School of Continuing Education and Special Programs

SCHOOL OF CONTINUING EDUCATION
AND SPECIAL PROGRAMS

Dean: Thomas L. Wells (251) 460-6283

E-mail: twells@usouthal.edu

Associate Dean: Ellwood B. Hannum (251) 460-6283

E-mail: ehannum@usouthal.edu

FAX: (251) 460-7824

School of Continuing Education and Special Programs web site
http://www.southalabama.edu/scesp

Department of Interdisciplinary Studies

Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services

Department of Developmental Studies

Department of English as a Second Language

International Education

Cooperative Education Program

The School of Continuing Education and Special Programs (SCESP) is the primary public service outreach arm for the University. The Mission of the SCESP is to provide and support lifelong educational learning experiences and to serve as an advocate for students along the Greater Gulf Coast as they interact with the global community. This includes providing educational services to individual students as well as to institutional clients. Various formats exist by which the school delivers educational programs to meet its stated mission. Both non-credit and credit programs assist individuals and institutions in meeting their educational objectives.

The Department of Conference Activities and Special Courses provides noncredit courses, conferences and workshops, cultural offerings, lecture series, and special education services projects. Programs are designed to serve the needs of business and industry, help individuals lead more useful lives, challenge the active mind, employ leisure time more wisely, and develop better citizenship.

Non-credit course offerings have included courses in a number of areas: conversational languages, supervision and management, computer literacy and application, art, music, literature, secretarial skills, communication, photography and leisure activities.

Continuing Education Units are awarded to individuals attending non-credit courses and other non-credit activities. One CEU is awarded for each ten hours of class contact. Students may receive a certificate indicating that they have completed the course satisfactorily and may request a transcript which includes the non-credit courses, conferences, institutes and workshops they have satisfactorily completed plus the number of CEU’s earned for each non-credit activity.

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies offers the Adult Degree Program and the Interdisciplinary Degree Program. These programs are designed to give students a variety of options in earning a Bachelor’s degree tailored to meet their needs and interests. The department also administers the Weekend College, enabling students to take courses from the University’s regular curriculum in a weekend format.

Evening, weekend, and online courses offer persons who are employed during the day an opportunity to pursue their college education on a part-time basis without interfering with their employment. These courses are the same as those offered during the day in content, quality, and quantity of work required.

GLOBAL PERSPECTIVES/STUDY-RESEARCH-INTERNSHIP-COMMUNITY SERVICE ABROAD

In keeping with the stated University of South Alabama mission statement, the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs is committed to broadening students' understanding of different cultures and preparing them for the global community in which we live. One of the most successful ways of achieving this global perspective is to study/research/intern abroad for a year, semester or summer. An international academic experience is an enriching experience in which students can immerse themselves in a different culture, apply what they learned in their USA classes, enhance or begin new language/cross-cultural skills and learn lifelong interpersonal skills required in today's global economic environments. While abroad students will also develop an understanding as well as an appreciation of the complexity of cultural, political, environmental, and social issues worldwide which builds on the theoretical and practical skills needed to interact effectively in today's global society. Students interested in such opportunities should contact the USA Office of International Education www.southalabama.edu/international to explore additional options that may be available for all majors and minors.

DEPARTMENT OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES

Chair: Vaughn S. Millner (251) 460-6263

Professors: Hannum, Wells

Associate Professor: Millner

Assistant Professors: Lauderdale, Norris, Wilkinson, Wilson

Academic Advisors: Goodwin, Harvey, Bogar (USABC)

Academic Counselor: Davis

Interdisciplinary Degree Program Coordinator: Wilkinson

Home Page: www.southalabama.edu/ais

E-mail: ais@usouthal.edu

The Department of Interdisciplinary Studies provides opportunities for students through two flexible, individually designed interdisciplinary degree programs: the Adult Degree Program (ADP) and the Interdisciplinary Degree Program (IDP), and Weekend College, a coordinated effort to offer University courses during weekend hours.

ADULT DEGREE PROGRAM

Adult students frequently have unique goals, along with other primary life responsibilities, that necessitate a more flexible approach to the design of learning experiences, the scheduling of classes, and the formulation of a program of study. To meet these needs, the Adult Degree Program offers a major in Interdisciplinary Studies leading to the Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree.

