Graduate & Continuing Studies Curriculum Catalog and Handbook 2005-2006

Student Life
Internet Courses :: Advising :: Library Use :: Career Services Office :: Textbooks :: Assessment :: Email Policies and Procedures

INTERNET & BLENDED COURSES

The Graduate & Continuing Studies Program offers courses in a blended format that combines online and classroom experiences. Undergraduate courses are offered in eight- and fourteen- week formats for the Fall and Spring semesters, with a eight-week Summer term.

To enroll in courses, students must have a functioning Stephens e-mail account and regular access to the Internet. Using the online Blackboard system, students may review the syllabus, readings, and notes from the instructor. Students communicate with fellow students and the instructor through discussion boards and e-mail. While students are expected to log-in regularly to the course web site they are not required to do so at particular times.

A student who satisfactorily completes the majority of assignments, but due to extenuating circumstances cannot complete the course, may speak with the instructor about receiving an incomplete (I) grade. If the instructor grants an Incomplete, the student must complete the coursework within one semester, unless the instructor sets an earlier deadline. If the assignments are not submitted by the deadline, the grade will automatically become an F.

Back to top

ADVISING

Upon entering Stephens College Graduate & Continuing Studies, each student is assigned an academic adviser who will work with the student until graduation. The adviser is a professional member of the Division of Graduate & Continuing Studies staff. The adviser and the student work together to develop a degree plan. The adviser also serves as a liaison for the student to all campus constituencies. The adviser must approve all courses in the student's degree plan. The adviser also assists the student with any problems that may arise and, when necessary, refers these problems to the appropriate administrative offices. The student is urged to have frequent contact with his/her adviser. While the adviser oversees the student's degree plan, the student is responsible for knowing and completing all necessary degree requirements.

Any concerns about the advising program should be referred to the Academic and Student Services Coordinator.

Back to top

LIBRARY USE

The Hugh Stephens Library, located on the Stephens College campus, serves the learning needs of Stephens College students and faculty by providing access to print and electronic materials and by providing instruction in information retrieval and evaluation methods.

Back to top

CAREER SERVICES OFFICE

Stephens College Career Services Office assists students in developing plans for job searches, gaining entrance to graduate school, and exploring career goals. A career counselor works with individuals on topics such as interviewing techniques, resume writing, and developing a creative job search.

The Career Services office maintains a Career Development Center with information and guidance on self-understanding and careers, graduate schools and scholarships, information on graduate entrance exams, literature on many companies, information on major U.S. cities, and a file of alumnae who are willing to help students in making the transition from college to careers. The office keeps student placement credentials on file and sends copies to prospective employers and/or graduate schools upon request.

Back to top

TEXTBOOKS

Students have the option of buying their textbooks from the Stephens College Bookshelf web page, http://www.stephensbookshelf.com

Textbook Policies
Students must order the required texts following course enrollment. They must be prepaid or purchased by credit card before the Bookshelf can send them to the student.

• Textbooks will be posted on the Stephens College Bookshelf web page. The textbook listings will be updated during enrollment periods.
• Students may order their books from the Stephens College Bookshelf web site. The student should expect to receive books two to three weeks after placing their order.
• For students in the Health Information Administration degree or certificate programs, a separate list of required textbooks can be found on the Health Information Administration web page.

Additional considerations on textbook orders:

Shipment of Texts. Texts will be sent by United Parcel Service. If UPS does not deliver in the student's area, books will be sent parcel post (book rate), which normally takes five to seven business days for delivery. Textbooks can be sent by first class mail, but the cost is quite high. Students are free to indicate a preference. Note: The Bookshelf cannot send books COD

Delays. If textbooks are not in stock, the Bookshelf must order them from the publisher. This delay may take as long as four to six weeks. If possible, it is best to anticipate textbook needs at least four weeks prior to the first day of class.

Textbook Return Policy. Required course textbooks may be returned for full refund providing the following conditions have been fulfilled:

1. The return must be received by the Bookshelf before the first day of class.
2. A receipt showing date of purchase and Bookshelf imprint must accompany the return.
3. All price labels must be intact
4. If the textbook is a new textbook, it must not contain writing, be mutilated or creased in any way. If it has been damaged, the book will be repurchased at the used selling price.

Book Buy Back Policy. Because of the time and postage expenses incurred in ordering texts from the Bookshelf and the College's policy of not buying back used texts, it may prove more convenient and economical to purchase textbooks locally at a campus bookstore, online, etc.

Back to top

ASSESSMENT

Stephens College has a strong tradition of commitment to curricular innovation as part of its pursuit of academic excellence. In recent years, a nationwide effort to assess the outcomes of students' educational experiences has focused attention on the need to demonstrate that academic programs achieve their stated goals and that students have developed skills and acquired knowledge consistent with the academic or programmatic goals of the institution. Stephens College, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association, has developed and is initiating assessment processes for all academic majors and for its liberal arts requirements. All students will participate in the assessment process. For the student, the benefits will be twofold: a concrete record of achievements, and confidence that the degree, as assessed by the College and the accrediting association, is demonstrably excellent.

Back to top

E-MAIL POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Stephens College will provide e-mail accounts to all active Continuing Studies students. E-mail will provide more rapid communication among faculty, students and staff, and as a result, will facilitate student learning. Email accounts will be issued automatically the first time a student enrolls in a course. This account will remain active during your course of studies at Stephens College.

Back to top