later than Friday, April 10. Contacting SFS will help them advise you on next steps regarding your outstanding tuition to avoid any possible accrued fees, make adjustments to your payment plan dates before the next installment, and help walk you through your options.

 

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