http://www.presott.edu

Distance Learning Program
Approximately 300 students are enrolled in the program. Degree-seeking students must attend a three-day New Student Orientation and a subsequent three-day Liberal Arts Seminar in Prescott, Arizona. During their programs students continue to work full-time in their home communities while completing course work and meeting regularly with local mentors. Prescott College also has a resident undergraduate program and a limited residency Master of Arts program.

Students meet core faculty members during their New Student Orientation in Prescott and subsequently maintain contact through e-mail, telephone, fax, and mail. Students typically have twelve to eighteen hours of in-person meetings with a mentor per course.

The Student Services Office serves all students during their time with Prescott College. Career development information is updated regularly. Guided by the philosophy of Prescott College's Adult Degree Program and the Association of Colleges and Research Libraries' (ACRL) "Guidelines for Extended Campus Library Services," Prescott College provides a high level of library service equal to that available to students enrolled elsewhere in traditional programs.

Programs of Study

Prescott College's Adult Degree Program (ADP) provides a community-based, independent study model for completion of the Bachelor of Arts degree and post-baccalaureate programs for students pursuing teacher certification. The majority of Adult Degree students are enrolled in the Teacher Education/Certification Program or are pursuing competencies (majors) in counseling psychology/human services, environmental studies, sustainable community development, or management. In addition, many students design individualized programs in areas such as anthropology, art, communications, creative writing, criminal justice, holistic health, humanities, political science, public administration, and women's studies. Enrolled students may develop and submit a life/work experience portfolio for evaluation of credits based on demonstration of prior college-level learning.

All students work with core faculty members and their curriculum committee to design their individualized programs. Programs provide a framework for meaningful, self-directed learning. Competencies (majors) may be broad and interdisciplinary in content or more narrowly focused to reflect particular student career goals. Students are encouraged to include liberal arts as one of their breadth (minor) areas. Teacher certification course work follows Arizona guidelines but programs have been successfully adapted for certification in other states.

To facilitate community-based education, students find mentors in their home communities who agree to work with them for one, two, or three courses. Mentors are approved by core faculty members. They must complete a credential file and meet Adult Degree Program criteria, including a minimum of a master's degree and, preferably, teaching experience at the college level. Interested mentors are often found at universities and community colleges, at local elementary and high schools, and in business and other professional fields. Students are expected to direct their own learning using mentors as resources and guides. Finding mentors also provides students with a valuable network of professionals in their field of study. Often, these connections lead to internships, recommendations, and jobs. Mentors are paid a stipend for working with ADP students.

Prescott College Adult Degree Program students have been involved in many community-based programs, such as Teach for America. Students are encouraged to include internships and practica as part of their demonstration of competence, a graduation requirement.

Courses completed above remedial level at other regionally accredited colleges, with a grade of C or better, are transferable. Relevant courses are applied to the competence and breadth areas during initial advising. In some cases, courses from unaccredited colleges may be documented through a conversion portfolio for which Prescott College credit may be awarded. This option is available after admission into the undergraduate program. CLEP (College Level Examination Program) scores may be submitted for evaluation.

Applying for Distance Education

The focus of the admissions process is to help ensure that students who are admitted enter a program suited to their individual goals. Prescott College Admissions Counselors are available to assist students during the admissions process. More information is available from the Admissions Office at the address and telephone number listed below.Students are encouraged to submit completed applications by the priority due date for the term in which they plan to enroll. After the priority due date has passed, applications are accepted and reviewed on a rolling, or first-come, first-served, basis. Additional clarification is available from the Admissions Office at 800-628-6364 (Prescott) or 888-797-4680 (Tucson).

Costs

In 2001-02, full-time tuition per six-month enrollment period (18 to 24 quarter credits) is $3825. Part-time tuition (including less than 18 or more than 24 quarter credits) is $210 per credit-hour. There is a $25 nonrefundable application fee.

Financial Aid

Prescott College's Financial Aid Office makes every attempt to ensure that all qualified students can attend and assists them in finding financial aid, given individual eligibility. The types of financial aid available are Federal Pell Grants, Prescott College grants, Federal Perkins Loans, Arizona State Student Incentive Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, work-study programs, Federal Stafford Student Loans, the Arizona Voucher Program, campus employment, and scholarships.

More than 65 percent of the students at Prescott College receive financial aid. Prescott College uses the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine a student's financial need. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until all available funds are used. FAFSA forms take four to six weeks to process, so students should submit them early, even if their plans are indefinite.

For Additional Information

Admissions Office, ADP
Prescott College
220 Grove Avenue
Prescott, Arizona 86301
Telephone: 800-628-6364 (toll-free)
Fax: 520-776-5242

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