In This Issue:

• Online Tools Help NSU Students Earn Credit for Prior Knowledge
• Registered Nurses Go Online at Southeastern to Gain Degree
• BPCC Adds Accelerated and Support Options for Adult Learners

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Online Tools Help NSU Students Earn Credit for Prior Knowledge

NATCHITOCHES – An online tool available at Northwestern State University is making it easier for students to turn prior knowledge and skills into college credit. NSU students can utilize a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) to determine if past experiences can qualify adult learners for college credit that can be used in the Center for All Louisiana Learners (CALL) Program or any of Northwestern’s online degree programs. General studies students can obtain up to 30 hours of credit through CLEP (College Level Examination Program) tests and Prior Learning Assessments. Just over two-thirds of students at NSU who go through PLA receive some credit. “The ability to earn college credit through a Prior Learning Assessment is one of the appeals of the CALL Program,” said NSU Coordinator of Adult Education Initiatives Carl Henry III. “The online tools available make it easier for students to demonstrate their knowledge.” Students who want to go through PLA must take Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) 3000, Foundations in Professional Studies. The course lays the foundation for development of an academic portfolio that will serve as an opportunity for the student to translate knowledge and skills obtained from prior instruction into academic credit. IDS 3000 is a 16-week course in which they learn to write a narrative laying out their prior knowledge and skills. Those taking IDS 3000 can used an online tool, iWebfolio, to put their portfolio together. In iWebfolio, students must use audio, video, photographs and documents to demonstrate their knowledge. “There’s no paper and nothing can get lost,” said Passport Coordinator and Trainer Jarrod Sanson, who works with iWebfolio. “This allows students to do much more than provide documents. For example, they can provide a video that demonstrates their skills. It allows them to go beyond what paper can show.” Students can also work with PLA Advocate Katy Hall as they go through the process. Between the end of the IDS 3000 class and the evaluation for credit, Hall works closely with students to make sure they provide all that is needed for faculty to make an evaluation.

For more information on CALL, go to http://www.yourcallla.org.

Registered Nurses Go Online at Southeastern to Gain Degree

Hammond – When Misti Miley was placed in a hospital administrative position, she found it to be the perfect time to go back to school to earn her bachelor’s degree in nursing. A resident of Bogalusa and 10-year-employee of Bogalusa Community Medical Center, Miley is currently enrolled in Southeastern Louisiana University’s fully online degree program, and has successfully completed all but one course. The program is part of a statewide special adult- learning initiative known as CALL – “Center for Adult Learning in Louisiana” and is sponsored by the Louisiana Board of Regents. The initiative is targeted to adults who have some college credit but never completed a baccalaureate degree. The program, which began this year at Southeastern, allows registered nurses who hold diploma or associate degrees the opportunity to earn a bachelor of science degree without having to attend classes on campus. Miley said she heard about the program from a friend and that the option of taking online classes was a perfect fit for her busy lifestyle. CALL currently has 38 students taking nursing and other courses online at Southeastern, and several are expected to receive their degrees at the university’s fall commencement. More than 20 new students are expected to enroll next semester. “Our online RN to BS degree program is one more example of how Southeastern is working to address critical workforce needs in the region,” said President John L. Crain. “Louisiana has a considerable number of licensed, registered nurses who are graduates of diploma schools or two-year associate degree programs,” explained Jean Urick, who coordinates the Southeastern program. “Most are working full time, and it’s difficult for them to return to college to earn the bachelor’s degree, which is an important step in career advancement.” Urick explained that applicants to the program are individually assessed to determine which courses they need to earn the bachelor’s degree. Registered nurses can receive up to 30 nursing credit hours, and transfer credits may be awarded for any equivalent general education courses. The online courses are offered in accelerated eight or 15-week formats, allowing the nursing students to complete a number of courses in a typical semester. “The courses are rigorous and require considerable attention and work,” she said. “Learning online is a different experience than a traditional classroom environment; but it requires the same discipline, dedication and time management skills needed in a classroom course.” Additional information on the CALL nursing program can be obtained by contacting the Southeastern School of Nursing at 985-549-5288 or by going online at www.selu.edu/CALL.

For more information on CALL, go to http://www.yourcallla.org.

BPCC Adds Accelerated and Support Options for Adult Learners

BOSSIER CITY – The Division of Accelerated Learning, an adult-learner focused unit at Bossier Parish Community College, is expanding efforts to serve more working adult learners through its affiliation with CALL. For the past two years, the Division has offered three fast-track degree programs online through the primary use of 4-week courses. As the program enrollment has grown, so has the interest in 8-week online courses. April Ayers, an enrollment specialist at BPCC, explained, “We are growing our course offerings to help our students have the best paths to start or restart their postsecondary education. Part of our growth is in 8 week online accelerated course options.” These options blend nicely with the existing 4-week options. Another way that the Accelerated Learning Division is changing to serve students is through the Working Adults Support Program. Corporate Accounts Manager Tamika Reynolds recently received a grant to create an “Adult Bridge Program” to help first-time adult learners, as those returning after several years removed from higher education, make a successful transition into college. “The adult bridge program will be one of the best methods we can offer to help adults navigate the admissions, course registration, degree audit, and financial aid processes,” said Reynolds. Applications are now being accepted for courses beginning on October 13 and January 15. Open house events are schedule for October 1st and 6th on the Bossier Parish Community College Campus. To learn more or request more information about 4-week and 8-week online courses or the Adult Bridge Program, please log onto www.bpcc.edu/callstudents/ or call 318-678-6050.

For more information on CALL, go to http://www.yourcallla.org.