Information for Incoming Graduate Students

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

Admissions: Transcripts

Relay Chicago’s admissions deadlines are listed 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: ILTS Content Exam(s)

Usually, candidates who are seeking licensure through Relay Chicago are required to pass relevant Illinois Licensure Testing System (ILTS) content exams prior to starting classes at Relay. You may have seen our original deadline of June 21, 2020. However, due to COVID-19 and the closure of testing centers, the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) has now confirmed that ILTS content exams will not be a prerequisite for entry into alternative licensure programs this year, but will still be a required component of the licensure process. Here is the updated testing timeline for Relay students: 

• Relay students must attempt the required content exam(s) for their licensure area by October 1, 2020 or 30 days after Pearson Testing Centers in IL are re-opened; whichever is later.
• Relay students must pass their content exam(s) by June 30, 2021.

Please note that if your school employer or partner program has set different or additional testing deadlines, you will need to adhere to those to remain in good standing in your program employment. 

We encourage you to begin study for your exam(s) now. Please read our Relay Chicago Testing Guide, which includes details about the required content exam(s) for your subject area and a number of study resources. 

Summer Class Logistics

The Relay Chicago Summer I Session is scheduled for July 13-18, 2020 (MAT candidates) or July 27 - August 1, 2020 (Residents). We continue to monitor local and state guidance regarding in-person gatherings and will indicate on this page when we have determined whether classes this summer will be in-person or online. Summer I 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 Chicago Classes

All Relay Chicago classes for the 2019-20 school will be conducted online through the entirety of the Spring Term (June 8, 2020). Current graduate students will continue to receive class logistics from their professors.

Summer Term classes for Year 2 students (Class of 2021) will also be conducted entirely online. Session dates will remain the same as previously shared. 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.

Pass/Fail Grading Option

Relay recognizes the many challenges and changes imposed by the COVID-19 pandemic. Relay will be offering an optional Pass/Fail grading policy for all courses offered this spring 2020 term to students as they continue their academics online. While all courses are eligible, and students may choose to take some or all courses Pass/Fail, there are considerations that students should take into account. For example, it is important to note that the minimum cumulative 2.7 GPA requirement for graduation will remain unchanged. This means that taking coursework Pass/Fail for some students may not be the right option.

You can read more about the policy, the considerations, and the frequently asked questions in Support Center to see if this option might be right for you.

To opt-in to a course or courses being graded as Pass/Fail, students must:

• Meet with their advisor to review their current academic progress and complete the GPA predictor tool to determine the impact on academic standing and your cumulative GPA before submitting their P/F request form
• Request the option to select Pass/Fail for specific courses by submitting the Pass/Fail (P/F) request form to the Registrar’s Office by June 15, 11:59 PM ET. The P/F request form will be available on May 15, 2020.

Teacher Licensure

We are working closely with the Illinois School Board of Education (ISBE) to consider any requirements for licensure that may be impacted by COVID-19. Completion of the edTPA is waived as a licensure requirement for candidates graduating in 2020. We will continue to provide updates on this page as needed.

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.

Relay AmeriCorps Members

Relay is working closely with the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) and Serve IL to determine how members can fulfill their service hours via distance learning during this time to meet the requirements to receive the full Segal Education Award. Please refer to the following Support Center articles for information on Member Status and Teleservice Hours. We will provide updates to all members as necessary. 

Relay Chicago Class of 2020 Graduation

The Class of 2020 Graduation ceremony is scheduled for Thursday, August 20, 2020, in Chicago. We are developing plans for holding a meaningful celebration online as necessary. New information and instructions for participating in the graduation ceremony will be posted here as well as emailed directly to Class of 2020 students and linked in the Chicago Graduation FAQ.