Southern Union Community College: A Guide to Programs and Course Delivery Methods
Southern Union Community College offers a variety of instructional programs designed to meet diverse student needs, whether it's preparing for advanced studies, qualifying for a specific occupation, or simply expanding one's knowledge. This article provides an overview of the programs offered and the different course delivery methods available to students.
Instructional Programs at Southern Union
An instructional program at Southern Union Community College encompasses a carefully curated combination of courses and experiences. These programs are designed to achieve specific, predetermined objectives or a set of related objectives. These objectives include:
- Preparation for advanced study at a four-year institution.
- Qualification for a specific occupation or a range of occupations.
- Enhancement of general knowledge and understanding.
Southern Union offers several types of credentials to acknowledge students' accomplishments in their chosen fields of study:
- Associate in Science (AS) Degree: This degree is designed for students planning to transfer to a four-year college or university to pursue a bachelor's degree. Students pursuing an AS degree should consult with an academic advisor to ensure their coursework aligns with the requirements of their intended transfer institution and program of study. It is the student's responsibility to become familiar with the requirements of the senior college to which they may transfer. Students should be aware that changing majors at the transfer school may require additional coursework.
- Associate in Applied Science (AAS) Degree: These programs are designed to prepare students for immediate entry into occupational, semi-professional, or para-professional employment upon graduation. While some courses within these programs may transfer to four-year institutions, the primary focus is on providing students with the skills and knowledge needed for direct workforce entry.
- Certificates: Southern Union awards certificates to students who successfully complete the requirements of specific technical or occupational programs. These programs provide focused training in a particular skill or trade.
Southern Union Community College strives to offer courses and programs in a logical and reasonable sequence. However, admission to the College or registration for a given semester does not guarantee the availability of a specific course or a program of courses. Course and program availability is subject to student demand, instructor availability, and periodic program reviews. In the event that a program is deemed to have insufficient enrollment to warrant continued institutional support, students currently enrolled will be notified and given sufficient time to complete the program, provided they maintain continuous enrollment.
Distance Education Course Delivery Methods
Southern Union Community College offers a variety of distance education options to cater to different learning preferences and schedules. These courses are designed to provide flexibility and accessibility to students who may not be able to attend traditional on-campus classes. Distance education courses at Southern Union are classified into five distinct categories: Online, Virtual, Videoconference, Hybrid Classroom, and Hybrid Online.
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- Online: Online courses are delivered asynchronously, meaning students can access course materials and complete assignments at their own pace and on their own schedule. There are no required face-to-face sessions or on-campus activities. Students can engage with the material and interact with instructors and classmates through online discussion forums, email, and other online tools.
- Virtual: Virtual courses are delivered synchronously, meaning students attend live online sessions at scheduled times. These courses utilize online conferencing tools to extend lectures and course activities to students remotely in real time, allowing for real-time interaction with the instructor and other students. There are no requirements for on-campus activity.
- Videoconference: Videoconference courses involve students meeting at approved instructional sites equipped for remote video instruction. The instructor and students interact via two-way video, allowing for real-time communication and collaboration. Students are required to attend class in the videoconference classroom on the days and times specified in the class schedule.
- Hybrid Classroom: Hybrid classroom courses combine online and in-person activities. In these courses, 50% or less of the course content requires online interaction. Some elements of the course will have specified days, times, and locations where attendance is expected. This format offers a blend of the flexibility of online learning with the benefits of face-to-face interaction.
- Hybrid Online: Hybrid online courses also combine online and in-person activities, but with a greater emphasis on online learning. In these courses, more than 50% of the course content requires online interaction. As with hybrid classroom courses, some elements will have specified days, times, and locations where attendance is expected.
Proctoring for Online, Virtual, and Hybrid Courses
To ensure academic integrity in online, virtual, and specific hybrid courses, Southern Union utilizes a proctoring solution called Honorlock for attendance verification quizzes during the first week of class, mid-term exams, and final exams. Students are required to verify their identity at the time of testing by presenting a current, valid government-issued photo ID or a Southern Union student ID before being allowed to access the test.
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