Frequently Asked Questions -- Graduate Degree for American History Teachers

Frequently Asked Questions

Admission

Q: What is the application deadline?

A: There is no application deadline for the program. Students are accepted on a rolling basis throughout the year.

Q: When will I hear about admission?

A: Admission decisions will be sent to applicants as soon as possible (typically within two weeks) after the receipt of a completed application (on-line application, application fee, and transcripts).

Q: I am having problems with the on-line application. Is there another way to apply?

A: We prefer that you use the on-line application. If you are unable to, you may print and complete a paper application. Please mail this application and application fee to: Master of American History and Government, Ashland University, 401 College Ave., Ashland, OH 44805.

Q: I would like to take the summer institutes listed at TeachingAmericanHistory.org for graduate credit. Do I also need to apply for the Master's program?

A: Teachers have the option to take the summer institutes listed at TeachingAmericanHistory.org for graduate credit in the Master's program, but are not required to do so. If you would like to take the summer institutes for graduate credit but do not plan on taking any other courses in the Master's program, you do not need to apply for the Master's program. You will be given a form to register for the credit when you arrive on campus.
If, however, you are accepted into a summer institute and also plan to take other courses or pursue the degree, you should register for courses.
Teachers who have taken five MAHG courses for credit as part of a Teaching American History grant (for a total of 10 credit hours), must apply to the university for admission as a non-degree student to take additional courses. The application fee will be waived for teachers enrolling in courses as a part of the TAH grant program. Undergraduate transcripts still must be submitted, however, as part of the application process.
Teachers who are auditing more than 5 courses need not apply for admission as a non-degree student.

Q: Do I need to apply for admission if I would like to take courses but not enroll in the degree program?

A: Many students are taking courses in the program without enrolling in the degree program. You need to apply to the Ashland University Graduate School as a non-degree student before registering for courses. To do this, you must fill out a short on-line application, submit a transcript showing your undergraduate degree, and submit an application fee.

Q: Can I enroll in two Master's programs at Ashland University.

A: Yes, it is possible to pursue two master's degrees simultaneously at Ashland University. See the Academic Policies for additional details.

Q: Where do I send my transcripts and application fee?

A: Your official transcripts and your application fee should be mailed to:
Master of American History and Government
Ashbrook Center for Public Affairs
Ashland University
401 College Avenue
Ashland, Ohio 44805

Q: If I have already been accepted to the Masters Degree Program, but did not take classes last summer, do I have to reapply to the program?

A: No, you do not need to reapply to the program. You may simply register for courses as soon as you would like.

Q: What degree is awarded in this program?

A: The degree that is awarded is a Master of American History and Government. Though it is offered by the College of Arts and Sciences, it is technically not a Master of Arts degree. The Ohio Board of Regents, the organization that authorizes degree programs offered in Ohio, distinguishes between research degrees and degrees given for professional preparation. Research degrees are the Master of Arts and the Ph.D. Professional preparation degrees are Master of … and Doctor of …, such as our Master of American History and Government.
In terms of the content of the degree program, research degrees at both the Master and Doctoral level must contain research methods courses (e.g., statistics) and, at the doctoral level, research seminars. Our program supports teachers and as such focuses on studying and interpreting original historical documents rather than on secondary literature and research methods.
This is not to say that the work you complete in the Master of American History and Government program will not apply toward a Ph.D. program. We have heard from several graduate faculty, including one who was a part of our Ohio Board of Regents review team, that they would accept students with our Masters degree into their Ph.D. programs. They would likely require that these students take courses on historical methods or statistics to compensate for courses they may not have taken in our program, but they felt our curriculum prepared students for their Ph.D. programs. Ultimately, as with any Masters degree, the decision of how to treat our courses will be up to the university where you are applying for a Ph.D.

Course Registration

Q: Do I have to pay for courses at the time of course registration?

A: If you are registering before April 1, payment can be postponed until April 1. After April 1, payment for courses is due within 72 hours of registration. Payment can be made in the following ways:

on-line check or credit card payment. (Information about making this payment will be provided at the end of the registration process.)

actualized student loan through the Ashland University Financial Aid Office.

written proof of an outside scholarship or fellowship. (Information about sending documentation will be provided at the end of the registration process.)

