School of Labor Studies School of Professional Studies 2012–2013
President Letter from the President Congratulations on taking the first step to completing your college degree! I am pleased to send you a viewbook about National Labor College (NLC). I hope that it answers your questions about what it takes to complete your college degree through NLC’s School of Professional Studies or School of Labor Studies. As you read through the viewbook, you’ll soon discover how NLC is truly unique. We’re the only regionally accredited higher education institution committed to educating union members and their families, and union leaders and staff. Our bachelor’s degree programs are specifically designed to prepare you for job growth opportunities in your existing field … or a new one and to promote the values of the labor movement. Our online classes allow you to schedule the classwork at your convenience. And our tuition and fees (approximately $305 per credit) are affordable for many working families — financial aid and Union Plus scholarships are also available to those who qualify. When you’re ready to take the next step, simply go to our website at www.NLC.edu/start to complete an application. Or, please call our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors with more questions at 1-888-427-8100. Take the next step now. You will be as happy as all the NLC graduates you will meet in these pages when you follow your dream and finish your college degree.
In solidarity,
Paula E. Peinovich, Ph.D. President
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Contents Contents
About National Labor College (NLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Admission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 What is Online Learning?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Prior Learning Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 Academic Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 School of Professional Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 Bachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 School of Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 What is a Residency?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Certificate Programs in Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bachelor of Arts in Labor Safety and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16 Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Bachelor of Arts in Union Leadership and Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17 Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
“I’m creating more opportunities and job security for myself while being a good role model to my son.” George Bowman, UA, Pennsylvania 3
“My NLC degree will help me reach my goal — to teach in my union’s apprenticeship program.” Eric Seislove, SMWIA member, Washington 4
National Labor College About National Labor College
National Labor College (NLC) is truly unique. We’re the only higher education institution committed to educating union members and their families, and union leaders and staff. Our bachelor’s degree programs are specifically designed to prepare you for job growth opportunities in your existing field … or a new one. Our online classes allow you to schedule classwork at your convenience. In our academic programs, we honor higher learning that takes place both inside and outside the collegiate community and we recognize relevant union training for college credit.
Accreditation Accreditation
National Labor College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 267-284-5000). Regional accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation making your degree of the highest value nationwide. This allows you to access federal student aid, transfer credits easily and move on to graduate programs at top schools. To look us up on the Middle States Commission on Higher Education site or for more information about how accreditation works and what it means, please go to www.msche.org.
Admission Admission
You can apply to any of NLC’s bachelor’s degree programs online at www.NLC.edu/application.html. National Labor College accepts applicants throughout the year on a rolling basis. An application should be received approximately 6-8 weeks before a semester’s start date to allow time to gather the necessary documentation and process the application. You may begin to take classes in the spring (January), summer (May) or fall (September). Since NLC is an upper level degree completion institution, most of our students have credits from accredited colleges/universities, apprenticeships or other types of prior learning that can be transferred towards their degree. You may begin a program of study at any time; however, you must have 56 credits on an NLC transcript to be eligible for federal financial aid. You may also enroll in the Prior Learning Assessment Workshop (see page 7) and complete a portfolio, where you can earn up to 30 credits for your collegiate learning that you acquired outside of a traditional classroom. NLC accepts up to 84 transfer credits towards any of our bachelor’s degrees.
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start. 5
Financial Information Tuition
NLC’s tuition is less expensive than the average academic institution. Degree Programs (Effective July 1, 2012) TUITION
FEES
AFL-CIO Union Member/Family
$270/credit hour
Application Fee
$75
Working America Member
$270/credit hour
Technology Fee
$35/credit hour
Non AFL-CIO Union Member/Family
$325/credit hour
Graduation Fee
$260
Non Union Member
$480/credit hour
Federal Student Aid Fully admitted NLC students with 56 earned or transferred credits may apply for federal aid at NLC. Federal student aid may be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, buying a computer or paying for dependent care. The U.S. government offers a number of grant and loan programs to help eligible students finance college. Grants do not have to be repaid as long as you meet specified requirements, while loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. Eligibility is determined by the federal government and is based on financial need as well as a number of other factors. Students completing Certificate Programs are not eligible for financial aid. NLC participates in the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan programs. In order to apply for federal student aid with NLC, please visit www.NLC.edu/financialaid.
