News Archives - 1999

Augsburg College has expanded its course offerings for working adults in Rochester to include bachelor's degree courses in business administration, computer science, communication and a master's degree in nursing (preparation to sit for certification as a clinical nurse specialist).

The expanded curriculum, which will be offered beginning in September, is an extension of the Rochester pilot program in nursing (bachelor of science in nursing completion) the College launched in September 1998.

Rick Thoni, vice president of Institutional Research and Program Development at Augsburg, said the degree programs are designed to give working adults in southeastern Minnesota convenient access to a private college liberal arts education.

"Our goal is to provide a private college alternative to working adults in southeastern Minnesota," Thoni said. "This will allow adults to work on recognized college majors in the context of a private, church-related, liberal arts program. We believe this will be a positive addition to the set of choices for higher education in the Rochester area."

The new program is an extension of Augsburg's Weekend College program, the largest private college baccalaureate program in Minnesota. A distinct feature of the program is that classes meet during alternate weeks on either Monday evening, Thursday evening, Saturday morning or Saturday afternoon.

Several characteristics of Augsburg¹s program make it a unique educational alternative for students in southeastern Minnesota:

Intentional Learning Community - This emphasizes personal interaction between students, faculty and program staff. All classes are taught by an on-site faculty member, and there are full-time on-site administrators and advisors available to meet student needs.

"Value-added Dimensions" - Augsburg includes matters of faith, ethics and values in its courses, intending to help students develop these areas of their lives, personally and professionally.

Multicultural Education - Augsburg has been recognized for excellence in diversity education and global studies and will incorporate these perspectives in the courses it offers in Rochester.

Technology-Enhanced Learning and Communication - Students will use technology to enhance learning and communication between class sessions. Some of the elements used in this process are class Web sites, remote library access and e-mail communication between students and faculty.

Information sessions will be held Monday, July 19 from 6-7:30 p.m. and Thursday, Aug. 5 from 6-7:30 p.m. Both sessions will be held in the Fireside Room at Zumbro Lutheran Church (624 - 3rd Ave. S.W.) in Rochester.

Augsburg is a private college of the liberal arts and sciences and is affiliated with the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America. Nearly 3,000 students are enrolled at the College in undergraduate day college, Weekend College and graduate programs. Augsburg combines academics with experience to best educate students for leadership in a global, multicultural society.