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The primary mission of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs is one of advocacy for the adult and non-traditional student in the Metro-Mobile area. 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 formats assist individuals and institutions in meeting their educational objectives. The Department of Conference Activities and Special Courses provides non-credit 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 Adult Interdisciplinary Studies offers the Adult Degree Program. This program is designed to give the adult student a variety of options in earning a Bachelor's degree tailored to meet the student's needs and interests. The Department also administers the Weekend College enabling adult students to take courses from the University's regular curriculum in a weekend format. Evening Studies and Weekend College 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. Adults enrolling in evening and weekend classes at the University are either (1) pursuing undergraduate and graduate degree programs; (2) taking credit courses without reference to a degree; or (3) enrolled in credit courses as an auditor. Evening and weekend courses are the same as those offered during the day in content, quality, and quantity of work required. Degree students enrolling in evening and weekend classes meet the same academic requirements for course prerequisites and, upon completion of a degree program, receive the same degree as day students. Because of limited course offerings in some academic areas, evening students may find it necessary to enroll in day classes to complete part of their degree requirements. The admission requirements for adult students are similar to those for traditional students. An application for admission to the University is required, as well as high school or other transcripts and credentials. (See Admission section) Adult students may enroll for evening credit classes which apply toward the degrees of Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Business Administration, or Master of Education. Credit courses usually meet two evenings each week, either on Monday and Wednesday or Tuesday and Thursday. Part-time evening students are advised to take no more than two courses each semester if they are employed on a full-time basis. If further information concerning evening credit courses is desired, individuals may contact the Admissions Office, or Dean's Office of the college involved. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA BROOKLEY CENTER Director: Pat Downing (431-6445) The University of South Alabama Brookley Center is a 327-acre campus that includes conference, meeting, and training facilities, lodging, complete dining services including catered events and special functions, administrative offices, and residential housing units. The recreational activities provided are a swimming pool, jogging areas, and the 18-hole Gulf Pines Golf Course and Clubhouse. The Center offers special programs, seminars, conferences, workshops, and other educational and training programs. The Academic units housed on the USA Brookley Center include the Department of Conference Activities and Special Courses, the Department of Emergency Medical Services Training, the Center for Emergency Response Training, components of the College of Education, and educational leasing facilities. In any given year, the USA Brookley Center will serve between 25,000 and 40,000 people. UNIVERSITY THEATRE FOR THE PERFORMING ARTS Director: Bruce Morgan (438-5686) The historic USA Saenger Theatre is a 1920's style Vaudeville and Movie Palace, located in the heart of the Arts District in downtown Mobile. Opened in 1927, the theatre has played host to many famous stars of the stage and screen. The theatre is utilized by the community throughout the year for various functions. Acquired by the University in 1972, the 2,028 seat theatre is now home to the USA Saenger Series, a program devoted to bringing the finest of today's national and international performers to the Gulf Coast area. The series offers Broadway musicals, plays, concerts, and a wide variety of other performances. Events at the Saenger attract up to 100,000 people each year. UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH ALABAMA BALDWIN COUNTY Director: Phillip Norris (928-8133) The University of South Alabama Baldwin County (USABC) campus was created in August, 1984, to meet the upper-division, higher-education needs of one of the fastest growing and most diverse counties in Alabama. The campus is located in downtown Fairhope. The administration building is 10 North Summit Street and the classroom complex is at the corner of Summit Street and St. James Place. Academic offerings are concentrated in liberal arts and business on the undergraduate level and in education on both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Academic courses are taught by University of South Alabama faculty. Courses are offered during the day and the evening in Fairhope. Most courses meet once a week. USABC is committed to providing the same high-quality educational experiences in Baldwin County that are provided on the main campus of the University of South Alabama. DEPARTMENT OF ADULT INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES Chair: Joyce C. Woodruff (460-6263) The Department of Adult Interdisciplinary Studies provides opportunities for adult students through three alternative educational programs: the Adult Degree Program, a flexible, individually designed interdisciplinary degree program; Weekend College, a coordinated effort to offer University courses during weekend hours; and media-assisted study, a series of courses developed to supplement the traditional curriculum. ADULT
DEGREE PROGRAM Students applying to the Adult Degree Program must satisfy general requirements for admission to the University of South Alabama (see "Admission to the University"). 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 fields of study: Administrative Sciences, Liberal Studies, Applied Sciences, Human Services, Community Services, or Professional Development. All programs of study must consist of a minimum of 128 credit hours, at least 21 of which must be earned after entering the Adult Degree Program. The degree program begins with a required 3 semester hour foundation course, AIS 101: "Theories and Principles of Adult Learning" or AIS 301: "Adult Learning--Critical Reflections." General education requirements, which all students must satisfy, consist of 41 semester hours in the following areas:
