Moreland University Glossary: Key Terms Every Candidate Should Know

As you move through the Moreland University program — from enrollment to clinical practice to licensure — you'll encounter a lot of acronyms and terminology. This guide explains what they all mean in plain language, organized by topic so you can find what you need quickly.

Accreditation: Who Approves Moreland?

Accreditation is how institutions are officially recognized as meeting quality and educational standards. Here are the accrediting bodies you may come across:

• HELC — Higher Education Licensure Commission

  • The agency that licenses postsecondary institutions to operate.

• DEAC — Distance Education Accrediting Commission

  • Moreland's primary accreditor. DEAC is recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA), making it a nationally respected accreditor for distance learning institutions.

• CAEP — Council for the Accreditation of Educator Preparation

  • The national accrediting body specifically for educator preparation programs. CAEP accreditation signals that a teacher preparation program meets rigorous national standards.

• DAPIP — Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs

  • A public database where you can verify the accreditation status of any institution, including Moreland University.

Certification & Licensure: Getting Your Teaching License

These terms come up when you're applying for your state teaching license after completing the program.

• Direct Apply

  • A licensing pathway where you apply directly for a teaching license in a state — no prior license from another state required. Requirements vary by state, so always confirm the specific pathway with your state's licensing agency before applying.

• Reciprocity

  • The process of transferring a teaching license you already hold in one state to another state. Each state sets its own reciprocity requirements, so the rules are different depending on where you're going and where you came from. There is no one-size-fits-all process.

• DOE — Department of Education

  • The state-level agency responsible for educator licensing. Every state has one, though the names differ. For example, Washington's equivalent is the OPSI (Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction, or WA OPSI).

State-Specific Licensing Agencies

DC Candidates (non-U.S. citizens): You will need an ECIS number to apply for a DC OSSE Standard license and to receive your Program Completion Verification Form (F-1). See the DC Licensure Guide on your platform.

Moreland-Specific Terms: Your Program Documents and Statuses

These are terms you'll encounter on the Moreland platform throughout your program.

Program & Institution Terms

• EPP — Educator Preparation Provider

  • The official term for an institution, like Moreland University, that is approved to prepare and certify teachers.

• EPI — Educator Preparation Institutes

  • Used in Florida only — the state's designation for educator preparation programs.

• EA — Enrollment Agreement

  • The contract you signed when enrolling in the program. It outlines your financial obligations and program terms.

Clinical Practice Documents

• VoCP — Verification of Clinical Practice

  • A required form signed by you (the candidate), your mentor teacher, and sometimes your supervisor after you complete Module 8 (ED 508). It officially confirms that you completed your clinical practicum in a school setting. This document must be on file for your program to be completed.

• MOU — Memorandum of Understanding

  • A formal agreement between Moreland University and the school or school district where you complete your clinical practice. The MOU allows you to student teach at that location. Without a signed MOU, clinical practice at that site cannot be approved.

Completion Documents

• F-1 — DC OSSE Program Completion Verification Form

  • A specific completion document required for candidates seeking a DC OSSE Standard teaching license in Washington, D.C.

• IR — Institutional Recommendation

  • A formal recommendation from Moreland University to a state licensing agency confirming that you have successfully completed the program and are recommended for licensure.

Candidate Status Terms

Understanding your status on the platform tells you exactly where you are in the completion process.

• Awaiting Requirements

  • You have items that still need to be completed or submitted before you can move toward program completion. This could include outstanding payments, a missing VoCP, unfinished grades, or GPA requirements. Check your platform and reach out to your Program Advisor to resolve any open items.

• Awaiting Validation

  • All of your program requirements appear to be met, and you are being reviewed for final completion. However, if you are in Georgia, Florida, North Carolina, or Tennessee, you may still have outstanding state-specific requirements (such as required exams) that must be resolved before you can be officially marked complete.

• Completion

  • You have successfully met all program completion requirements and any applicable state completion criteria. You have been verified on the platform as a completer. Allow up to 24 hours for your completion documents to appear in your platform under Personal Info Page → Other Documents tab → Completion Documents.

Questions about any of these terms or your current status? Your Program Advisor is your best resource — reach out any time.