Principal Certification FAQs

What is my L number?

Your L number is your student ID number. You will receive your L number in an emailed letter from the Admissions Office once your application has been processed.

Do I have a Lamar email address?

After you are accepted, you will receive an email from the IT department with instructions on how to set up and login to your Lamar University email. All correspondence from LU will be sent to your LU email. Once you set it up, you will need to check it daily.

What is Portfolium?

Portfolium is an online portfolio platform where students submit artifacts, assignments and other documents for program evaluation. Portfolium allows instructors to assess your progress and provide feedback throughout the program. If you use Portfolium, you will be provided with access instructions after acceptance to Lamar University.

Who is my advisor?

A team of advisors is available to assist you during your program. They can be reached at luacademic@lamar.edu. Please be sure to include your name and L number in all email correspondence with Lamar University.

Emailing is the preferred method of communication for the online programs as requests need to be in writing.

When will I be enrolled in classes? Who will register me? Do I register myself?

Advisors will register you for all your classes during your program. A registration notification will be sent to your LU email two weeks before every class begins.

What dates do classes begin and end?

Course start and end dates, census dates and drop dates are all found on the Critical Dates calendar.

Is there a course schedule for my program?

Yes, the course schedule shows the order classes are offered, as well as the beginning and end dates for each class. The course rotation for the principal certification program can be found on the website by clicking Course Schedule.

You will need to familiarize yourself with the course schedule, so that you are aware of the order you will take classes, which classes you will take each semester and when you will graduate.

Where can I find my degree plan?

Your degree plan is found by logging on to your Degree Audit, located on Self Service Banner. To access Self Service Banner, go to the Lamar homepage at www.lamar.edu and click on "LU Connect" in the top left corner of the page. Next, click on "Students" and then "Self Service Banner." You will log on with your L number and six-digit PIN. Next, click "Student" and then "Degree Audit."

Degree Audit shows your major and the classes that you will take in your program. You will not necessarily take them in the order they are listed on Degree Audit. The order you will take classes is found on the course schedule.

Why is there a mandatory advisement hold on my account?

Mandatory advisement holds are put on all student accounts upon acceptance. You do not need to schedule an advising appointment. The advising hold will be removed when your advisor registers you.

How do I check to see if I am registered?

To check your registration, you will need to log on to Self Service Banner. To access Self Service Banner, go to the Lamar University homepage at lamar.edu and click on "LU Connect" in the top left corner of the page. Next, click on "Students" and then "Self Service Banner." You will log on with your L number and six-digit PIN. Next, click "Students" and then "Registration."

How do I pay my bill?

To pay your bill, you will need to go to the LU homepage at lamar.edu and click on "LU Connect" in the top left corner of the page. Next, click on "Students" and then "Pay Bill." You will log on with your L number and six-digit PIN.

If you do not use financial aid, you can pay for one class at a time. Payment is always due five days before the first day of class.

Who do I contact for questions regarding financial aid?

For all questions regarding financial aid, you will need to contact the Financial Aid Office at financialaid@lamar.edu.

Where do I access my class?

You will access your classes in LU Learn (Blackboard). To access Blackboard, go to the LU homepage at lamar.edu and click on "LU Connect" in the top left corner of the page. Next, click on "Students" and then "LU Learn" (Blackboard). You will log on with your LEA username and password. You will not be able to see your class in Blackboard until two business days before a start date.

What if I am having trouble logging on to Self Service Banner, Lamar email or if I’m having problems with my password?

First, go to the LU homepage at lamar.edu and click on "LU Connect" in the top left corner of the page. Next, click "Students" and then "Tech Support." There, you will find IT Help and Support for everyday tasks. If you are still having difficulty after trying the suggestions on the IT support page, you will need to contact the Service Desk at servicedesk@lamar.edu or at 409-880-2222.

What textbooks will I need for the program?

Textbooks can be located by clicking on the link below.  

Lamar University Bookstore

How do I drop a class?

If you want to drop a class, email the advisors at luacademic@lamar.edu and the Records Office at luapgrrecords@lamar.edu.

Before dropping a class, make sure to check the Course Schedule to determine when the next time the class will be offered.

When am I going to graduate?

Graduation can be determined by following the Course Schedule.

In order to graduate, you must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Grades of "D" and "F" do not count toward your program and must be retaken.  

For the full list of academic policies, please click the link Graduate Academic Policies and Procedures.

 

Can I double enroll in a five-week session?

Enrolling in more than one class in a five-week session is not permitted. The program is designed for you to take one class every five weeks.

May I take individual coursework as a non-degree seeking student?

Candidates are not eligible for individual coursework unless requested by a school district as a cohort.

How long do I have to complete my master’s degree or certification program if it is a TEA regulated program?

The Texas Administrative Code (TAC) mandates all courses and practicum requirements must be completed within 5 years of the start date of the program.

The TAC language is as follows:

§228.35. Preparation Program Coursework and/or Training.

(a) Coursework and/or training for candidates seeking initial certification in any certification class.

(b) … was provided by an approved EPP or an accredited institution of higher education within the past five years and is directly related to the certificate being sought.

TEA interpretation of TAC language (from TEA Newsletter for Educator Preparation Programs – May 11, 2021):

If the candidate is continuously enrolled in the EPP (listed as Other Enrolled from admission – present), the EPP could accept prior coursework if older than 5 years that was taken through the same EPP. If the candidate is no longer identified as Enrolled, then the EPP would only be able to accept coursework taken within the last 5 years (given that it is directly related to the certificate sought and provided by an approved EPP or accredited IHE).