Upon completion of the baccalaureate, ADP graduates should be able to:

1)		Understand and appreciate the interdisciplinary approach to learning;
2)		Have the ability to think critically and express themselves effectively orally and in writing;
3)		Understand and apply knowledge of adult development personally and professionally;
4)		Appreciate individual and cultural differences and collaborate effectively with colleagues of diverse backgrounds;
5)		Identify and articulate important questions and problems related to their interests, education, and career development, and to execute research strategies for discovering viable solutions;

Students applying to the Adult Degree Program must satisfy general requirements for admission to the University of South Alabama (see “Admission to the University”) and complete an interview with the ADP counselor. In addition, applicants must be at least twenty-five years of age or fulfill the following definition of an adult learner: someone who has assumed major responsibilities and/or commitments of adulthood (work, family, community), who is operating independently in society, and whose principal identity is other than that of a full-time student.

Each adult student’s individualized, interdisciplinary program of study is planned in consultation with an academic advisor. Students choose one of the following concentrations of study: Administrative Sciences, Applied Arts, Applied Sciences, Community Services, Human Services, Liberal Studies, or Professional Development. All programs of study must consist of a minimum of 128 credit hours. Course requirements necessitate that students be enrolled in the program for a minimum of three terms before graduation.

The degree program begins with a required three semester hour foundation course, AIS 101: “Theories and Principles of Adult Learning” for students with less than 64 hours of credit. All students are required to take AIS 301: “Adult Learning—Critical Reflections” and must satisfy the University's general education requirements (See “Academic Policies and Procedures”).

In addition to the general requirements, each student must complete 15 hours of general competencies (CIS 150 or its equivalent, an advanced writing course such as EH 372 or MGT 305, a statistics course such as ST 210 or AIS 300, a course in adult development such as AIS 401 or SY 220, and a course in cultural diversity such as AIS 320 or EDF 315) and an individualized 54-hour concentration, with at least 30 hours from upper division courses. The concentration, designed in consultation with an academic advisor, must include at least three disciplines, each of which must be represented by a minimum of 12 credit hours of appropriate course work (6 of which must be 300-400 level), relevant supporting courses, and a senior project (see AIS 430 course description). The concentration forms part of the graduation plan, which all majors must submit to the Interdisciplinary Studies department for approval by their senior year.

A minimum grade-point average of 2.00 in all course work undertaken at the University of South Alabama and a minimum grade-point average of 2.00 in the concentration are required for graduation.

Students with a 3.5 USA GPA and a 3.5 GPA in their concentration are encouraged to apply for departmental honors after enrolling in AIS 380. Contact the department for specific honors requirements.

INTERDISCIPLINARY DEGREE PROGRAM

The Interdisciplinary Degree Program (IDP) is designed for traditional students who have educational and career goals that cannot be met through traditional academic majors. In the Interdisciplinary Degree Program students can choose from seven concentrations: Administrative Sciences, Applied Arts, Applied Sciences, Community Services, Human Services, Liberal Arts, or Professional Development, leading to a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Interdisciplinary Studies. All programs of study must consist of a minimum of 128 credit hours. Upon completion of the degree, IDP graduates should be able to:

1. Understand and appreciate the interdisciplinary approach to learning.

2. Have the ability to think critically and express themselves effectively orally and in writing.

3. Understand and apply knowledge of human development personally and professionally.

4. Appreciate individual and cultural differences and collaborate effectively with others.

5. Demonstrate competence in various concentrations that are tailored to their educational and career goals.

All first-time Interdisciplinary Degree Program students must enroll in IST 302 during their first term in the program, except for summer-entry students who must enroll in the fall semester following entry.

Students applying to the Interdisciplinary Degree Program must satisfy general requirements for admission to the University of South Alabama (see "Admission to the University") and must complete an interview with the program coordinator. The student's individualized program of study is planned in consultation with the program coordinator or advisor and must be approved by the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies.

Each student enrolled in the Interdisciplinary Degree Program must satisfy the University's general education requirements (see "Academic Policies and Procedures"), a 3 hour foundation course, and 15 hours of competencies in computer applications, applied statistics, advanced writing, human development, and cultural diversity. The student's concentration consists of a minimum of 54 hours from three related disciplines, with at least 30 hours from upper division courses. One discipline must be represented by a minimum of 15 hours, 9 of which must be upper division. The other two disciplines must each be represented by a minimum of 12 hours, 6 of which must be upper division. Additional requirements include 6 hours of internship or a senior project. Remaining coursework in the concentration may be from the disciplines or relevant supporting courses.

