 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
 |
NEWS
|
 |
|
|
|
News Release |
|
|
|
New, shorter name reflects extended services BOWLING GREEN, O.-- Continuing Education, International & Summer Programs at Bowling Green State University has adopted a
new name--Continuing & Extended Education--to more accurately reflect its services and the breadth of offerings.
"Our old name was both long and difficult to remember. It had become less descriptive of the range of responsibilities and
services that we offer for BGSU and the community," Dr. William Balzer, associate vice president and dean of Continuing &
Extended Education, said. "The new name better reflects our expanded mission. Our courses and programs now extend across clients,
time, location and delivery systems to serve the citizens of Ohio and others throughout the country and world."
Off-campus programs and distance education are major new directions for expansion, the dean said. In partnership with BGSU's
College of Education and Human Development, Continuing & Extended Education has begun offering select undergraduate courses
in teacher education at Owens Community College in Rossford.
The University recently signed an agreement that enables students at Lorain County Community College in Elyria to obtain a
bachelor's degree in biological sciences from BGSU. Starting this fall, courses and support services will be delivered to
LCCC students both in person and through distance-learning technology.
The efforts extend advanced degree programs offerings, summer workshops and year-round courses which allow teachers and school
administrators throughout the state to grow professionally and meet licensing requirements.
Continuing & Extended Education also oversees the University's expanding distance-education efforts, which extend BGSU's courses
and programs to new and existing students through new delivery methods. The number of Web-based courses offered by the University
through Continuing & Extended Education has doubled from a year ago, reaching 63 with a total enrollment of 807 students this
summer. Currently more than 100 courses are available for Web-based delivery. By next summer, the number is expected to exceed
120 courses.
Distance education, Balzer said, allows current BGSU students to progress toward their degree while working during the summer
or fulfilling co-op requirements during the academic year. Students who cannot attend either BGSU's main campus or BGSU Firelands
College in Huron due to work or family commitments can study at BGSU through its distance courses and programs, he explained.
Continuing & Extended Education also offers workshops and customized training for area organizations and companies, and courses
for individuals interested in enhancing their computer and workplace skills. Computer training courses, offered at locations
in the community as well as on the Bowling Green campus, provide hands-on classes covering computer software applications
and advances in digital media applications for enhancing Web page development. Programs such as Lean Manufacturing help organizations
transform traditional manufacturing operations to foster employee growth and development and boost productivity and quality.
Continuing & Extended Education also oversees State Fire School-Ohio, which offers a weeklong program in May and specialized
courses for emergency response professionals throughout the year.
The Small Business Development Center provides free coursework and consulting to support new business owners and help ensure
their success, Balzer noted, adding that Continuing & Extended Education is working to bring its noncredit programs to new
areas and locations to meet the professional needs of Ohio's workforce and support economic development in the region.
In keeping with the University's Academic Plan, Continuing & Extended Education's Center for International Programs supports
efforts to expand the global awareness of all BGSU students. Through contact with international students and opportunities
to study abroad for short or extended periods of time, students learn to appreciate and respect diversity as they become full
members of the global community.
"We hope to double the number of students taking part in these programs and provide more opportunities for students to look
at the world from different perspectives," Balzer said. "These are really life-changing experiences which we see as growing
in importance for students in the years to come." In serving the educational needs of Ohioans, Continuing & Extended Education
seeks to avoid duplicating classes already available and concentrate on presenting programs of excellence, according to Balzer.
One such program is the popular Saturday Art Program for children. For more than three decades, it has provided pre-school
through teenage children with opportunities to explore art under the guidance of faculty and students affiliated with BGSU's
highly regarded School of Art.
Continuing & Extended Education also sponsors a Women in Science program, which offers junior high and high school girls throughout
northwest and north central Ohio a daylong experience to promote careers in science and math.
"We want to provide the best of Bowling Green to the community, through quality faculty and quality courses that meet people's
needs," the dean said. More information about programs, courses and other services of Continuing & Extended Education at BGSU
can be obtained by calling 419-372-8181 or on the Web at http://conted.bgsu.edu.
(Posted August 18, 2003 )
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
