Adult Programs Brochure 2011

NEW SKILLS. NEW IDEAS. NEW OPPORTUNITIES.

Programs for Adult Students

Welcome to Elmhurst College!

This great college has led the way in higher education for working adults since we offered our first evening classes back in 1949. Today, more than one-third of our students are 24 and over. We know what experienced adults want and need in a college education—and we deliver it.

CONTENTS

About Elmhurst College 2

Accelerated Majors 4

New skills. Across the disciplines, courses at Elmhurst offer both cutting-edge knowledge and abundant opportunities to practice and examine the application of knowledge in the real world. Whether you major in business or music, communication or physics, our hands-on approach to learning provides you with the knowledge and skills you need for success in professional life.

New ideas. As an adult student at Elmhurst, you’ll be part of a dynamic, encouraging community of learners. We keep our classes small, so faculty and students can get to know one another as individuals with distinct outlooks and unique gifts, and we encourage the lively exchange of insights and perspectives. You’ll graduate with new ideas and new ways of looking at the world.

New opportunities. When you graduate, you’ll join an expanding network of accomplished alumni with a vested interest in your success. Our graduates thrive in the most demanding careers because they’ve learned to embrace new ideas, master sophisticated technologies and create original solutions to problems new and old.

Undergraduate Majors 5

Special Academic Options 6

Support Services 7

Lifelong Learning Programs 8

Admission & Financial Aid 10

How to Find Us 12

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About Elmhurst College

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“It’s refreshing to go to school with other adults, because we all chose to be here and we all care about our education. Everybody works hard, and everybody’s enthusiastic—we all jump out of our seats to share in class. And there’s a wonderful feeling that we’re all in this together.”

SHERYL ROBINSON-FLUGEL

Founded in 1871, Elmhurst is a private, four-year college in the liberal arts tradition. Our primary mission is to prepare students of all ages and backgrounds for lives of meaningful work and personal fulfillment. Our curriculum seamlessly combines liberal learning and professional preparation. In engaging classes, our professors and students work face-to-face, forming partnerships in pursuit of learning.

A Complete Education At Elmhurst, you’ll get more than a degree: you’ll get a complete education. Our students are not forced to choose between the breadth of liberal learning and the depth of professional preparation. We know that the educated professional needs both. Our curriculum brings together these two key elements of a firstrate college education. Our academic programs are characterized by their realworld connections and demonstrated responsiveness to student needs. No matter what major you choose, you’ll research papers and defend your results before students and faculty. You’ll analyze data, think critically, solve problems collaboratively, study and write across the disciplines, and learn to formulate new ideas and to convey them with maximum impact. In short, you’ll strengthen and enlarge your most fundamental intellectual and personal skills.

Small Classes at Convenient Hours Elmhurst is recognized for its success in meeting the academic needs of a wide range of students—both traditional-age students and working adults. The average class has 18 students; the largest class, about 35 students. Our students enjoy extraordinary access to faculty and facilities, as well as flexible academic schedules. Classes meet throughout the day and evening. Accelerated programs for working professionals meet one night per week or on Saturday.

A Great Campus Our campus is a beautiful environment for learning. On 48 acres, the campus is a nationally recognized arboretum with more than 150 varieties of trees and shrubs. The 25 red-brick buildings include a renovated student center, a fitness center, and an excellent library and computer center. Old Main, built in 1878, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Our facilities are open throughout the day and evening and are readily accessible to all students.

An Ideal Location At the geographic center of metropolitan Chicago—16 miles west of the Loop— the College is readily accessible by car or Metra commuter train. With 42,762 residents, the City of Elmhurst is a prosperous suburb with a thriving downtown and a host of cultural offerings.

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Accelerated Majors 4

“The accelerated program is run more like a workshop than like a traditional class, so you don’t feel like a student right out of high school listening to lectures. Instead of getting information fed to you, you interact with your classmates and instructors. There’s a lot of camaraderie, and you develop skills and knowledge that are relevant at work.”

CEDRIC MONSON

Do you want to be on the fast track to professional success? Our accelerated majors for working adults will put you well on your way to a rewarding career.

The College offers excellent intensive programs in the four academic disciplines described below. For more information, call the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300, or go to www.elmhurst.edu/adult.

Business Administration This accelerated, concentrated curriculum is ideal for working professionals pursuing an undergraduate business degree. The distinctive academic approach is designed for highly motivated adult learners who bring both professional experience and prior college work into a dynamic learning process. The classroom discussions and assignments draw substantially on students’ work experiences.

