The Advanced Certification Interpreter Preparation Program at UVSC
"Putting the professional in 'professional interpreter'."

Program Basics
The ACIPP is an intensive program for interpreters who already hold some minimal certification (provisional, novice, intermediate, etc.) and who seek to advance to higher levels through preparation in all areas of the interpreting profession. (Additional program offerings are available to students working toward initial certification. Contact the department for more info).

The ACIPP at UVSC combines for-credit courses (which can be applied toward a bachelor’s degree), paid mentored-practicums (internships), lab work, immersion programs, and other programmatic elements. UVSC’s ACIPP marks a significant break from traditional “training” models of interpreter preparation. The ACIPP goes well beyond skills development and ethical training with the goal of producing true, well-rounded professionals. The ACIPP curriculum recognizes the complex and varied nature of interpreting environments and it addresses the need for interpreter to be skilled linguistically, socially, and intellectually, as well as to be broadly educated, and professionally adroit

Financial Support
Significant financial support is available to students admitted to the program. This support comes in the form of grants, work-study assistance, scholarships, stipends, and paid mentored-practicums. Financial awards are given based a variety of factors related to performance and potential as well as considerations of need. Financial awards are limited to 20 students in any given semester. Students admitted to the program (those receiving financial support) will be required to make heavy commitments in time and energy, and ongoing support will be closely tied to performance, and they will be required to sign an agreement stipulating that they will interpret in Utah for a time equal to the amount of time which they are funded in the program.

Utah Commitment
Students who receive financial assistance for the ACIPP will sign a letter of intention or obligation to UVSC and to stay and work in the state of Utah following training and certification.  Students are obligated to work as an interpreter in Utah for a length of time equivalent to the length of training received from UVSC. For examples 1 year of training results into a commitment of 1 year of work as an interpreter in Utah.

Sample Curriculum
The curricular requirements for the ACIPP are intense and require a significant commitment and equal amounts of dedication from student interpreters. Below is a an outline of the first semester's work. More information will be made available soon. Remember IRD and UIP Continuing Education Hours (CEH's) are available for ACIPP coursework.

Step 1: Application Form. Complete and submit an application form (available here).

Step 2: Video. Create a six-minute video in which you introduce yourself, tell about your interpreting experience, your connections to the Deaf-World, and why you think you would be a good candidate for the program. The video should be done entirely in ASL and it is your chance to demonstrate your ASL skills. (Be careful to make the video easy to watch—pay attention to background, clothing, etc.) This can be submitted either on DVD (preferred) or on VHS videotape. Be sure to clearly label the tape with your name and the acronym “ACIPP.”

Step 3: Letters of reference. Have three current letters of reference sent directly to us in an envelope with the author’s signature across the seal. These letters should address the applicant’s potential as an interpreter, as well as his or her character, dedication, commitment, academic performance, and other related qualities.

Step 4: Transcripts. Obtain copies of your transcripts from all colleges you attended and submit them (preferably with your application form). If you have attended fewer than three semesters of college, you must also include a copy of your high school transcript.

Step 5: Send all application materials to this address:

Dr. Dale Boam
ACIPP
Mail Stop 167
Utah Valley State College
800 West University Parkway
Orem, UT 84058-5999

More Information
Anyone interested either in applying for the ACIPP or in getting additional information should contact Dr. Dale Boam (boamda@uvsc.edu, 801 863-6581 Office voice, 801 815-2547 Cell voice/text). Application forms are available here. Applications are accepted at any time, but space is limited and the criteria for financial awards are rigorous so we encourage applicants to submit as early as possible.