In addition to the general requirements, each student must complete 9 hours of general competencies and an individualized 54-hour field of study, with at least 27 hours from upper division courses. The field of study, designed in consultation with an academic advisor, must include at least three disciplines, each of which must be represented by a minimum of 12 and a maximum of 27 credit hours of appropriate course work, relevant supporting courses, and a senior project (see AIS 430 course description). The field of study forms part of the graduation proposal, which all majors must submit to the AIS department for approval early in 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 field of study are required for graduation. WEEKEND COLLEGE MEDIA-ASSISTED COURSES DESCRIPTIONS OF ADULT INTERDISCIPLINARY STUDIES (AIS) COURSES DEPARTMENT OF CONFERENCE ACTIVITIES AND SPECIAL COURSES Chair: Martha M. Matherne (431-6411) PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, AND CONFERENCES 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 contracting organization. Topics include supervision, communication, management, computer software applications, technical writing and engineering applications. SPECIAL COURSES 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 manage-ment, photography, and administrative careers. Academic examination review classes are also offered, including ACT and SAT reviews for high school students and GRE, GMAT, LSAT, and LPC reviews for college graduates. PROGRAMS
FOR MATURE LEARNERS 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 University sponsors both academic and sports camps. The goal is to provide educational opportunities for the mental and physical development of young people. Each summer, computer, science, baseball, basketball, golf, soccer and volleyball camps are conducted. OTHER OPPORTUNITIES Suitcase Studies combines the ease and enjoyment of group travel with a dynamic educational focus. Faculty escorts and local specialists share insights about the cultural, historical and geographic aspects of the destination. Chair: Sylvia Spann (460-7155) The Developmental Studies Program (DS) is designed for students who may not have the high school grades or ACT scores generally required for college admission but who, according to other criteria, indicate a potential for academic success in an institution of higher education. The focus of DS is the improvement of communicative skills (especially reading and writing) essential for educational achievement. Additionally, attention will be given to developing computational skills, oral communication, study techniques, and general coping strategies necessary for college survival. Acceptances to the program are limited. Credits earned in DS will not be acceptable toward meeting degree requirements within the University. However, credits earned do carry institutional credit and qualify for financial aid. Grades earned are computed into the overall GPA in most colleges and hours are counted toward classification (sophomore, etc.). ADMISSIONS PROMOTION AND COMPLETION
POLICIES Student records remain in Developmental Studies for a minimum of two semesters. During this time, progress is closely monitored and evaluation by instructors and counselors is ongoing. Student records are released provided a satisfactory grade-point average has been maintained and all program requirements have been met. Approved academic courses applicable toward a degree are allowed while enrolled in the Developmental Studies Program. All DS courses carry grades of A, B, C, and U with the exception of DS094. Students must repeat any required DS courses in which a passing grade is not received. If a student receives two successive U's in a DS course, he will thereafter be required to repeat the failed course as Directed Studies DS094. Courses under DS094 will be granted letter grades of A, B, C, or F. The course must be repeated until a satisfactory grade is received. In addition, students placed in DS094 will be required to follow specific guidelines established by the Developmental Studies Program. Developmental Studies courses must be taken each semester until program requirements have been met. DESCRIPTIONS OF DEVELOPMENTAL STUDIES (DS) COURSES CAREER
PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT The Career Program is designed to achieve three objectives: (1) to provide occupational exposure to students who plan to enter medicine, dentistry, optometry, pharmacy, or veterinary medicine, (2) to assist students who are uncertain as to a career or a major, and (3) to assist students, especially those in the liberal arts, to launch their careers by obtaining suitable employment upon graduation, or to assist students to plan and develop their graduate or professional education. CP 200, Clinical Observation, is designed to help students achieve the first 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 second 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 third 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 DEPARTMENT OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL SERVICES TRAINING Chair: David W. Burns, M.P.H. (431-6418) The Department of Emergency Medical Services Training offers a certificate program requiring one semester to complete the EMT Basic course and two semesters each to complete the EMT Intermediate and Paramedic course requirements. Students may elect to complete only the EMT-Basic or EMT-Intermediate level. After completion of each level, the student is eligible to take the National Registry of EMT's Examination. Successful completion of this examination is mandatory for licensure to practice, at any level of EMT, in the State of Alabama. Those who complete all three levels of training are qualified to work in any area of out of hospital emergency medical care and, in some areas, are welcome additions to hospital staffs. Students desiring to pursue a baccalaureate degree with an emphasis in Emergency Medical Services may do so through a cooperative arrangement between the Department of Adult Interdisciplinary Studies and the Department of Emergency Medical Services Training. Students interested in a Bachelor's degree should consult a representative from the Department of Adult Interdisciplinary Studies. The Emergency Medical Services Training Program is fully accredited by the Commission for the Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs and the Joint Review Committee on Educational Programs for the EMT/Paramedic. ADMISSIONS PROGRESSION AND COMPLETION
POLICIES Each student must be state licensed before beginning the clinical internship at either the Intermediate or Paramedic level. CLASS AND CLINICAL INTERNSHIPS UNIFORMS, EQUIPMENT, AND