Scholarships Through the generosity of our alumni, staff, friends and partners, NLC is pleased to offer a variety of scholarships that allow us to support our students’ unique financial needs. The Union Plus Education Foundation provides numerous scholarships to students with financial need. Specific unions also offer scholarships to NLC to their members in good standing. Visit our website for information on eligibility and how to apply for all scholarships at www.NLC.edu/scholarships.
Veterans Benefits National Labor College is proud to participate in the veterans benefits program. Interested students should contact the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for more information at www.gibill.va.gov.
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Online Learning What is Online Learning?
NLC’s online format allows you to maintain your commitments to family, work, community and union. Our welldesigned, highly interactive classes allow you to master course material conveniently at home. Your first course will provide a comprehensive introduction on how to succeed in online learning. You will learn how simple the technology is and how easy it is to communicate with your professor and fellow students throughout each week as you complete assignments and engage in lively dialogue. You will be studying with people just like you—students finishing their college degrees who are committed to the labor movement. Even though your classmates live around the country, you will build solidarity and be part of a dynamic community that shares labor’s values.
Prior Learning Assessment Prior Learning Assessment
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Workshop enables you to earn college credits for skills learned and knowledge acquired outside of the traditional college classroom setting. Credits may be earned for learning gained in such activities as on-the-job training, union work, community volunteering, starting a business, or mastering a craft or hobby over the years. The key to earning credits lies in the student’s ability to demonstrate his or her learning through written essays, documentation and other sources of verification through a portfolio process. More information on the PLA Workshop is available at www.nlc.edu/prior-learning-assessment.html.
Academic Calendar Academic Calendar
NLC has three semesters every calendar year. Each semester has 15 weeks and is split into two, 7-week terms. For the 2012-13 academic year, the key dates are: FALL SEMESTER: September 4 – December 14, 2012 Fall Term A (Sep. 4 – Oct. 19, 2012); Term B (Oct. 29 – Dec. 14 , 2012) SPRING SEMESTER: January 7 – April 19, 2013 Spring Term A (Jan. 7 – Feb. 22, 2013); Term B (Mar. 4 – Apr. 19, 2013) SUMMER SEMESTER: May 6 – August 16, 2013 Summer Term A (May 6 – Jun. 21, 2013); Term B (Jul. 1 – Aug. 16, 2013)
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start. 7
“Going back to college was the best thing I could do. Get off the sidelines and get started.� Alejandro Garcia, IBEW, Nevada
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Professional Studies
School of Professional Studies
The School of Professional Studies currently offers three bachelor’s degrees: Business Administration, Construction Management, and Emergency Readiness and Response Management. These programs are specifically designed to help working people advance in their careers. All degrees in the School of Professional Studies require two courses in labor studies that provide students with an understanding of the contributions of the labor movement to the world of work.
Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration NLC’s bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is designed for rank-and-file union members and adult members of union families interested in acquiring the business knowledge and skills in a degree program that emphasizes sustainable and ethical business practices. Union members interested in starting or improving the performance of their own small businesses will find this program suitable for their learning needs. This program is also effective for union staff or elected officials interested in improving their ability to manage and administer unions and other organizations. The Business Administration degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 required core courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.
Admissions Criteria • At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits
Required Core Courses Digital Learning for the 21st Century Management and Labor in the 21st Century Business Ethics and Sustainability Financial and Accounting Controls Marketing and New Media Research Methods Labor and Work in the United States Legal Environment of Business Entrepreneurship Managing Human Resources in a Dynamic Environment Labor and Work in the Global Economy Capstone Project in Business Administration
Electives Effective Leadership Film and Globalization Labor and the American Political System Leadership Theory Union Structure and Governance
Specialized Certificates Certificate in Small Business Management This a 12-credit program that provides students with a basic understanding of how to set up, staff and manage their own small business. Certificate in Ethical Management This is a 12-credit program that fosters a new breed of manager, who can grow organizations sustainably and ethically by promoting people, the planet and economic prosperity.
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start. 9
“The staff is friendly and accommodating. The support is awesome. NLC has it all.” Tina Davis, AFSCME, Pennsylvania
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Professional Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management
NLC’s Construction Management degree is geared for building and construction trades members who are interested in combining their experience in the industry with the knowledge required to advance in their careers. NLC’s program has the academic standards of a traditional construction management program which complement the experience workers have gained through apprenticeships and supervisory positions in the construction industry. This prior experience helps seasoned construction workers develop the insights needed to be effective leaders. The Construction Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 required core courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.