Q: How do I know how much I owe? How do I pay for courses if I didn't do so at the time of registration?

A: The balance due to the university is provided on the confirmation page after you submit your registration. If you did not submit payment at the time of registration, you will receive an invoice by e-mail. You may also check your account balance and make payments through WebAdvisor.
If you did not pay for courses when you registered, please visit the AU Business Office Student Accounts website. From there, you may pay by credit card (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, or American Express) or by draft from your checking or savings account (please have the Bank Routing Number and Account Number from your checkbook available). You may also make a credit card payment by phone. Please call (800) 882-1548 or (419) 289-5019.

Q: May I take courses without enrolling in the Master's program?

A: Yes, and many students do this. You do not need to enroll in the Master's degree program to take Master's courses. To take classes in the program without committing to pursue the MAHG degree, you must:

Apply for non-degree admission to the university.

Pay the $30 application fee.

Arrange for transcripts to be sent to the MAHG program office by each institution from which you have earned a degree.

Register for classes.

Q: How many courses may I take in one summer?

A: Students may register for as few as one or as many as four courses each summer. Each week-long course is designed to replicate a full semester-long class, including a selection of readings and assignments as may be found in a similar course with a more traditional schedule. In order to ensure that MAHG students are not overburdened by the demands of such an intense schedule, students may not register for more than four courses in any one summer.
A MAHG student with a compelling need and a demonstrated ability to manage a greater than normal course load may, with the permission of their academic advisor, take up to five courses in any one summer. In no event may a MAHG student take more than five courses in any one summer.
The following courses do not count toward the four course limit. MAHG students may enroll in four courses in addition to any or all of the following:

AHG 670 – Directed Study

AHG 690 – Research Methods

AHG 691 – Thesis

AHG 692 – Capstone Project

Q: May I withdraw from a course and receive a refund for tuition, room, and board?

A: If you withdraw on or before Monday at noon during the week of the course you can receive a full refund of tuition and a prorated refund of room and board costs. No refund will be given for withdrawals after Monday.

Q: How do I withdraw from a course?

A: If it is necessary for you to drop a course, please put your request in writing and send by email to: cclever@ashland.edu, or by letter to ATTENTION: Carrie Clever, Ashbrook Center, 401 College Avenue, Ashland, OH 44805.

Q: When should I register for the Research Methods Course?

A: Students need to complete the research methods course before starting their thesis or capstone project. Typically it should be taken the summer before you plan to graduate. Students may take the course after earning 20 credits toward the degree.
The course begins in the spring online, includes at least one meeting in Ashland during the summer, online work after the summer and concludes when a student has a capstone or thesis proposal signed by an advisor and a second reader.
The meeting in Ashland in the summer is scheduled around the schedules of students taking the course. Once the course starts online, and students know their summer schedules, we can schedule the session in Ashland. More than one session is possible depending on student schedules.
For more information, including how to register, please contact David Tucker.

Q: I am enrolled in the Masters Degree Program but I will not be registering for any courses this summer. Do I need to advise anyone?

A: Please let us know of your decision by e-mailing us at: mahg@ashland.edu.

Financial Aid

Q: I am interested in applying for loans to pay for my studies in the MAHG program. Where should I go to learn more or begin the loan application process?

A: All of Ashland University's graduate loan applications are made through the AU Financial Aid Office. A special website has been set up just for graduate loan applicants. Please visit this site for complete information about your graduate loan options, including deadlines and requirements, and to begin the application process.

Q: What is Ashland's Title IV code that I should use on my FAFSA to have my Student Aid Report sent electronically to Ashland?

A: 003012.

Q: Do I have to be enrolled in the degree program to receive a Federal Stafford Loan?

A: Yes. Only students pursuing the degree may receive a Federal Stafford Loan. Non-degree and continuing education students may not apply. There is a 3-hour minimum enrollment to receive a Federal Stafford Loan.

Q: How much should I budget for books?

A: While the amounts will vary from course to course, the books for each course will be approximately $125. You may choose to purchase your books from the Ashland University Bookstore after March 1.

Curriculum

Q: Should I begin my coursework with the 500 level courses?

