Variance

The variance process is designed to formalize the method by which a student may appeal a decision relating to knowledge, skills, dispositions, or program requirements. The Professional Education Policy, Procedure, and Review Board, representing the professional education unit, evaluates each request on an individual basis. The Board will also hear cases of students who may be placed on non-continuance, expulsion or reported professional communications if candidates wish to appeal them.

Students interested in submitting a variance request, should Complete this Qualtrics form, online. In completing the request, students must identify the type of variance they are requesting and include a letter of rationale.

Types of Variances - There are three types of variance requests: (1) Provisional admittance into Professional Education, the Block or a Program; (2) Continuation or Completion of a Program, Student Teaching, or an Internship; and (3) Admission or modification of Student Teaching or an Internship

Letter of Rationale - Students need to describe the nature of the problem, what is being requested, relevant information which supports the variance request, and the remedy sought. In the letter identify specific factors/circumstances that contributed to the need for a variance request.

Letter of Support - Students must have a faculty member write a letter of support that will be submitted to the board through the Qualtrics form. This letter should outline the reasons why the faculty member feels the variance request should be approved for the student.

The Board makes every attempt to meet within two weeks of receipt of the variance although this may be shorter or longer depending upon the semester schedule. Following the Board review, the candidate will receive a letter (copied to the candidate’s advisor, department chair, Academic Advising Office, and others as needed), stating the action taken by the Review Board and including a suggested course of action. Candidates’ may appeal all decisions to the College of Education Dean.

For more information on the variance process please contact:

COE Advising Office
Office: Armstrong Hall 117
Phone: 507-389-1215
Email: coeadvisingoffice@mnsu.eudu

Items to apply for Professional Education

• Insurance paragraph
• Basic Skills Testing paragraph
• Background check