Degree program caters to workers
Published 12:03 am Saturday, June 1, 2013
Those wanting to get a college degree, but don’t think you can do it and work fulltime, need to look no further than LBW Community College’s new fall program.
Designed for people who work full time during the day, the program allows students to earn a degree by committing two nights a week for two years in a specific curriculum.
“We plan to enroll a cohort of students to begin this fall semester and graduate in the spring of 2015, with a new cohort group every fall,” said LBWCC Dean of Instruction Peggy Linton.
In education, a cohort is a group of students working together through the same academic curriculum.
“Any student may take any course offered at night,” said Linton. “By having a cohort group of students, however, it makes it more cost-feasible for the college to offer the classes. This means working adults can proceed uninterrupted in the pursuit of a degree because there is much less chance of evening class cancellations due to low enrollment.”
LBWCC President Dr. Herb Riedel said the program promises to be hugely successful.
“This plan represents an exceptional example of teamwork and innovation,” he said. “I think it fills a critical need in our community and does so in a creative manner.”
The program has two tracks, both leading to an associate’s degree. One track is a four-semester sequence of classes for college-ready students, with the second track designed for students who need developmental courses and additional time and extends one additional semester.
“The majority are hybrid courses, which have both on-campus and on-line components,” said Linton. “There is also one to two online course each semester.”
Three hybrid courses are offered on Tuesdays, with one science or math class on Mondays. Each hybrid class, with the exception of science, meets one hour, so students will attend from 5:30 p.m. to 8:20 p.m. on Tuesdays. Monday times will vary according to the science or math course.
For more information or to find out how to get started, call John Bess, program success coordinator, at 334-881-2254.