A: No. The required courses are not introductory in the sense of providing information or skills that are necessary for the successful completion of other courses. They are required to insure that students are familiar with the breadth of American history and the development of America's political institutions. They can be taken at any point.

Q: I don't have a strong background in American history. Where should I begin my coursework?

A: If you do not have a strong background in American history, we recommend that you begin with the AHG 501 through AHG 505 series. They will help you with a broad overview of all of American history, which will be helpful as you take other courses. We do not recommend beginning your coursework with a AHG 510: Great American Texts course.

Q: What is the difference between a thesis and a capstone project?

A: The thesis and capstone project serve the same purpose. They allow a student to demonstrate his or her mastery of subject matter, as well as analytical and interpretive skills. They differ in the way they serve this purpose. A thesis is a written work stating a claim or interpretation and supporting it with data and argument. For example, a thesis might claim that a certain type of protestant theology is responsible for political reform movements in the United States and support that claim by examining, in one of a number of different ways, the civil rights movement of the 1960s. A capstone project combines different kinds of practical experience (e.g., as a docent or historical re-enactor) or other written work (e.g., historical fiction) with analytical and interpretive writing in the form of one or more essays. Capstone projects might include:

Selection of materials (e.g., primary documents) to enhance a curriculum, with essays providing justification of the selections and analysis and interpretation to assist in their use. (N.B. The Master's program would not assess the merits of the curricular proposal but of the analysis and interpretation supporting the selection of the primary documents.)

Participation in a Civil War battle reenactment, with interpretive essays explaining the significance of the battle in the military and political outcome of the Civil War.

Development of an exhibition at a school or library, along with analytical and interpretive essays explaining the significance of the exhibition.

Both the thesis topic and the capstone project must be such that by completing them a student will be able to demonstrate mastery of both a specific significant topic and the relation of this topic to the broader subject of American history and government. The thesis topic or capstone project must also be such that by completing them a student will be able to display well developed analytical and interpretive skills.
Both the thesis and the capstone project require approval of the program's faculty committee, which will review proposals to make sure that they meet substantive and methodological requirements of a Master's program.
MAHG students should apply for graduation when they begin their thesis or capstone project. Delaying registration for graduation may result in the assessment of a late fee. Please see the Graduation section of this FAQ for more information.

Q: What if I want to register for a Directed Study course?

A: Students wishing to develop expertise requiring study beyond what is offered in other courses may arrange with a professor to work individually on a topic. The Student Advisor must approve all directed studies.
The directed study course is offered for two credits (tuition without room and board). In order to register for this course, you must contact your Academic Advisor.

Q: Are courses in the MAHG program available online?

A: We are presently developing online versions of select MAHG courses. We expect to formally roll out our online courses in the Fall 2012 semester. Our online courses will be offered as live, synchronous teleconferences in which students and instructors will participate in real-time. Like our on-campus courses, online courses will be offered for 2 semester credit hours. Schedules for online courses will vary from course to course. Further details about our online delivery methods will be available in Spring 2012.
Online courses will be open to both degree-seeking and non-degree continuing education students taking classes for graduate credit. Students may not audit online classes for CEUs or contact hours. Degree students should be aware that our online offerings are intended to supplement in-person residential instruction at the Ashland campus. The degree cannot be completed solely online.

Madison Fellowship

Q: What is the James Madison Fellowship?

A: The James Madison Graduate Fellowship is a federally-sponsored program for current or potential social studies teachers. The fellowship will cover the full cost, up to $24,000, of graduate study leading to a masters degree in a field which will enhance the fellow's ability to teach the principles of the United States Constitution. Full details about eligibility may be found at the James Madison Memorial Fellowship Foundation website.

Q: Is the Ashland University Master of American History and Government program a "qualifying master's degree program" according to the standards of the Madison Foundation?

A: Yes. The MAHG degree fully meets the requirements of the Madison Foundation. We offer many courses which fulfill the program's constitutional study requirements. More than 30 Madison Fellows are presently enrolled in the MAHG program. Several Madison Fellows have already completed the program and earned the MAHG degree.

Q: Do you have any advice or suggestions for completing the Madison Fellowship application?

A: Yes. We have worked with many Madison Fellows and have some helpful insights into creating a successful application.

Q: How do I complete the Plan of Study Form for my Madison Fellowship?