INSURANCE All students are required to wear uniforms during clinical internships and must supply their own stethoscope, scissors, and penlight. CRITERIA FOR PROGRESSION Students will be allowed to repeat a course only one time. In all courses, written assignments are required for course completion. These written assignments will not be accepted after due date and time. All other criteria for progression will be listed in each course syllabus and will be mandatory. CURRICULUM DESCRIPTIONS OF EMERGENCY MEDICAL TRAINING (EMT) COURSES THE CENTER FOR EMERGENCY RESPONSE TRAINING Chair: David W. Burns, MPH The University of South Alabama's Center for Emergency Response Training (CERT) serves industry, government and other agencies with state-of-the-art instruction in the handling of hazardous materials and emergency spills. Much of the training is mandated by federal and state laws and CERT's programs follow the guidelines set forth by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration, the Environmental Protection Agency and the Department of Transportation, among others. As part of the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, the Center's staff works directly with industry and other emergency response groups to customize the training to their specific work place hazards, through academic classroom instruction and practical "hands-on" scenarios. Overlooking historic Mobile Bay at USA Brookley, the CERT lab has an impressive array of "real-world" training devices, to include actual rail cars, industry props as well as transportation and confined space mock-ups. One of the best training fields in this area, it provides an ideal environment for intensive scenario training, allowing CERT instructors to expose students to seemingly real hazardous material situations. While challenging, students often note the "hands-on" portion of the programs as a highlight of their course work. CERT graduates receive certificates of completion and continuing education units for their participation. Upon request, CERT will attempt to register C.E.U.s with specific groups and organizations. The State of Alabama Emergency Medical Services Division, along with other state agencies, has approved CERT's program for elective continuing education units. Below are CERT's main course offerings. However, the Center's staff is always glad to develop new curricula and deliver training tailored to a client's individual needs. HAZMAT
EMERGENCY SPILL RESPONSE - TECHNICIAN LEVEL HAZWOPER WASTE SITE WORKER CONFINED SPACE RESCUE OTHER COURSES High Angle Rescue (Levels I, II and III) DEPARTMENT OF ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE Director: Dr. Robert Lager (460-7185); Fax: (334-460-7201) 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 on an audit basis as students through the Continuing Education department of the University. A variety of courses is offered each semester. ESL courses MAY NOT be substituted for EH 101 or 102 requirements. All required ESL 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. The Center administers the Institutional TOEFL exam each semester. DESCRIPTIONS OF ALL ENGLISH AS A SECOND LANGUAGE (ESL) COURSES INTERNATIONAL PROGRAMS AND DEVELOPMENT Director: Dr. Robert J. Fornaro (460-7053) International Programs and Development Office, an administrative unit of Academic Affairs and the School of Continuing Education and Special Programs, is responsible for the coordination and oversight of University international activity, e.g. academic programs and projects beyond U.S. territorial limits involving University faculty, students or staff. All existing or proposed international programs, exchanges, contracts and grants are reviewed and registered with the Office of International Programs. The Director chairs the University Inter-national Affairs Committee, whose members are appointed by the President of the University and charged with disseminating information, guiding policy and planning. In addition, the Director of International Programs works directly with University deans, division heads and directors responsible for curriculum and faculty development. The Office of International Programs and Development administers University Programs Abroad in Britain, France, Germany, Greece, Russia and Mexico. The resources of the Office of International Programs and Development are available to local governmental and community organizations that foster international cooperation and understanding. THE CENTER FOR INTERNATIONAL TRADE AND COMMERCE Director: Dr. Robert Lager (460-6102); The Center was created in 1980 for the purpose of encouraging Alabama's manufacturers and agricultural producers to take advantage of the unlimited sales potential of international markets. The Center is an associate office of the U. S. Department of Commerce. The CITC has cooperative affiliations with the following organizations: U.S. Department of Commerce
OBJECTIVES AND FUNCTIONS OF THE CITC
INTERNSHIPS Director: Allan McPeak, Ph.D. The Cooperative Education 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 24 credit hours; attained a cumulative grade-point average of 2.3 or above; at least two semesters remaining before graduation and are full-time students upon commencement of participation in the program. Graduate students may apply to enter the Career Experience Opportunities Program after they are accepted into a graduate program. Option 1. Parallel Cooperative Education: Students work part-time, usually 15 to 20 hours per week, while attending classes for a minimum of 12 academic credit hours per semester throughout the calendar year. Option 2. Alternating Cooperative Education: Students work full-time one semester and attend classes full-time the following semester on a rotating schedule until graduation. The work assignment is usually shared by a pair of students on an alternating basis. Prerequisites for participation in the Cooperative Education Program include attending the Employability Skills Seminar offered continuously by Career Services and payment of the materials fee in effect at the time of application for the program. To remain in the program, students must maintain good academic standing, a cumulative grade-point average of 2.3 or above, and comply with the policies and procedures of the employer and the Cooperative Education Program. Option 3. Engineering Cooperative Education - The Five Year Plan: - This program allows the student to gain valuable engineering experience as he or she pursues his or her 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 with an excellent salary for one semester and taking full time course work the next semester. The student returns to school full time for the senior year. This program offers many advantages for the student. Interested students should consult with either Career Services or the College of Engineering |
