Mike Boyle, Dean
Dianna Zeh Rust, Associate Dean
University College (formerly the College of Continuing Education and Distance Learning) exists for the purpose of helping make student success possible for the traditional and nontraditional students that it serves. The staff is organized within six unique divisions to meet the specific needs of the community.
The Distance Education and Nontraditional Programs division manages all distance programs, evening school, the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP), and MTSU online courses. This group also assists faculty who would like to teach online through Distance Education Faculty Services and provides advising for all students who major in the degree programs awarded by the college.
The Academic Outreach division oversees all off campus programs, including several remote teaching sites, the Middle Tennessee Education Center, and the MTSU Military Center. The Adult Degree Completion Program is housed within this division.
The Summer Sessions division provides the administrative support necessary to operate the summer school program at MTSU. Students can make MTSU Summer sessions a part of their graduation strategy. Summer sessions can help a student stay on track or shorten the time to graduation, reduce the course load in other terms, or focus on courses that need full-time attention.
The University Studies Department provides a variety of support services to first-year and transfer students at MTSU. Their purpose is to provide academic placement support, transition support, and academic instruction and help where it is most appropriate for its target audience.
The University College Advising Center (UCAC) is dedicated to creating academically engaging communities and fostering a campus-wide commitment to learning. The primary focus of the UCAC is to provide academic advising services for MTSU students with undeclared majors and students with courses in the University Studies program. In addition, the UCAC coordinates learning communities, the community reading program, and other academic initiatives.
The Administrative and Finance division manages the human resource and administrative functions of the college. Additionally it houses the Professional Development office which manages hundreds of not-for-credit educational programs designed to meet specific needs of the public, corporations, state agencies, and other individuals and groups. It also manages the Public Services Grants and Awards programs as well as several contracts by which services are provided statewide to meet specific educational needs.
The overriding mission in all departments is to provide programs that meet the ongoing educational and support needs of the adult nontraditional and traditional students they serve. A sense of customer service and student focus is pervasive throughout the culture of the college and its staff.
Distance Education and Nontraditional Programs
Distance Education Courses
Distance education courses, coordinated through the University College, include correspondence, online/hybrid Regents online, synchronous online, and videoconferencing courses.
Correspondence Courses
Correspondence courses involve individual, independent instruction of a student by an instructor on a one-to-one basis. Typically, this entails home study as well as the exchange of materials and evaluations. Interaction and feedback between correspondence course faculty and students take the forms of written assignments, testing, evaluations, guidance, and assistance through telephone, fax, e-mail, and other electronic communication. Some on-campus meetings may be required. Email distance@mtsu.edu or call (615) 898-5332 for more information.
Online/Hybrid Courses
Online/hybrid courses are accessed over the Internet through MTSU’s course management system. Only students with strong experience on the Internet should register for an online/hybrid course. Students are required to have access to a computer and the Internet. A photo ID must be presented at all exams. All other assignments and quizzes will be available through the Internet. Students in hybrid classes may have up to 15 hours of required campus meetings, which may include midterm and/or final exams. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/online_courses.shtml.
MTSU offers several online and hybrid graduate and undergraduate degree programs.
Undergraduate (For a complete list go to www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/undergraduate.shtml.)
- Liberal Studies, B.S. (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/liberal_studies.shtml)
- Professional Studies, Healthcare Administration Concentration, B.S. (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/professional_studies_ha.shtml)
- Professional Studies, Information Technology Concentration, B.S. (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/professional_studies_it.shtml)
- Professional Studies, International Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S. (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/professional_studies_iol.shtml)
- Professional Studies, Organizational Leadership Concentration, B.S. (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/professional_studies_ol.shtml)
- Bachelor of University Studies (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/universitystudies/bus_degree.shtml)
- B.B.A. Office Management*
- B.S. Completion Program for Registered Nurses (R.N. to B.S.N.) (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/nursing.shtml)
- B.S. in Psychology (www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/psychology.shtml)
- B.S. in Recording Industry, concentration in Music Business*
*Requires some courses on the main campus.
Graduate (For a complete list go to www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/graduate.shtml.)
*Requires some courses on the main campus.
More information is available by calling (615) 898-5611.
Regents Online Degree Program (RODP)
Middle Tennessee State University and each of the colleges and universities in the Tennessee Board of Regents (TBR) system are working cooperatively to allow students to earn college degrees entirely online. The joint program is called the Regents Online Degree Program (RODP).
The online program currently includes a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Liberal Studies or a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Professional Studies and concentrations in Information Technology, Organizational Leadership, International Organizational Leadership, and Healthcare Administration. Students must earn a minimum of 120 hours; meet MTSU upper-division, residency, and senior hour requirements; meet MTSU General Education requirements; meet MTSU GPA requirements; and complete the courses outlined in the degree program. Other programs available online include alternative licensure, add-on endorsements in Special Education and English as a Second Language, and occupational licensure.
Admissions, instruction, advising, library services, and other forms of student assistance are available online. The Regents online courses have been designed to be taught totally online in an interactive, asynchronous format. For advisement, please call (615) 898-5611.