A: The Plan of Study Form should be completed by the fellow and the fellow's academic advisor. Once you are admitted to the MAHG program, we will assign you to an academic advisor. Contact information for your advisor may be found in your MAHG acceptance letter. Once you have been accepted to the MAHG program and you have been awarded a Madison Fellowship, contact your advisor to discuss the Plan of Study.
Our advisors have worked with many Madison Fellows in the past. Your advisor can offer extensive assistance in planning an acceptable course of study. Once complete, your advisor will sign your Plan of Study as the "University Official" mentioned at the bottom of the form. We will then mail your Plan of Study directly to the Madison Foundation office.

Q: I'm a Madison Fellow and I'm ready to request reimbursement from the Foundation for my MAHG Tuition. What do I do with the Payment Request Form?

A: Please complete Part 1 of the Payment Request Form as completely as possible.

For "University of Graduate Study" (part 1, number 2) write "Ashland University"
For "School/Department of Study" (part 1, number 3) write "College of Arts and Sciences"
For "Master's Degree Sought" (part 1, number 4) write "MAHG"
For "Subject of Degree Sought" (part 1, number 5) write "American History and Government"
For part 1, number 6, the degree requires 32 credit hours
For part 1, number 7, Ashland operates on a semester system
For part 1, number 8, write the year your fellowship was awarded
For part 1, number 9, write the number of hours approved for reimbursement from your Plan of Study – generally 32 hours
For part 1, number 13, the starting date of the term is the first day of Session 1 each summer (even if you are not attending that session). See the current Course Schedule for the current year's session dates.
For part 1, number 15, line A, enter the amount of the tuition (number of courses multiplied by this year's tuition rate)
For part 1, number 15, line B, enter $0 - all fees are included with the tuition (except for application, transcript, and graduation fees)
For part 1, number 15, line C, enter $125 multiplied by the number of courses you have registered for OR the exact cost of your books. If you are submitting your Payment Request Form early, we estimate books will cost $125 per course. If you are making your request after you have purchased books, enter the exact cost of your books.
For part 1, number 15, line D, enter the amount of room and board cost (number of courses multiplied by this year's room and board rate). If you are NOT staying on campus in Ashland dormitories, enter the cost of your off-campus room (if necessary).
For part 1, number 15, line E, enter $0 if you are residing on campus (board costs are included in the Room figure on line D). If you are staying off-campus, enter the cost of your meals/board (if necessary).
For part 1, number 15, line F, enter the total of lines A through E.
For part 1, number 18, 6 credit hours is considered full time for the summer term.
For part 1, number 19, enter the number of credit hours for which you are registered.
For part 1, number 20, enter the course codes of the classes for which you are registered this summer. For example, "AHG 501A".
Sign your name in part 2.
Print a copy of this year's Tuition and Fees page and attach it to you Payment Request Form. This will serve as your documentation of the current tuition, fee, room, and board rates.

Once you have completed the Payment Request Form, please fax, email, or mail it to Chris Pascarella at the MAHG office. Your form will be reviewed, signed, and mailed to the Madison Foundation office.
Our fax number is (419) 289-5425. Postal mail should be addressed to:
Master of American History and Government
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University
401 College Ave
Ashland, OH 44805

Q: Will Ashland accept transfer credit from the Madison Foundation's Summer Institute on the Constitution at Georgetown University?

A: Yes. Madison Fellows earn 6 semester credit hours for their participation in the Foundation's "Summer Institute on the Constitution". This may be counted toward your MAHG degree in one of two ways:

6 elective credit hours OR
4 elective credits AND 2 hours credit for EITHER required courses AHG 501 or AHG 502.

Please contact your academic advisor to discuss the details of transfer credit and to select an option for how the credit will be recorded.
To have the transfer credit posted to your record, please arrange for Georgetown to send a transcript to the MAHG office at:
Master of American History and Government
Ashbrook Center at Ashland University
401 College Ave
Ashland, OH 44805

Certain other graduate-level history or government classes may also be transferrable. For more information about transfer credit, please contact your advisor.

Classes in Philadelphia

Q: Who may participate in these courses?

A: Like all MAHG courses, our Philadelphia courses are open to both degree-seeking MAHG students and non-degree continuing education students. Whether you are considering pursuit of the MAHG degree or just need to take courses for teacher licensure purposes or for transfer to another university, all qualified students are welcome to participate.

