SaturdaySelect program gaining momentum at Miami Hamilton

October 19, 2006

We want more!

That was the feedback provided by faculty and students at the conclusion of the first eight-week term of Miami Hamilton’s new SaturdaySelect degree program.

In evaluating the recently-completed initial course offerings, 80 percent of the students said the SaturdaySelect courses were better than traditional 15-week courses and they preferred the more intensive format.

“We said all along these were gold-standard courses, and I think they’ll turn out to be platinum,” said Dr. Michael Carrafiello, Assistant Dean and prime facilitator of the SaturdaySelect initiative.

Carrafiello said Dr. Daniel Hall, Miami Hamilton Campus Dean, is a visionary for creating and establishing the SaturdaySelect program, and guiding the learning teams of Miami University faculty and staff members who are developing the courses.

“We’re discovering, as we conclude the first term and start the second, that there is a growing need for this (weekend-only schedule) on campus,” Carrafiello said.

Faculty and students alike are impressed with the hybrid format that combines in-class seat time (75 percent) with an on-line component (25 percent) which students can complete at home. This format, combined with the intensive eight-week schedule, fosters an “extremely focused learning environment and tremendous rapport between faculty and students,” Carrafiello said.

The proof is in the pudding. Thirteen courses will be offered during the spring semester, more than double the six initial course offerings this fall.