Common Ground Consortium (CGC) application process

The CGC application process requires submission of two separate application packets, as outlined below:

• CGC application form, plus two letters of recommendation; one letter must be from the Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCU) campus coordinator. HBCU schools include Albany State University, Alcorn State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fort Valley State University, Grambling University, Tuskegee University, Wiley College, and Xavier University.
  
  In addition, applicants must submit a copy of the College of Education and Human Development (CEHD) or Graduate School program application packet. The packet must include a completed program application form, résumé, goal statement, and transcripts (official or unofficial transcripts are accepted).
  
  CGC application packets must be postmarked by December 15. Submit the packet to: Coordinator of Multicultural Programs and Outreach Venoreen Browne-Boatswain; Student Services (SPS), 250 Education Sciences Building, 56 River Road, Minneapolis, MN 55455.
• Application to CEHD or Graduate School programs must be submitted to the appropriate college. Packet submission details are outlined in the following text:

Application to graduate-level programs

CEHD programs

Applicants to CEHD’s M.Ed./professional studies programs must submit the following items:

1. A completed Application for Admission to M.Ed./Professional Studies Programs, available from SPS, 612-625-6501; e-mail: spsinfo@umn.edu. Consult application form for program application deadlines.
2. Application fee: $55.00, payable to the University of Minnesota
3. Official transcripts from all undergraduate and graduate colleges or universities where you completed 12 or more academic credits. Official transcripts must be received from the issuing school in a sealed and stamped envelope.
4. Letter of recommendation—Required only for the environmental education, music education, special education, teacher leadership, and youth development leadership programs.
5. Résumé
6. Goal statement
7. Submit M.Ed./professional studies application form to:
   Student Services
   250 Education Sciences Building
   56 River Road
   Minneapolis, MN 55455

Graduate School programs

Applicants to the Graduate School’s master of arts (M.A.), doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.), doctor of education (Ed.D.), and specialist certificate programs must submit the following items:

1. A completed Graduate School Application for Admission, available from the Graduate School, 612-625-3014; e-mail: gsquest@umn.edu. Program application deadlines are listed on the Web site.
2. Application fee: $55.00, payable to the University of Minnesota. To apply for a grant covering the application fee, contact Derek Maness, e-mail: dmaness@umn.edu.
3. Graduate Record Examination (GRE) scores.
4. Official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended. Official transcripts must be received from the issuing school in a sealed and stamped envelope.
5. Letter of recommendation—Consult academic department offering graduate program. For more information, see the Graduate School’s “Programs and Program Profiles” Web page.
6. Submit the Graduate School application online or to the following address:
   Graduate School
   University of Minnesota
   309 Johnston Hall
   101 Pleasant Street S.E.
   Minneapolis, MN 55455

CGC admission timeline

Because a limited number of CGC financial packages are available, the following guidelines will be applied:

• Program application deadlines—M.Ed./professional studies program deadlines are listed on the M.Ed./professional studies application form. Graduate School program application deadlines are listed on the Web.
• CGC application deadline—December 15
• Program admission decisions announced—January-March
• CGC award decisions announced—May

Students accepted into the CGC program must attend an orientation session during the summer at the University of Minnesota campus. Orientation travel and housing expenses will be covered by CGC. Information on program registration and advising will be available at orientation.

CGC will attempt to identify other funding sources for students who are not able to secure CGC financial packages. Students will have the option to delay entry or to seek alternative funding.

For more information about the CGC program, contact the Coordinator of Multicultural Programs and Outreach Venoreen Browne-Boatswain, Student Services; 612-625-7511; e-mail: brow0791@umn.edu.

Common Ground Consortium (CGC) Application [.pdf]

(Updated December 2004)