A minimum grade-point average of 2.00 in all coursework undertaken at the University of South Alabama and a minimum grade-point average of 2.00 in the concentration are required for graduation.

Qualified students may participate in the University Honors Program (see "Honors Program"). Students with a 3.5 USA GPA and a 3.5 GPA in their concentration are encouraged to apply for IST departmental honors at the beginning of their senior year. To receive department honors, an honors senior project must be completed. Contact the IST department for specific honors requirements.

uSA EDUCATION/STUDY ABROAD

Students in the Interdisciplinary and Adult education programs are encouraged to incorporate international experiences as part of their academic activities. Study, research, and internships as well as service learning and community service abroad are available options. For more information contact the USA Office of International Education (251) 460-7053

WEEKEND COLLEGE

The University of South Alabama offers courses from its regular curriculum on the weekend. These courses are taught by University faculty and are adapted to the weekend format to provide flexible scheduling options for nontraditional students. The Weekend College program is coordinated through the Department of Interdisciplinary Studies. The scheduling of classes is done by the appropriate departments and colleges.

PRIOR LEARNING ASSESSMENT CENTER

The Prior Learning Assessment Center, housed in the IST Department, serves as a central location where potential and enrolled USA students can obtain information and advising on programs available at the University for the assessment of experiential and non-collegiate-sponsored learning. The center is also the primary academic unit responsible for the coordination and administration of the prior learning assessment by portfolio program.

DESCRIPTIONS OF INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES TRADITIONAL (IST) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF ADULT INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (AIS) COURSES

CENTER FOR CONTINUING EDUCATION AND CONFERENCE SERVICES

Director: Martha M. Matherne (251) 431-6411

Continuing Education Specialists: Sue Allison, Laurent Cadden, Catherine Drake, Robert Maxwell, Leigh Patton, Glen Vanderbeek

Marketing Specialist: Shelley Stephens

Home Page: http://www.usacontinuinged.com

Serving as a community outreach arm of the University of South Alabama’s School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, the Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services provides a wide range of noncredit educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of both specialized organizations and individuals. Located at the USA Brookley campus, this Center reaches numerous groups, including business and industry, health care providers, governmental agencies, and individuals seeking personal enrichment or career enhancement.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND CONFERENCES

Programs emphasize education and training for the working professional in the form of seminars, workshops, conferences, and in-house programs. University faculty as well as local and national experts from many fields actively participate in the development and instruction of these programs. Additionally, conferences focusing on specific topics of interest, such as alcohol and drug abuse, are offered annually.

Seminars and workshops are offered on an open-enrollment and an in-house (contract) basis. Open-enrollment programs are designed to meet the training and development needs of a variety of organizations. Program participants are drawn from throughout the region and the nation. In-house (contract) training programs are designed to meet the education and training needs of a specific organization. Services include needs assessment, course development and delivery of training. USA instructional resources travel throughout the country to deliver these programs at sites selected by the contacting organization. Topics include supervision, communication, management, information technology certification training, computer software applications, business and technical writing.

SPECIAL COURSES

Special Courses are noncredit, short courses designed with the concept of lifelong learning in mind. Personal enrichment, career development, and general educational enhancement for individuals throughout the community are offered during spring, summer, fall, and winter terms each year. Most courses are held during evening or weekend hours once or twice a week for a period of four to eight weeks.

Topics offered include art, music, dance, health and fitness, languages, cooking, and other fields concerned with improving the quality of life. Several certificate programs are also offered for individuals seeking vocational development in areas such as data processing, paralegal, secretarial, accounting, medical office management, photography, and administrative careers. Academic examination review classes are also offered.

PROGRAMS FOR MATURE LEARNERS

Elderhostel is a national residential program designed for individuals over the age of 55. Participants’ length of stay is one week during which they take a variety of classes similar to those offered through Special Courses. Educational content is diverse and utilizes both USA faculty and local experts. USA hosts approximately 70 Elderhostel programs annually.

Odyssey USA is a self-managed study program for mature learners in the local community. It is affiliated with the Elderhostel Institute Network, an organization formed in 1988 to encourage the lifelong learning movement at a national level. An Executive Board of elected members provides leadership for issues relating to curriculum development and the operation of the organization.

PROGRAMS FOR YOUTH

The USA Camps Program has a dual purpose. It manages most camps sponsored by the University of South Alabama and facilitates all non-University camps utilizing USA’s facilities and services.