Students progress through the curriculum together as members of a cohesive learning community. This cohort model provides you with a system of mutual support. You can complete the major requirements in 14 months, then finish any general education or elective requirements you may need to complete your bachelor of science degree with a major in business administration. Classes meet once a week, in the evening or on Saturday.

Information Technology This accelerated course of study prepares you to take your place in one of the nation’s fastest growing and most compelling fields. You will learn popular computer languages (including C++, Java, and Visual BASIC), and master clientserver systems and computer networks. You also will construct and customize databases, and prepare for vendor certification exams offered by Cisco, Microsoft and similar companies. In short, you will receive the kind of outstanding education that has prepared our graduates for top technology positions at Allstate, Motorola, the Chicago Board of Trade and other leading corporations and organizations.

Classes meet once a week. You can complete the major requirements in 14 months, then finish any general education or elective requirements you may need to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Organizational Leadership & Communication Designed for adult students who aspire to leadership roles in any discipline, this broad-based program combines interdisciplinary coursework with case studies and experiential learning. You’ll apply the theories of leadership and management to real-world practice; discover the power of a diverse workforce; and develop your skills in communication, team management and problem solving. And you’ll emerge as an effective leader who can make tough decisions, balance multiple perspectives, and take a broad view of the world. You can complete the major requirements in 15 months, then finish any general education or elective requirements you may need to complete your bachelor’s degree.

Pre-Clinical Psychology Designed for working adults who are interested in the causes and consequences of human behavior, the major in pre-clinical psychology prepares students for graduate study in clinical and counseling psychology. Many courses are offered in a hybrid format, combining traditional on-campus instruction with online sessions. You can complete the required courses for the major in just 12 months of evening classes.

Undergraduate Majors at Elmhurst College Accounting American Studies Applied Geospatial Technologies Art Art Business Art Education Biology Business Administration* Chemistry Communication Studies Computer Game and Entertainment Technology Computer Science Criminal Justice Early Childhood Education Economics Elementary Education English Exercise Science Finance French Geography German History Information Systems

Information Technology* Intercultural Studies Interdepartmental Interdisciplinary Communication Studies International Business Jazz Studies Liberal Studies Logistics and Supply Chain Management Management Marketing Mathematics Multi-Language Music Music Business Music Education Music Theory and Composition Musical Theatre Nursing Organizational Leadership and Communication* Organizational Communication Philosophy Physical Education

Physics Political Science Pre-Clinical Psychology* Psychology Religion and Service Religious Studies Secondary Education Sociology Spanish Special Education Speech-Language Pathology Theatre Theatre Arts Education Theological Studies and Christian Ministry Urban Studies *Available as an adult fast-track major Some majors can be completed in the evening. Please contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission for more information.

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Special Academic Options

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“I’m a single mom and I work full time, so when I heard about Elmhurst’s evening program I knew it was for me. I told myself I would get a babysitter and earn my degree no matter what. It’s been a great experience, and I already have opportunities just waiting for me when I graduate.”

LAWANDA PETERSON

College Level Examination Program Through CLEP, you may be able to earn college credit by passing an exam in a variety of subject areas. If you have a strong background in science, for example, you may wish to take the biology or chemistry CLEP exam to earn a general education credit in that discipline. CLEP credit usually counts toward elective credit. The CLEP Program is offered by the College Board.

Credit for Non-Collegiate Instruction You may be eligible to earn college credit for course work completed through associations, corporations, unions, government agencies and military service.

If you wish to be considered for such credit, please present the College with documentation of your course work when you submit your application for admission. Credit for non-collegiate instruction applies only to elective requirements and cannot duplicate any prior or required course work.

Credit for Experiential Learning Some of your prior experiential learning may match one or two specific courses offered at Elmhurst College. You may participate in a petition process that, in many cases, leads to course credits for experiential learning.

Alternative Delivery Format Courses Elmhurst College offers a variety of general education and other courses in alternative delivery formats. These include courses taught in accelerated, immersion and distance-learning formats (Internet-based courses taught entirely online or “blended” courses, which include both online and in-class instruction). For more information, please contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300.

Bachelor of Liberal Studies Program This program enables you to create a curriculum around your professional experiences and goals. Rather than choosing a major, you choose two concentrations from among 25 fields of study. You often can advance more quickly toward your academic goals by making extensive use of transfer credits, experiential learning credits or both.

For more information on these special academic options, please contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission at (630) 617-3300.

