Division of Lifelong Learning
Haning Hall
Thomas Shostak, Dean
The Division of Lifelong Learning is the administrative umbrella for all continuing and professional education, conferences, summer sessions, and independent and distance learning. Its purpose is to provide lifelong learning opportunities beyond the regular channels by using University resources in nontraditional ways.
Classes, independent study courses, workshops, and seminars-both credit and noncredit, for both personal and professional development-are offered in response to interests and needs. Some programs may lead to a degree. If you are interested in seeking an Ohio University degree, you must be admitted through normal University procedures. Participants in designated noncredit courses may earn continuing education units (CEUs).
Programs especially designed for those not seeking traditional credit include the Senior Citizens Program and the Informal Community Learners Program. The Senior Citizens Program, which began in 1973, allows Ohio residents who are 60 years of age or older to attend any undergraduate class free on a noncredit, space-available basis with faculty permission. The Informal Community Learners Program (ICLP) allows an opportunity for area residents not currently enrolled for credit to enroll in any undergraduate Ohio University class, subject to permission of the instructor. University credit cannot be earned through either the Senior Citizens Program of ICLP. Additionally, a 15 percent fee reduction will be given to senior citizens for most noncredit Community Education classes (excluding trips, tours, riding classes, computer programs, related classes, and certificate programs). Call 740-593-1521 for details.
The Division of Lifelong Learning offers a variety of innovative and alternative educational opportunities, and experiences for both the traditional and nontraditional student. With its mission of outreach and access, it extends the services of Ohio University to learners of all ages throughout the world. The following learning opportunities are available through the Division:
The External Student Program is for the adult who is interested in a degree but cannot study full time on campus. The program provides help in evaluating previous college course work and planning a degree program. Students can work on one of several associate's degrees or the Bachelor of Specialized Studies by taking Independent Study Courses by Correspondence or Course Credit by Examination (see Independent Study). Many students also take advantage of Summer and Winter Institutes and portfolio-based assessment.
The Experiential Learning Program of portfolio-based assessment helps qualified adults document and receive credit for learning that has occurred through work or volunteer activities. A maximum of one year of credit may be earned toward a four-year degree. EDCE 203 Credit for Work Experience: Portfolio Development, which focuses on the development of the learning portfolio, is offered on the Athens and regional campuses and by correspondence.
The Summer and Winter Institutes for Adult Learners allow adult students to come to the Athens campus for one to three weeks of intensive study. This award-winning program gives students another opportunity to earn college credit with other adults who are pursuing degrees.
The College Program for the Incarcerated serves incarcerated adults who wish to earn a degree or college credit. Students receive guidance in evaluating previous college work and planning a degree. The Bachelor of Specialized Studies and four associate's degrees are available, or students can transfer credit toother institutions. Most credit is earned through Independent Study Courses by Correspondence or Course Credit by Examination. Comprehensive fees make college level study more accessible to the incarcerated.
The The Ohio University Program in Hong Kong offers students in Hong Kong the opportunity to complete an Ohio University degree in a cooperative arrangement with Hong Kong Baptist University. Students can attend classes on site in Hong Kong, study at any of the Ohio University campuses in Ohio, or complete courses through distance learning.
Professional Development programs are available during the evening and on weekends for nontraditional students; certificate programs in real estate, management, and other career development opportunities are provided. The office also develops in-house training for business and industry, social service agencies, and professional and civic groups.
The Conferences Office provides a variety of services including program development and management, registration, budgeting and financial reporting, and educational meeting planning. As the primary contact with outside organizations interested in the University as a conference site, Ohio University's conferencing facilities include full-service dining operations, recreation opportunities, and flexible meeting spaces with audiovisual and video conferencing equipment. Recently hosted groups include Theta Tau Leadership Academy, Symposium on the African Child, College Newspaper Editors Conference, Division of Vertebrate Morphology, and Mayo Clinic Audiology Video Conference.
The Workshops office assists the University's colleges, schools, and departments in planning, organizing, and conducting short, often intensive workshops that feature hands-on experiences. Participants may explore new areas of interest or update skills, such as web site or computer workshops. Professional development is also provided by many education workshops offered to teachers throughout the summer session. Science, journalism, art or travel/study are all a part of the diversified workshop offerings each year.
Community Connections provides learning opportunities for area residents of all ages. During the year, more than 160 programs are offered in an informal atmosphere to more than 1,600 participants. Courses focus on personal and professional development, as well as leisure time activities.
The Office of Summer Sessions offers undergraduate and graduate courses, workshops, and special programs on the Athens and regional campuses, and on-line. Students experience a relaxed campus atmosphere, smaller classes, a friendly and diverse student body, unique and specialized classes, and many extra-curricular events. The summer sessions provide students with an extra quarter to begin a degree, earn a teaching certificate, learn a new language, update professional skills, or catch up on courses.
Winter Intersession provides students with an opportunity to complete required courses during the long holiday break in December. A variety of classes, including several Tier III, are offered primarily to juniors and seniors.
Distance Learning programs are available to students who are unable to attend traditional courses on campus. Students utilize a variety of technology-mediated instruction, including the Internet, compressed video, and videotapes. Efforts are made to combine effective learning media with personal contact with instructors.
Independent Study Courses by Correspondence are structured independent learning options. The faculty members prepare a course guide, which may be presented in print, through audiocassette, videocassette, or computer disk, or at a site on the internet. The content is divided into lessons with submitted assignments at the end of each lesson, which allow you and the faculty member to participate in a dialogue that may be conducted by postal mail, fax, or e-mail. Supervised examinations are generally required, although in some courses, a project or paper may be required instead. You may arrange to take examinations in your own location.
Independent Study projects can sometimes be arranged in undergraduate courses not currently available as independent study courses. These arrangements are made on an individual basis and are contingent upon the approval of the department in which the course is offered and the availability of a qualified faculty member willing to direct the project. You and the faculty member agree upon the conditions that must be fulfilled for credit to be awarded. The work may include a variety of readings, papers, projects, and examinations. This option is most successfully used by experienced students.
Course Credit by Examination represents the least structured method of obtaining college credit through the Independent Study Program. You enroll in the course in which you wish to obtain credit by examination and receive a brief syllabus that describes the nature of the course, the textbooks and other materials to study, and the type of examination you can expect. You prepare for the examination without intermediate assistance from a faculty member. Letter grades, including failures, are recorded. Credit is awarded for a passing grade.
The College Level Examination Program (CLEP) is especially useful for adults who have had no previous college courses but whose work or life experiences may be the basis for college credit. It is also useful for beginning college students who have had an enriched high school experience. The program is sponsored by the College Entrance Examination Board, and the Independent Study office serves as an open test center administering examinations by appointment on the third Saturday of each month. Subject to approval by the appropriate department in each case, the University will allow credit for satisfactory performance on the CLEP subject-matter examinations provided that the examinations are taken prior to formal enrollment at Ohio University. The University does not award any credit for scores achieved on the CLEP General Examinations. Detailed information is available from the Independent Study office.
For further information about any of these programs, contact Division of Lifelong Learning Ohio University Haning Hall 119 Athens OH 45701-2979 Telephone 740-593-2890/877-685-3276 Web: https://www.ohio.edu/lifelong/
University Advancement and Computer Services revised this file (https://www.ohio.edu/catalog/01-02/colleges/dll.htm) on July 31, 2001.
Please E-mail comments or suggestions to "ucat@www.ohiou.edu."