Designed especially for adults who already have some college experience, the online degree program is also appropriate for students who have earned or are working on associate’s degrees. For more information regarding degree requirements, please refer to the Regents Web site at www.rodp.org/ or call (615) 898-5611.
Synchronous Online Courses
Synchronous online courses are accessed over the Internet typically through MTSU’s course management system. Synchronous online classes meet online at the time/days of the week specified in RaiderNet. A reliable computer with at minimum a DSL Internet (broadband) connection is needed to successfully access synchronous online course sessions. Hardware requirements include headphones, earbuds, speakers, and may include a microphone and/or web cam. During the class, students can hear and/or see the professor, and communication with the professor may take place through a microphone or text chat window. Only students with strong experience on the Internet should register for a synchronous online course. Courses may require proctored exams. Additional information may be obtained at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/online_courses.shtml.
Videoconferencing Courses
Videoconferencing courses send the instructor’s “live” lectures at MTSU to students at remote sites. Sites include Chattanooga, Columbia State Community College, and Shelbyville. The videoconferencing classrooms are equipped with TV monitors and microphones so that students and instructors can interact. The instructor will visit the remote sites during the semester to assure that each student will have an opportunity to meet him/her in person. The instructor is also available during office hours at MTSU by phone, email, or in person.
Evening School
The University College Evening School serves students attending MTSU at night by assisting with registration, making IDs, issuing parking permits, and offering other services to students outside regular daytime business hours. More information is available by contacting the Evening School Office, (615) 904-8391, or at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/distance/evening_school.shtml.
Academic Outreach
Adult Degree Completion Program
Some students may earn up to 30 elective credits toward the RODP and B.Unv.S. degree programs through a portfolio evaluation of prior learning. For more information, call (615) 898-5651 or visit www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/outreach/adcp.shtml.
Military Center
MTSU’s Military Center assists veterans, military personnel, and their families who are interested in a college degree. The Military Center provides assistance and direction through the application and enrollment process, helps individuals understand and utilize their G.I. Benefits, provides information on degrees, advising, use of military credit, military only courses, peer support, and much more. Readjustment counseling is available on campus through the Nashville Vet Center, providing free and highly confidential services for individuals (and their families) who have served in combat zones. The center’s goal is to provide a military friendly academic environment, to promote programs and services that ensure our military/veteran students have a positive experience at MTSU, and to facilitate their successful transition to civilian careers or enhanced military opportunities. For more Information, call (615) 494-8952 or visit www.mtsu.edu/military/.
Off-campus Program
Credit courses are regularly scheduled at several off-campus locations in middle Tennessee, including Smyrna, Motlow, and Columbia State Community Colleges. These are scheduled as a result of requests made by business and industry, school systems, and agencies. For more information, contact (615) 898-2121 or visit www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/outreach/offcampus.shtml.
Off-campus programs and courses are also available at the Middle Tennessee Education Center (MTEC) located at 200 Dover Street, Suite J, in Shelbyville. For more information about MTEC and program and course offerings, call (931) 685-4444 or visit www.mteducationcenter.com.
Summer Sessions
University College directs MTSU Summer Sessions and is charged with the responsibility for providing a comprehensive and balanced selection of high quality summer academic course offerings to enable students to pursue undergraduate and graduate academic degree programs. Working in partnership with all academic departments and campus units, MTSU Summer Sessions is committed to offering outstanding learning opportunities that both complement and enhance the educational experiences offered during the other academic terms. More information is available by contacting the Summer Sessions Office at (615) 898-5783 or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/summer.
University Studies Department
The University Studies department of University College is committed to providing a firm foundation to allow the students it serves to find success within the university structure. They are geared to help the student determine their ideal academic placement and adapt successfully to the transition process to the university culture. Additionally, through a team of dedicated faculty and staff, they provide targeted support and instruction to their students. More information is available by visiting www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/universitystudies/ or visiting University Studies in this catalog. Students may also contact the University Studies Department at (615) 898-2568.
University College Advising Center
The University College Advising Center (UCAC) serves students who are taking courses within the University Studies program in addition to advising those students with undeclared majors. The UCAC coordinates numerous programs including the summer reading program, learning communities, academic success series, partners in education, and other initiatives designed help make the student’s university experience a greater success. More information is available by contacting the UCAC at 898-2339 or by visiting www.mtsu.edu/advising/.
The University College Advising Center handles all issues relating to withdrawing from the University. Please visit www.mtsu.edu/withdraw/ for up to date information regarding the withdrawal process. Students are highly encouraged to consult with the UCAC before making any decisions about withdrawing. Students should consult the Registration Guide (www.mtsu.edu/records/sbooks.shtml) for withdrawal and fee adjustment deadlines. Questions about withdrawing should be directed to the UCAC in the McFarland Building, via phone at (615) 898-2339 or via email at withdraw@mtsu.edu.