Admissions Criteria • At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits • Union membership or sponsorship by a building trades union or building trades council • Construction experience
Electives Effective Leadership Leadership Theory Computer Skills for Trade Unionists Foundations of Safety and Health Industrial Hygiene
Required Core Courses Digital Learning for the 21st Century Fundamentals of the Construction Industry I Fundamentals of the Construction Industry II Project Building Systems Project Administration Labor and Work in the United States Construction Cost Accounting, Estimating and Finance Construction Project Planning and Scheduling Industrial Relations in the Construction Industry Advanced Leadership and Business Communication Labor and Work in the Global Economy Construction Industry Capstone Project
Specialized Certificate Certificate in Construction Management This certificate program is a 15-credit program designed to develop a thorough understanding of the planning, directing, coordinating and budgeting necessary for construction projects.
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start. 11
“Studying history made me realize that the civil rights movement and the labor movement are two sides of the same coin.� Martese Chism, RN, NNU, Illinois
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Professional Studies
Bachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management
NLC’s degree in Emergency Readiness and Response Management is designed for rank-and-file union members and adult members of union families interested in fire service, EMS, law enforcement, public safety and related fields. Through this program, students will gain the skills currently in high demand for expanding opportunities at the federal, state and local levels. NLC is the only higher education institution offering a Bachelor of Science degree that combines Homeland Security courses—which examine the function, organization, and responsibilities of Homeland Security agencies and personnel—with courses in labor studies. The Emergency Readiness and Response Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 required core courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.
Admissions Criteria • At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits
Required Core Courses Digital Learning for the 21st Century Fundamentals of Emergency Readiness and Response Management Labor and Work in the United States Disaster Response, Operations and Management Legal and Ethical Aspects of Emergency Readiness and Response Management Research Methods for Emergency Readiness and Response Management Risk Management Strategic Financial Planning and Management Leadership: Systems Thinking and Critical Decision Making Emergency Planning Labor and Work in the Global Economy Capstone Project in Emergency Readiness and Response Management
Electives
Specialized Certificate
Effective Leadership
Certificate in Emergency Management
Leadership Theory
This certificate program is a 15-credit program that
Bioterrorism
provides students with a comprehensive under-
Industrial Hygiene
standing of the principles of emergency manage-
Hazardous Materials in Transportation
ment and Homeland Security including disaster
Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Analysis
response and consequence management.
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Labor Studies
School of Labor Studies
The School of Labor Studies currently offers four bachelor’s degrees: Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health, Labor Studies, and Union Leadership and Administration. These programs are specifically designed to help working people advance in their careers, develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the labor movement. All of the bachelor’s degrees offered in the School of Labor Studies require students to complete a 36 credit curriculum or 12 required courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.
Required Core Courses for All School of Labor Studies Degrees • Living Labor History (residency required) • Labor and Work in the United States • Research Methods • Labor and Politics • Labor and Work in the Global Economy • Labor and Employment
What is a Residency? A residency is an opportunity for students to meet face-to-face with professors, school professionals, and other students during an intensive four-day gathering scheduled over a long weekend. The first required residency is part of the course Living Labor History and must be taken in the first or second semester of study. This residency will include tours, meetings and class sessions during which students will learn how working people use history to build a powerful labor movement. Locations of residencies will rotate; please check www.nlc.edu for specifics. The final residency will take place as students complete their programs as part of the Capstone Writing Seminar. New students may choose from one of two upcoming Living Labor History residencies: •
Fall 2012 – November 9 – 12 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland
•
Spring 2013 – January 18 – 21 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland
Certificate Programs in Labor Studies The School of Labor Studies offers a variety of certificate programs, each consisting of 12 credit hours of online degree and/or Union Skills courses. See website for more detailed information. Topics include: • Building Trades Organizational Dynamics and Growth • Building Trades Union Leadership and Administration • Labor Education • Labor Safety and Health • Leadership for Change • Organizing • Union Administration
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start. 14
“NLC doesn’t feel like an ‘online college’ because the students are so connected to the faculty and to each other.” Rodney Donald, USW, Maryland
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Labor Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education
The Labor Education degree is specifically designed for labor and community educators, trainers and activists who teach, design, implement and administer educational programs invested in key areas, including leadership, organizing, health and safety, and apprenticeships. The labor education program empowers trainers, educators and activists by giving them the tools they need to deliver exceptional educational experiences.