The goal is to provide educational opportunities for the mental and physical development of young people.

HAZARDOUS OPERATIONS, SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROGRAM

The Hazardous Operations, Safety and Environmental Program serves industry, government and other agencies with state-of-the-art instruction in the handling of hazardous materials and emergency spills, technical rescue and incident command. Much of the training is mandated by federal and state laws and the program follows the guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation, among others. In working directly with industry and other emergency response groups, training is offered on both an open-enrollment and contract basis that can be tailored to a client's site-specific needs. The program also features an impressive laboratory where students receive hands-on instruction and real-world application experience for real emergency and rescue situations. The program's staff is continuously expanding course offerings to keep clients safe and ahead of emerging regulations.

OTHER OPPORTUNITIES

The Center for Continuing Education and Conference Services facility at the USA Brookley Center houses its computer laboratory. The lab is used for workshops and short courses sponsored by the University. It is also available, on a rental basis, to organizations conducting their own training.

DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES

Chair: Charlotte T. Matthews (251) 460-7155

Associate Professor: Mollise

Assistant Professor: Young

Senior Instructors: Bru, Matthews, Rowe

Instructors: Anderson, Kingman, Williams

Academic Advisor: LaDora Howard

Web Page: http://www.southalabama.edu/developmentalstudiesprogram

The Mission of the Department of Developmental Studies is to produce courses and instructional support services of excellence that address the needs of students in their preparation for collegiate study and students in transition to the University. The courses and services offered provide students with opportunities to strengthen the basic skills necessary for academic success; to explore career options and preparation; to access campus activities, programs, and services; and to become active participants in the University community.

Credits earned in courses with a DS prefix do not meet degree requirements within the University. The credits earned do carry institutional non-degree credit and allow students to qualify for financial aid. Grades earned are computed into the overall GPA in most colleges and hours are counted toward classification (sophomore, etc.). Credits earned in courses with a CP, LAS, or RDG prefix count as free electives.

DESCRIPTIONS OF DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES (DS) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF LANGUAGE ARTS AND SKILLS (LAS) COURSE

FRESHMAN SEMINAR

The University’s First Year Experience Program provides freshmen the opportunity to participate in activities designed to ease the transition to the University. CP 101, Freshman Seminar, is a course for students whose major does not offer a Freshman Seminar course. This course for first-time students assists with maximizing students' potential to achieve academic success and to adjust responsibly to the individual and interpersonal challenges presented by college life.

CAREER PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT

Career Planning and Development is a university-wide program offered under the aegis of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs. The career courses are open to all students for credit. There are no prerequisites for CP 250 and 450.

The Career Program is designed to achieve four objectives: (1) to help students begin their academic careers with the skills necessary for college success; (2) to provide occupational exposure to students who plan to enter medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine; (3) to assist students who are uncertain as to a career or a major; and (4) to help students, especially those in the liberal arts, launch their careers by obtaining suitable employment upon graduation, or to help students plan and develop their graduate or professional education.

CP 200, Clinical Observation, is designed to help students achieve the second objective by providing them with actual experience in these health care fields so that they may determine whether or not they are suited for the careers they have chosen.

CP 250, Career Planning and Development, is designed to help students achieve the third objective. Through the use of psychological testing and systematic self evaluation, as well as the study of occupations and occupational trends, students are aided in selecting a suitable career.

CP 450, The Job Campaign, is designed to help students achieve the fourth objective. In this course, emphasis is placed on developing strategies for obtaining suitable positions and making career choices based on decision theory.

DESCRIPTIONS OF CAREER PLANNING (CP) COURSES

DESCRIPTIONS OF COLLEGE READING (RDG) COURSES

UNIVERSITY WRITING CENTER

The University Writing Center, located in Alpha Hall East, provides assistance in writing to any member of the University community. The University Writing Center is an instructional facility, not an editing service. The writing consultants there focus on teaching the writer, rather than simply fixing the writing. Students and others may receive help with any type of writing task at any stage of the writing process: from idea generation, development, and revision, to grammatical concerns and editing strategies. Most writing consultations take place in the University Writing Center. The consulting schedule varies from semester to semester. More information can be found at the University Writing Center home page: http://www.southalabama.edu/writing, or by calling (251) 460-6480.