Support Services The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission offers program information, academic advising, course registration and career exploration exclusively to adult learners, both undergraduate and graduate. Located in Cureton Hall, the office is accessible through the north entrance. Appointments are available Monday through Friday during daytime hours; Monday through Thursday until 7:00 p.m.; and on selected Saturday mornings by appointment. For information, call (630) 617-3300.

Office of Advising The Office of Advising guides adult students as they create an academic plan that will lead them efficiently toward graduation and career. For example, the Office can help you determine whether you should take certain place-

ment tests. Both day and evening appointments are available. For information, call (630) 617-3450.

Learning Center The Learning Center provides students with assistance in building study, writing, math and time-management skills; and offers a wealth of resources on learning practices and preparation for graduate school. For information, call (630) 617-3155.

Child Care Center The drop-in Child Care Center offers convenient, safe and affordable child care Monday–Thursday, 7:30 a.m.– 6:00 p.m.; closed Friday–Sunday. The trained staff provides a variety of challenging activities for children between the ages of 6 months and 12 years. The Center is located on the lower level of Dinkmeyer Hall. For information and current rates, call (630) 617-3222.

Center for Professional Excellence The Center for Professional Excellence promotes the synergy of liberal learning and professional preparation that is a hallmark of education at Elmhurst.

CPE programs augment and enhance the academic curriculum, providing both adult and traditional-age students with opportunities to acquire the skills, insights and experiences that will enable them to build stronger foundations for professional life. These opportunities include professional and personal self-assessment, career exploration, skill building in ethical decision making, and guidance through career transitions. For information, call (630) 617-3440.

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arning and professional preparation. In engaging classes, our professors and students w

“As an adult student, you don’t really know what to expect from college.

You worry that you might not be able to grasp the material, and that you might not fit in. But in the adult program at Elmhurst, you’re with other students who are very much like you, and the teachers have your best interests at heart. In fact, going back to school at this age is a lot of fun.”

CYNTHIA ROSATI

Lifelong Learning Programs Graduate Study Elmhurst offers master’s programs in nine dynamic fields: business administration, computer information systems, early childhood special education, English studies, industrial/organizational psychology, nursing, professional accountancy, supply chain management and teacher leadership. All graduate courses are offered in the evening; students can complete most programs in two years of parttime study. Because most graduate students complete the program in cohorts, they gain team-building experience and build professional support networks. For information, call the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission, (630) 617-3300.

Non-Degree Study To take undergraduate courses without seeking admission to a degree program, register at the Office of Registration and Records in Goebel Hall.

Teacher Certification Applicants to our teacher certification program who already have earned a bachelor’s degree, must submit an application for admission and official transcripts from each college or university attended.

Certificate in Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Geographic information systems (GIS) offers a wealth of dynamic career opportunities. In everything from business and policy to education and science, GIS helps professionals analyze data, answer questions and solve spatial problems.

The GIS Certificate Program at Elmhurst College will prepare you to succeed in this exciting field. Designed for working professionals, the program is offered entirely online. In small, cohort-based classes, you’ll work with experienced educators and professionals—and earn a certificate in less than a year. For more information, call the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission, (630) 617-3300.

Academic Partnerships Elmhurst extends its traditional campus boundaries and reaches new student constituencies through its Academic Partnership Program. This program brings the College’s superb degree programs directly into workplaces throughout metropolitan Chicago. Employees complete their degrees and prepare themselves for higher responsibilities; employers gain a cost-effective, reliable pool of candidates for advanced positions. In many cases, students complete their entire curriculum at their own place of work. For more information, call the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission, (630) 617-3300.

Elmhurst Partners Established in 2001, Elmhurst Partners is a corporate training and consulting group located in the heart of Chicago’s west suburban business center. It provides companies with targeted solutions for employee development, using standard courses, customized training initiatives and specialized human performance consulting. The program builds on the College’s historic commitment to lifelong education.

For more information on Elmhurst Partners, call (630) 617-3300.

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Admission & Financial Aid

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“In my younger years I didn’t do so well in school. But after 26 years in the construction business, an accident put me out of commission.

I was determined to do something, so I went back to school and started writing. One day I’d like to see my name in print. With the support I’ve found at Elmhurst, that dream seems closer to reality every day.”

Admission As an adult learner, you may enter Elmhurst as a freshman, transfer student, second-degree student, non-degree student or student seeking teacher certification. To apply, please submit a completed Application for Admission for Adult Students to the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission as well as official transcripts from all colleges or universities you’ve attended.