Requirements: Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to any 5 of the following: • Teaching Techniques II (Union Skills course) • Distance Learning for Labor Educators • Methods that Motivate • The Adult Learner • Instructional Systems Design • Instructional Technology • Enhancing Student Collaboration and: • Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)
Bachelor of Arts in Labor Safety and Health Students in the Labor Safety and Health degree program study policy, standards and union strategies. In addition, they learn technical skills to improve their understanding and application of worker safety and health principles.
Requirements: Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to the following 2 courses: • Foundations of Safety and Health • Industrial Hygiene and any 3 of the following courses: • Self-Directed Study in Occupational Health and Safety • Bioterrorism: Agents and Emergency Response • Hazardous Materials Transportation • Workplace Hazards and the Law • HazMat/Chemical Emergency Response and: • Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)
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Labor Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies
The Labor Studies degree encourages students to develop an in-depth understanding of the labor movement's historical development and its contemporary opportunities and challenges. There are currently two concentrations from which to choose within the Labor Studies degree: the Labor and Politics concentration and the Individually Designed concentration, in which students can design a course of study with their advisor.
Labor and Politics Concentration
Individually Designed Concentration
The Labor and Politics concentration is designed to offer students an in-depth analysis of labor's role in the political process. This concentration includes a combination of theoretical and practical exercises and perspectives. Required courses examine labor's relationship with the institutions of American government (Congress, the Courts and the Presidency), labor's role in lobbying and the policy making process, the role of labor in campaigns and elections, and a range of contemporary issues and controversies in labor politics. Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to the following 4 courses: • Future of Labor and Work • Labor, Congress, and the Presidency • Campaigns and Elections • Labor as a Social Movement and one of the following courses: • Special Topics in Labor and Politics • Other upper-division Labor Studies course and: • Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)
The Individually Designed concentration is structured so that students can explore a range of topics and subject areas, drawn from NLC’s Labor and Professional Studies programs, which best fit their particular personal and career interests. The actual list of classes will be designed in consultation with the student’s academic advisor. This concentration is intended to offer self-motivated students maximum flexibility in designing a course of study that best fits their needs. Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to the following course: • Future of Labor and Work and 4 additional upper-division Labor Studies courses, and: • Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)
Bachelor of Arts in Union Leadership and Administration The Union Leadership and Administration degree is designed to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of labor movement leadership and leadership more generally. Courses are designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of bargaining, financial and general management issues. Students who are local union officers or hold union leadership positions are ideal candidates for this course of study. Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to the following course:
and three or more of the following courses (for a total of 5): • Computer Skills for Trade Unionists Level I
• Union Administration
• Ethics in Decision Making
and one or more of the following courses:
• Organizing and Representing the New Workforce
• Union Structure and Governance
• Health Care Bargaining: Impact of the New Law
• Leadership Theory
• The Power of Partnerships (formerly Labor
• Effective Leadership
• Management Partnerships) • Grassroots Leadership for Working America • Special Topics in Union Leadership and Administration and: • Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency) 17
“Apply now, absolutely do it!” Linda Murphy, paraeducator, CSEA member, California 18
Checklist Next Steps
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1
Call an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start.
2
Choose a degree program (Business Administration, Construction Management, Emergency Readiness and Response Management, Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health, Labor Studies, or Union Administration and Leadership).
❏ ❏
3
Complete and submit the application at www.NLC.edu/apply with application fee.
4
Send for all official transcripts, apprenticeship, military and other training records and proof of union membership.
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5
Investigate financial aid at www.NLC.edu/financialaid and scholarships at www.NLC.edu/scholarships.
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6
Register for classes and study!
If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start.
Photo credits: All individuals included are actual students or graduates of National Labor College and recipients of Union Plus scholarships. Their photos and quotes are used with permission. www.unionplus.org On the front cover, the individuals pictured are (starting in the upper left and going clockwise): John Bacon, Ironworker, Rhode Island; Bridget Gael Benjamin, steamfitter, UA member, New Jersey; Peter Kennedy, BMWED staffer, Indiana; and Belinda Gunn, SEIU member, Illinois. 19
10000 New Hampshire Avenue Silver Spring, MD 20903 www.NLC.edu
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