As an employer, a group of your employees need training beyond the one- or two-day seminars offered by commercial organizations. Where can you turn for help? Try the Office of Extended Studies, just a telephone call away.
Established in September 1998, the office is growing at an exponential rate in offering credit and non-credit programming throughout the region. “The past six years have seen exciting programming initiative and community partnerships,” said Dr. Kathleen Howley, dean of extended studies. “And plans are underway for even more entrepreneurial ventures!”
COHORTS AND CREDITS
The office provides a mechanism for the university to meet short-term educational needs by offering cohorts at various sites. In a cohort program, each course in the degree is offered one time, on site which allows students at a distance to earn a SU degree. Students work with faculty to plan the sequencing of coursework that will meet the needs of their particular cohort. Our Department of Criminal Justice tailored such a program for the employees of Cornell Abraxas, on-site, in South Mountain. The cohort proudly received their master of science in administration of justice degrees on May 8.
“It was absolutely fabulous,” said Brad Hyde, assistant director of the secure treatment facility at Cornell Abraxas. “It really met the needs of an employed father of two. The university put together a great cohort with most of the classes held right here. It was beneficial for me both personally and professionally.”
The success of the first cohort over three years has led to more than 25 employees expressing an interest in having a second program.
One of the benefits of cohort programs is that papers, projects, and presentations are relevant to the students and their job situation. Extended Studies has offered cohorts at the Harrisburg City Schools, Lincoln and Capital Area Intermediate Units, and the Dallastown Area School District. Degrees earned include masters of education in special education and in educational administration plus supervisory certificates in special education.
New cohorts include an early childhood emphasis at Susquehanna Township School District, and repeat offerings for Cornell Abraxas and the Lincoln Intermediate Unit.
Brad Hyde was able to earn his master of science in administration of justice degree through a cohort program. Dr. Kathleen Howley, dean of extended studies, offers her congratulations.
Another popular offering is Reading Recovery graduate courses. Over 90 sections have been taught at over 18 school districts across the state. Reading Recovery is an early intervention program for at-risk first grade students.
Two graduate certificate programs were developed by the counseling department to meet the needs of the recently passed Professional Counselor Licensure Bill. An additional certificate in marriage, family, and couples therapy is in the planning stages.
JUST FOR EDUCATORS
Another component of Extended Studies is the K-12 Educators’ Institute which is a series of short-term graduate workshop courses offered each summer. This year over 45 courses, ranging from one to three credits, are offered in a variety of subject areas including art, biology, social studies, athletics, and library science to name a few. Courses are offered online, on campus, and at a variety of on-site locations. These courses are designed to meet Pennsylvania Department of Education standards and the regulations of No Child Left Behind.
Partnerships with the National Audubon Society and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation allow teachers to earn graduate credit for summer field experiences.
The Central Pennsylvania Advanced Placement Academy, under the auspices of the K-12 Educators’ Institute, was established in June 2003 as a partnership between the university, the College Board, Central Dauphin School District, and the Capital Area Intermediate Unit. This academy offers intensive training for high school advanced placement teachers. Plans are to expand both the academy and the institute into year-round programming.
ONLINE TOO!
Distance education is growing by leaps and bounds as Extended Studies has expanded opportunities for Ship students. This summer 55 on-line courses were provided, allowing students to take classes while home for the summer. These on-line courses complement the fall and spring semesters by providing access to general education courses.
The Office of Extended Studies prides itself on its customer service to students. In addition its programming, registration and payment are convenient, easy, and may be done on-line thanks to the ingenuity and expertise of the computer center, accounts payable, and the registrar’s office. The next step, an on-line version of the University Store, is a pilot program with Extended Studies.
In its inaugural year (1998-99), 237 students were enrolled. While final numbers are not available, the 2003-04 academic year is closing in on 1,800 enrollments. “The success of the past six years is due to the tireless efforts and commitment of the faculty, department chairs, and college deans, who believe in being flexible and entrepreneurial in order to meet the education needs of the region and beyond,” said Howley.
THE FREHN CENTER
The Harry R. Frehn Center for Professional and Organizational Development is a major component of the Extended Studies offerings. Building on its strong reputation as an outreach vehicle for the College of Business, the Frehn Center is expanding into a comprehensive outreach vehicle for the entire university.
To further emphasize a one-stop customer service model, the former Centers for Local and State Government and for Lifelong Learning have been integrated into the Frehn Center.
“The Frehn Center leverages the diverse strengths of the university and other partners to provide individuals and organizations a collaborative, holistic, and full-service opportunity,” said Dr. Michael Unruh, director. The center’s modern facilities, including a wireless boardroom, provides a conducive setting for productive seminars and meetings.
In addition to previously established programs like its partnership in the Workforce and Ecomonic Development Network of Pennsylvania (WEDnetPA), the Frehn Center administers Pennsylvania’s chapter of the International Institute for Municipal Clerks, and hosts the Governor’s Institute for School Leadership. It also provides chief examiners to meet the certification needs of crane manufacturers and operators in collaboration with the International Assessment Institute.
In the spring of 2003, the center with local industry leaders and friends of the College of Business, established the I-81 Corridor Warehousing Education and Research Council, the 14th in the country. WERC is the national professional association supporting the warehousing industry. Also in 2003, the center partnered with SU’s Department of Social Work and Gerontology to begin offering professional development programs to licensed social workers.
This list is by no means complete. New programs, partnerships, and courses are being added all the time. Further information can be obtained by calling either the Extended Studies Office at 717-477-1348 or the Frehn Center at 717-477-1430. Those with Internet access can find them at www.ship.edu/extended.