Q: How do I register for these courses?

A: Current MAHG degree and non-degree students may register for courses today on our website.
Not already an admitted MAHG student? The first step is to apply for admission to Ashland University. A completed application, official transcripts from each institution from which you have previously earned a degree, and a $30 application fee are required. Applicants must meet university admission requirements.
You may register for courses after you receive notice of admission to the university.

Q: What is the cost of the Philadelphia courses?

A: Tuition rates are the same for all MAHG courses, no matter where they are offered. For Summer 2012, the tuition rate is $515 per semester credit hour, or $1030 per 2 semester credit hour course. Books, travel, and room and board are not included in the tuition charge.

Q: Will student housing be available at Philadelphia?

A: Yes. Double-occupancy rooms are available at a hotel located within walking distance of the city's historic sites. Class sessions will be held in meeting rooms at this hotel.
The room charge is $450 per week. Parking charges and airport transfers are the responsibility of the student. Single room requests cannot be guaranteed and will incur additional charges. Students who wish to arrive earlier than noon Sunday or depart later than Friday must arrange and pay for their own accommodations at the hotel.
Please note that unlike courses offered at the main campus, meals (other than our Sunday evening welcome dinner) are NOT included at Philadelphia. We believe that this change will be a benefit to our students. Predictably, catered meals at a hotel in a big city are more expensive than meals catered by the university's Dining Services office. When we received catering proposals for Philadelphia, we found that the cost would be prohibitive because resident students would have to pay for all meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) for five days whether or not the meal was actually consumed. Given the myriad of dining and entertainment options in Philadelphia, we determined it would be more cost effective for students to make their own dining choices. So, if your desired evening meal is a hot dog and peanuts at Citizens Bank Park or an authentic Philly cheesesteak, you are free to make that decision.
Students are not required to stay in the program hotel. Students who live within the Philadelphia metropolitan area and those who prefer to make their own arrangements are welcome to do so. Students who do not stay in the program hotel are still expected to fully participate in all course activities.

Q: Are there differences in the curriculum of courses offered in Philadelphia?

A: No. The curriculum and requirements of MAHG courses offered in Philadelphia are substantially the same as those offered at the main campus. Courses in Philadelphia may be supplemented by the historic sites and other resources made available by the setting.
The daily schedule for courses in Philadelphia is similar to courses in Ashland. Students should check in at the program hotel between noon and 4 pm on Sunday. The first class session will begin at 4:30 pm Sunday, followed by dinner and the Sunday evening lecture. Classes will meet three times daily Monday through Friday. Students may check out after their last session on Friday afternoon, around 3 pm. Please check the course syllabus (available in late April) for the exact meeting schedule.

Q: May I take courses in Philadelphia and in Ashland during the same summer?

A: Yes. Please note that the same four course (8 semester hours) per summer limit applies to all students, whether the course is taken in Philadelphia or in Ashland.

Before Class

Q: Am I responsible for purchasing books for the course?

A: Yes, you are responsible for purchasing the books for each course. The cost of books is not included in the tuition. If you would like to order your books from the Ashland University Bookstore, you may call 419/289-5336. If you would like to purchase the books elsewhere, the syllabus contains the ISBN numbers for the course books.

Q: Where can I get a course syllabus?

A: The syllabi and course packs for the summer will be posted each year by approximately May 1.

Q: Where is the closest airport to Ashland?

A: Ashland is located roughly one hour from the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport (CLE), Port Columbus International Airport (CMH), and the Akron-Canton Airport (CAK). We offer a complimentary shuttle service between Ashland and the Cleveland airport ONLY.
YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR GROUND TRANSPORTATION FROM ANY AIRPORT OTHER THAN CLEVELAND. The best way to get to campus from Columbus or Akron-Canton is by rental car.

Q: How does the shuttle service work?

A: Participants who want to use the shuttle service at the Cleveland airport should contact us at mahg@ashland.edu; attach a copy of their itinerary which includes their name, city of departure, airline, flight number, time of arrival, and a contact (preferably cell) phone number as soon as travel plans are finalized. A shuttle schedule will be created based on all of the participants' arrival information. The schedule will be emailed to participants with detailed instructions during the week before the session begins.

