Northern Illinois University

Department of Teaching & Learning

Disposition Information for Faculty/Staff

Teacher Education Reports

Frequently Asked Questions


What do I do if a problem surfaces early in the semester, between reporting periods, or after a reporting period?

The Teacher Education Deficiency Report is used for this purpose. This report may be used to report academic deficiencies and/or dispositions deficiencies. Whenever possible, it should be printed to discuss in conference with the student. Both parties should sign the form, and it must be submitted to the Dispositions Coordinator. If it is not possible to meet with the student, the form may be submitted without the student’s signature.

Do I report instances of academic misconduct through the dispositions process?

Academic misconduct is a serious issue which needs attention on two levels. First, it is imperative that all instances of misconduct be addressed through the judicial process. Forms for this may be obtained from department offices, the judicial office, or the dispositions office. In addition to that process, it is necessary to submit an alert via the usual dispositions assessment protocol or via a Teacher Education Deficiency Report. The dispositions indicator of 1F (Caring: unethical decision-making) should be used to report such issues.

Are students made aware of which instructor has reported an alert?

All dispositions conferences are summarized in a report to which the student has immediate access. The specific indicators of concern and the reporting instructor(s) are identified in that summary. Reporting instructors often discuss impending alert reports with candidates, though this is not specifically required.