The adult admission review board will review the applications of transfer students with less than a 2.5 transfer grade-point average (on a 4.0 scale). You may be asked to complete an admission interview and to submit additional documents, including an essay/goal statement, résumé and letters of recommendation.

DANE LADWIG

For complete admission information and application materials, visit us online at elmhurst.edu/adult, or contact the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission, 190 Prospect Avenue, Elmhurst, Illinois 60126; phone (630) 617-3300; e-mail oaga@elmhurst.edu.

Tuition and Payment Options You may obtain current tuition rates for any program through the Office of Adult and Graduate Admission. You have the option to pay your tuition over time, and the College offers a tuition payment plan for that purpose. Here’s how it works: the College first subtracts any financial aid from your account balance. Before the term begins, you pay 20% of the balance. You then pay the remaining balance in four monthly installments. A 1% monthly service charge is added to any unpaid balance. For more information, call the Office of Student Accounts at (630) 617-3014.

Outside Billing Some employers (and other funding agencies) offer tuition benefit plans that pay a student’s tuition directly to Elmhurst. In such cases, the College waives any service charge provided the payment is received within six weeks of the start of a term. An official letter of authorization or tuition voucher must be submitted to the Office of Student Accounts prior to (or upon) the student’s registration. The office then directly bills the employer or funding agency. For more information, call (630) 617-3014.

Tuition Reimbursement Plans The provisions of tuition reimbursement plans vary among employers. For students who are eligible for a tuition reimbursement plan, the College may waive the requirement that tuition for the current term be paid before registering for a subsequent term. A fee of $25 per term is assessed at registration. Students receiving 100% reimbursement are not required to make an initial payment. Students receiving less than 100% reimbursement are required to make payments for their portion of the charges. For more information, call (630) 617-3014.

Financial Aid Elmhurst believes that academic potential should open its doors—not the ability to pay tuition and fees. Because the cost of an education often exceeds a student’s resources, we assist our students through various financial aid programs, including scholarships, grants, loans and student employment. These programs are available not only to traditional students but also to adult learners; in fact, about 40 percent of Elmhurst students who receive financial aid are over 25.

To qualify for financial aid, you must attend the College on at least a halftime basis; that is, you must be enrolled for 1.5 course credits or 6 semester hours per term.

To apply for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA can be accessed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.

State and federal deadlines require you to submit your financial aid application three to five months prior to the start of the term for which you plan to use the funds. Elmhurst follows a need-blind admission policy; decisions about admission are made independently from considerations of financial need. For more information, call the Office of Financial Aid, (630) 617-3075.

Non-Discrimination Policy Elmhurst College admits academically qualified students and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national or ethnic origin, marital status, age, gender, sexual orientation or disability in its admission and financial aid policies, or in the planning and administration of its academic, athletic or other programs, services, and activities.

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How to Find Us 12

The campus is readily accessible from any part of the Chicago area. Several interstate highways converge around Elmhurst. A Metra train stops two blocks from campus.

From the East • Take Interstate 290 (Eisenhower Expressway) west • Follow signs for 1-290 West-Rockford • Exit at westbound St. Charles Road, just west of 1-294 • Travel west on St. Charles past York Road to Prospect • Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard • Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot

From the North • Take Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) south • Exit at 1-290 West, Ill. 64-North Avenue • Exit again immediately at Ill. 64-North Avenue • Go west 1.5 miles to Maple Avenue, turn left • Follow Maple Avenue one-half mile across railroad tracks to Alexander Boulevard • Turn right at Alexander, then right into the campus parking lot

From the West • Take Interstate 88 (East-West Tollway) east • Travel past the Oak Brook exit to Interstate 294 • Exit at York Road • Travel north on York to St. Charles Road, turn left • Travel west on St. Charles to Prospect Avenue • Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard • Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot

From the South • Take Interstate 294 (Tri-State Tollway) north • Travel past the Cermak Road plaza • Exit at 1-290 West, Ill. 64-North Avenue • Go north on 1-290 to St. Charles Road • Travel west on St. Charles past York Road to Prospect • Turn right onto Prospect for two long blocks to Alexander Boulevard • Turn left, then right, into the campus parking lot

The Office of Adult and Graduate Admission is located in Cureton Hall. Please enter the building at the north entrance.

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Elmhurst College Office of Adult and Graduate Admission—Cureton Hall 190 Prospect Avenue Elmhurst, Illinois 60126-3296 Phone: (630) 617-3300, Fax (630) 617-6471 oaga@elmhurst.edu, www.elmhurst.edu/adult