Q: I'm driving to campus. Where are you located?

A: Ashland University is located in Ashland, Ohio, roughly halfway between Cleveland and Columbus off of Interstate 71. Take Exit 186 (US 250) and head west into town. Follow the signs to the university. For those using GPS devices or internet maps, check in takes place at Senior Apartment B, located on Samaritan Avenue just east of King Road (on the south side of campus). Complete driving directions may be found on the reverse side of the campus map.

Q: When is check-in?

A: Check-in will take place on Sunday from Noon to 4:00 pm in the lobby of the middle apartment building (#7 on the campus map). Early or late check-ins should be arranged with us at mahg@ashland.edu.

Q: What should I bring with me to campus?

A: Bring your books, photocopied course packet(s) and personal items. We will provide a blanket, two sheets, three towels, two washcloths, a pillow and pillowcase. A laundry facility is available. You may want to consider bringing a house robe, drinking cups, hangers, laundry detergent, shampoo, soap, and an alarm clock.

Q: Is wireless internet available in the apartments?

A: Yes.

Getting Help

Q: I have questions about my academic progress and about course selection. Who should I speak with?

A: Your Academic Advisor is the best resource for questions about academic progress and course selection. You were assigned an advisor at the time of admission and the advisor's name and email address were provided with your admission letter. If you have misplaced your admissions materials, you can find out your advisor's name, phone number, and email address via WebAdvisor. Log in to WebAdvisor, go to the "Students Menu" and click "My Profile" in the "Academic Profile" section. There may be more than one advisor listed under "Advisor Name." The FIRST advisor listed is your advisor.
If you have not already set up your WebAdvisor account, instructions for doing so may be found here.

Q: I have general questions about the MAHG program, fees, registration, housing, syllabi, etc. Who should I speak with?

A: General questions not related to your personal academic progress should be addressed to Chris Pascarella or Carrie Clever at the Ashbrook Center.

Q: I am uncertain about my skill as a writer at the graduate level. Is help available?

A: Yes. The Graduate School's Graduate Writing Consultation (GWC) program is available to students enrolled in the MAHG program. The GWC can help reacquaint graduate students with the academic style of writing and provide assistance developing skills in written communication. While the GWC does NOT provide proofreading or editing services, the consultant will provide suggestions for improving structure, grammar, and punctuation. To learn more about the GWC or to schedule an appointment, contact Susan Blake, Graduate Writing Consultant.
Additionally, you may refer to the Graduate School's Writing Guide and Purdue University's well-regarded Online Writing Lab.

Q: What citation format does the MAHG program use?

A: There is no single, preferred style used by all MAHG instructors. Please consult with the instructors of each course for their preferred citation format.

Q: I want to avoid committing an act of academic dishonesty. What constitutes cheating and plagiarism?

A: The university and the MAHG program take matters of academic integrity seriously. Students, whether enrolled in the MAHG program or taking individual courses for credit, are expected to abide by the Academic Integrity Policy found in the Ashland University Graduate Catalog. Students accused of academic dishonesty may face failure on the assignment, the course, or dismissal from the program.
You are STRONGLY encouraged to make yourself familiar with the correct procedures of citation and use of sources. The Graduate Writing Center offers many excellent resources on research, writing, citation, and use of sources. You may find additional information on citations and the proper use of sources at Purdue University OWL.

On Campus

Q: Do I have to live on campus?

A: Because of the intensive nature of each course, students are strongly encouraged to reside on campus during the week the course meets. Students may, however, choose to live off campus during the week.

Q: Where do we stay on campus?

A: You will be housed in air-conditioned housing on the Ashland University campus.
Students wishing to have a single room will be housed in Ashland University dormitories. The dormitories have community bathrooms on each floor and may not be air-conditioned. If you wish to be assigned to a single room in a dormitory, please contact us by email at mahg@ashland.edu with "Summer Housing Request" in the subject line.

Q: Is there an exercise facility available?

A: Ashland University's new Recreation and Sport Sciences Center (RSSC) is available for your use during the week. The RSSC hours are 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. The pool, whirlpool, and diving well are open from 9:00 am - 2:00 pm and again from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm. Reservations are required for the racquetball courts and golf simulator and can be made by calling x6173.

