Written by: Charlene Arnold
Southern Adventist University’s Adult Degree Completion (ADC) program officially launched this semester when classes began January 10.
“[Southern] has anticipated the ADC program starting for quite a few years and has worked really hard to get the program up and running,” said ADC Director Cynthia Wright.
As mentioned in a previous Accent article, the ADC program provides various educational options such as night courses, hybrid and online learning.
Junior Bachelor of Integrated Studies major Heidi Martin is one of the first students registered for the program.
“I love how the ADC program is set up because it makes it convenient for those working full-time, plus managing a home and family, to fulfill each class requirement,” Martin said.
To qualify for admission, applicants must be at least 25 years old and have at least 24 hours of previous college credits, a minimum GPA of 2.0 for those completed courses, U.S. citizenship and a complete high school transcript.
According to Wright, classes are mostly online. However, students have access to the McKee Library on campus.
“These students are considered Adult Degree Completion students at Southern,” Wright said when asked of campus access and privileges. “Graduation will be the same as the traditional student’s graduation guidelines and [will be held] in the Iles Gym on campus.”
“The [ADC] program is currently offering three degree programs,” Wright said. “BS in Business management, BIS (Bachelor of Integrative Studies) and BS in communication.”
Additional programs will be added in the future.
According to Tyson Hall, dean of graduate and professional studies, administrators will add a BS in general psychology to the program in the Fall 2022 semester.
Currently, there are 12 students enrolled in the ADC program, according to Wright.
“We would like to enroll a total of 10 students or more into the program each semester,” she said.
Wright said she is in the process of hiring adjunct instructors for the new psychology degree. Administrators of the program plan to conduct a credit for prior learning (CPL) workshop in late February. This will include strategies for students to convert prior knowledge and learning towards academic credit, according to Wright.
“I enjoy recruiting and getting to know students,” Wright said. “I find it a great joy encouraging them [so] that they can return to college, finish up their degrees and be successful.”
As mentioned in a previous Accent article, School of Journalism and Communication Dean Rachel Williams-Smith played an essential role in getting the program started. She now plays a supportive role.
“I’ve long nurtured the dream of seeing Southern offer an adult degree completion program,” Williams-Smith said. “So, having it finally come into fruition with students enrolled and starting their first semester is very satisfying.”