General Withdrawal Guidelines:
- Withdrawing Prior to Term - Students finding it necessary to withdraw from all classes prior to the beginning of a term may withdraw via RaiderNet (link to RaiderNet).
- Withdrawing During a Term
- During the first two weeks (14 calendar days) of a term, courses may be dropped via RaiderNet (link to RaiderNet) without assignment of a grade on the official transcript.
- Beginning on the 15th calendar day through 60% of a term, student can drop some or all courses via RaiderNet (link to RaiderNet) and a grade of “W” will be assigned.
- After 60% of the term, a complete withdrawal from ALL classes can be accomplished via RaiderNet (link to RaiderNet), through the last day to withdraw in each term. Instructor assigns the appropriate grade of “W” if the student is passing or “F” if the student is failing. After 60% of the term, individual courses cannot be dropped via RaiderNet. Individual courses may be dropped if appropriate signatures are obtained on a drop form and submitted to the Scheduling Center.
- The deadline to withdraw from the University (all classes) and receive a grade of “W” or “F,” as determined by the instructor is generally one week prior to the last day of classes and will be noted in the Registration Guide (www.mtsu.edu/records/sbooks/shtml) for each term.
- Summer differs; please check Registration Guide (www.mtsu.edu/records/sbooks.shtml) for specific dates.
NOTE: Fees, Financial Aid, Housing, etc. can be impacted anytime a student withdraws or drops a course. Consult the Registration Guide (www.mtsu.edu/records/sbooks.shtml) and those offices for more information..
If extreme extenuating circumstances necessitate a student’s withdrawal from the University after 60% of the term, exceptions may be made. A grade of “W” may be recorded with written concurrence of the faculty member, but only if the extenuating circumstances are first verified by the University College Advising Center. Students who fall under this category should schedule an appointment with the withdrawal advisor in the UCAC and provide a written statement and all documentation to support their extenuating circumstances.
The University Withdrawal Policy can be reviewed at www.mtsu.edu/policies/pdfs/WithdrawalsFromtheUniversity.pdf.
Experiential Learning Scholars Program (EXL)
The Experiential Learning Scholars Program formalizes and organizes several existing experiential learning activities such as study abroad and cooperative education and new experiential opportunities into a comprehensive program of study for students. Students formally admitted to the EXL Scholars Program must complete several activities: EXL coursework, an external service component, an MTSU internal service component, and assessment activities (including development of an e-portfolio). After their completion of EXL program requirements, students will receive an EXL Scholar designation on their transcripts and will wear special cords at commencement to signify their achievement. Some students may elect to take EXL courses, but may not complete all the requirements for the EXL Scholars Program transcript designation. More information can be found at http://frank.mtsu.edu/~exl/.
Professional Development
The mission of the Professional Development department is to provide specialized continuing education programs to those interested in developing their professional expertise. This department does this through a variety of offerings and additional services to the University and the community.
Online/On-Demand
Professional Development provides hundreds of online or on-demand courses covering a wide range of topics and issues. Courses covering topics as diverse as test preparation, software mastery, professional development, and personal enrichment are available. The list of courses is extensive and grows continuously. The list of online/on-demand courses can be found in the online Professional Development catalog at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/training/online.shtml.
Regents Online Continuing Education (ROCE)
Professional Development also manages the Regents Online Continuing Education program, which consists of professional development and workforce training programs offered through a consortium of Tennessee Board of Regents colleges, universities, and technology centers.
ROCE offers an extensive, nontraditional continuing education program for adults 18 or older regardless of educational background. Continuing education courses are designed to meet the demanding schedules of the workforce and provide training for industry-related certified programs.
Through short-term training, ROCE offers courses designed to upgrade skills and improve organizations, industries, and economic performance and to provide personal enrichment courses for persons who wish to obtain knowledge and learn new skills. All training is available online. ROCE program costs vary by course; fees are nonrefundable once the program starts.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
This office manages a state-certified program designed to meet the educational requirements of individuals who seek to become licensed Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT). The 213-hour course provides training for emergency care and stabilization to the critically ill and injured. Emphasis is placed on care at the scene and during transportation to a medical facility, IV maintenance, EOA, and epinephrine modules. In-depth study is done on patient assessment and shock physiology with fluid, intravenous therapy, and D50W administration as the focus. Actual experiences are provided and clinical and lab times are required in addition to class time. Information regarding this program may be found online at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/training/emt.shtml.
Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM)
The Professional Development office provides online training for those who wish to pursue the professional designations offered by the Society for Human Resource Management. This course is officially sanctioned by the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) as study material for the Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) exams. There will only be three (3) classes where attendance is option instead of the usual 13 classes to allow for more flexibility. Information regarding this program may be found online at www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/training/shrm.shtml.
Continuing Education Units
Professional Development also certifies, monitors, and tracks the issuance of continuing education units, continuing professional education units, and continuing legal education units for the University and various professional groups and organizations.
More Information
More information can be obtained by contacting the University College, (615) 898-2177. Additional information may be obtained by visiting www.mtsu.edu/universitycollege/.
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Bachelor of Science