Q: Will we have access to computers?

A: Yes, a computer lab is available for your use 24 hours a day in 200 Patterson Hall (#13 on the campus map). Access is granted with student ID cards, which you will receive when you arrive on campus. Computers are also available throughout the library. The computers have access to the Internet, Microsoft Office, and are connected to printers.

Q: Do our rooms have telephones?

A: No, there are not phones in each room, but there is a phone on the first floor of the apartment buildings. To place a call from this phone, you must first dial 8 to dial off campus and then a 1-800 number. Similar phones are located around campus. Pay phones are located on the first floor of the Hawkins-Conard Student Center.

Q: Do I have an ashland.edu e-mail account?

A: No, students in the Master's program do not have an ashland.edu e-mail account.

Q: How can I get an Ashland University ID Card?

A: Students in the Master's program may get an ID card in the EagleCard Office on the Lower Level of the John C. Myers Convocation Center. Information about using your ID card is available on-line at: http://www.ashland.edu/eaglecard.

Q: I'm registering for classes that meet two weeks in a row. Can I stay on campus during the Saturday night between the two classes?

A: Yes, you are welcome to stay on campus for the Friday and Saturday night between classes. There is no cost for the weekend stay; however, you must make your request in advance by e-mailing us at mahg@ashland.edu if you will be staying the following weekend. A boxed lunch will be provided during checkout on Friday. Between classes, you will be responsible for dinner on Friday, breakfast, lunch, and dinner on Saturday and breakfast and lunch on Sunday. Fast-food restaurants and a coffee shop are within walking distance of campus.

Q: Does Ashland have an emergency notification system?

A: Yes. The AU Safety Services office can alert you to severe weather or other campus emergencies while you are on campus. To learn more or sign up for text message or email alerts go to the AU Emergency Contact System website.

After Class

Q: How will I receive my grades?

A: The university no longer mails paper grade reports to your home address. Grades are ONLY available via WebAdvisor, the university's student information system. Neither your professors nor the MAHG office can release grades over the phone or via email.

Q: How do I access WebAdvisor?

A: To log in to WebAdvisor:

Go to WebAdvisor and click "I'm new to WebAdvisor" in the lower, right corner of the page. Review the steps listed and click "OK".
Enter your last name and EITHER your Social Security number OR your AU student ID number (if you know it). Click "SUBMIT".
Make a note of the User ID provided by WebAdvisor on the next page. Then, select the email address to which the temporary password should be sent. Click "SUBMIT". NOTE: If the only option is an ashland.edu address and you do not know how to access this account, please contact the MAHG office at mahg@ashland.edu for assistance.
Check your email account for the password. Then, return to the WebAdvisor home page and click "Log In". Using the User ID and password provided, log in. You will be prompted to change your temporary password to a permanent password. Be sure to make a note of your User ID and your new password for future access to WebAdvisor.

Q: When will I receive my grade?

A: Grades will be posted on WebAdvisor after the end of the summer semester, generally by mid-September.

Q: How do I request a transcript?

A: Official transcripts may be requested from the Ashland University Registrar's Office.

Q: How do I request a letter of recommendation?

A: Requests for letters of reference should be made to your Academic Advisor, not directly to current or former faculty. Please direct all requests your Academic Advisor.

Graduation

Q: How do I track my progress toward graduation?

A: MAHG students may track their progress toward their degree on WebAdvisor. After logging in to WebAdvisor, select the Students menu. Under Academic Profile, choose Program Evaluation. Check the box next to AH.MAHG.AHG MASTER IN AMER HIST & GOVERNMENT. Press SUBMIT.
The Academic Evaluation displays your progress toward your degree, including your GPA, courses completed, course grades, and remaining course requirements. It is recommended that MAHG students check their progress regularly, particularly when preparing to register for classes.

Q: How do I apply for graduation?

A: You must complete the University's Application for Graduation. Here are the deadlines for application:

August graduates (summer completion): May 1
December graduates: September 1
May graduates: February 1

MAHG students should apply for graduation when they begin their thesis or capstone project. Delaying registration for graduation may result in the assessment of a late fee. Additional information is available from the Registrar's Web Site.

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