Balance family, job and earn a degree with new SaturdaySelect

August 16, 2006

Sign up now for the August 19 Saturday Select Open House and hear more about this exciting new program option!

For people who are too busy balancing family and job to work toward a college degree, but don’t want to wait any longer to get started, a new program at Miami University Hamilton may be a viable alternative.

SaturdaySelect offers an Associate in Arts degree program without weekday classes!

“When I first heard about it, I knew it was for me,” said Joe Skirvin of Fairfield, a husband and father with a full-time job who registered for the initial fall offering.

Classes meet on Saturdays for eight weeks

Joe Murray, Miami Hamilton Director of Advising and Retention, said Skirvin is exactly the kind of person SaturdaySelect is designed to accommodate.

“All course requirements can be fulfilled through Saturday-only scheduling, and academic advisors will assist in determining an appropriate course sequence to meet even the most hectic of schedules.” Murray said.

SaturdaySelect classes are held Saturday mornings and/or afternoons in eight-week sessions, according to Dr. Daniel Hall, Miami Hamilton Campus Dean.

Miami quality in a convenient format

“This degree is full Miami quality delivered in a convenient format. It provides the flexibility of weekend classes and the credibility of a Miami degree. You can earn an Associate in Arts degree in as little as two years or take the time you need to accommodate your job, family or other responsibilities,” Hall said. “You can also choose any of our evening classes to complete the required coursework in a time frame that works for you.”

With SaturdaySelect, Miami University is offering a new method of course delivery that benefits all students, particularly non-traditional students, according to J. Reid Christenberry, Vice President for Information Technology at Miami University.

Online component makes this program unique

“The blended/hybrid aspect of SaturdaySelect—complementing classroom instruction with an online component—will help engage the students while allowing them to optimize their time,” Christenberry said.

Classroom time will be complemented by high-caliber, active learning in an online environment, he said. The courses are being developed by a team of Miami faculty and staff that includes instructional designers, digital media specialists, library technicians and other experts.

Program tailors instruction to fit individual needs

Carolyn Gard, Miami University Senior Director of Academic Technology Services, said the faculty/staff development team is creating engaging, learner-oriented activities for both the in-class sessions and the online environment.

“We’re developing the courses to be appealing to adult learners and those people with different learning styles,” Gard said. “We believe that tailoring a program to fit their individual needs and schedules will help them continue their education.”

A perfect fit for busy people

Hall said SaturdaySelect is a perfect fit for busy people who find it next to impossible to attend class on campus during the week. “Our goal is to accommodate those people and develop a program that fits their individual schedules,” he said.

SaturdaySelect course offerings at Miami Hamilton for the 2006-07 academic year include Math, Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, Black World Studies, Women’s Studies, Art, Psychology, Chemistry, English and Microbiology.