OFFICE OF STUDENT ACADEMIC SUCCESS AND RETENTION

Director: Dr. Dorothy C. Mollise (251) 414-8051
Fax: (251) 461-1398 Email: dmollise@jaguar1.usouthal.edu

The mission of the Office of Student Academic Success and Retention is to promote student success and retention through a variety of university-wide, student-centered initiatives designed to ease the transition to college, enhance academic performance, and improve retention and graduation rates. Some of these initiatives include the University Writing Center; the Freshman Seminar success course; the Supplemental Instruction Program; JAG Early Alert; summer academic bridge programs; and developmental course work for students who need additional academic preparation in mathematics, english, writing, and college reading before enrolling in college-level classes.

DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (English Language Center)

Director: Frank Daugherty, Coordinator

(251) 460-7185; FAX: (251) 460-7201

Instructors: Basque, Daugherty, Habib, McCormick

Home Page: http://www.southalabama.edu/esl

The English Language Center provides intensive English-language instruction to individuals whose native language is not English. Matriculation in these courses is limited to international students of the University, to students of the English Language Center and to any resident internationals who wish to take one or more courses as students through the Continuing Education division of the University.

A variety of courses are offered each semester. ESL courses MAY NOT be substituted for EH 101 or 102 requirements. All required ESL composition courses must be completed BEFORE the student may register for EH 101 or 102. Credits earned in the English Language Center will not be acceptable toward meeting degree requirements within the University. However, ESL courses may be counted as part of the 12-hour course load required of F-1 students and may be taken as electives by students wishing to improve their proficiency in English.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) COURSES

INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION

Director: Dr. Jim Ellis (251) 460-7053

FAX: (251) 460-6228

E-mail: intledu@usouthal.edu

International Program Specialist: Ana C. Burgamy

Home Page: www.southalabama.edu/international

The Office of International Education (OIE) is responsible for the coordination, facilitation and oversight of all USA international activity, e.g., education (study) abroad programs and related projects beyond U.S. territorial limits involving University faculty, students or staff. OIE provides leadership and advocacy on behalf of the students, faculty, university, and college objectives and goals for international education and exchanges. All existing or proposed international programs, exchanges, contracts and grants are reviewed and registered with the Office of International Education. The director chairs the University Council on International Education, whose members are appointed by the President of the University and charged with disseminating information, developing as well as guiding policy and planning for USA in the international arena. In addition, the Director of International Education works in collaboration with University deans, division heads and directors responsible for curriculum and faculty development. The Office of International Education administers all USA Education Abroad Programs, including the Alumni Travel Programs Abroad. The Office of International Education is available for collaboration with local governmental, business and community organizations that foster international cooperation, exchange and understanding. All USA students who plan to participate in a study, research, internship or work abroad opportunity must contact the Office of International Education for information on program advising and approval procedures.

COOPERATIVE EDUCATION AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

Director, Career Services: Bevley W. Green (251) 460-6188

Associate Director, Cooperative Education and Internship Program:
Holly Woodall (251) 460-6188 Email: hwoodall@usouthal.edu

The Cooperative Education/Internship Program enables students to combine classroom studies and paid work experience related to their major field of study. Practical experience is available in industrial, business, governmental, or service organizations.

Undergraduate students may apply at the Career Services Center to enter the Cooperative Education Program when they have completed 12 credit hours, attained a cumulative grade-point average of 2.0 or above, and are classified as a full-time student upon commencement of participation in the program; however, engineering students must have attained a cumulative grade-point average of 2.3 or above. Prior to the first work experience, engineering students must complete two or three semesters of study for a total of 24 credit hours toward the engineering degree and complete courses MA 125 and MA 126.

Graduate students may apply to enter the Cooperative Education/Internship Program after they are accepted into a graduate program.

Option 1: Alternating Cooperative Education: Students work full-time one semester and attend classes full-time the following semester on a rotating schedule until graduation.

Option 2: Internship: Students work for various lengths of time depending upon the unique needs of the organization providing the experience. Some internships may not be paid; experience is the reward. The option for receiving academic credit for this experience is approved through the department chair or academic advisor.

Option 3: Engineering Cooperative Education - The Five Year Plan: This program allows engineering students to gain one year of valuable engineering experience as they pursue their degree. The freshman year is spent as a full-time student at the university. During the sophomore and junior years, the student alternates working full-time for one semester and taking full-time course work the next semester. The student returns to campus full-time for the senior year. This program offers many advantages; interested students should consult with Career Services. Application should be made for admission to the program no later than the end of the second semester of the freshman year.

DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL COOPERATIVE EDUCATION (COE) COURSES