Oct. 5, 2009 - College of DuPage is expanding its accelerated Adult Fast Track program to provide greater flexibility, offer new options and serve a broader population of students.
The improved program will begin during the second 8-week fall session, which starts on Wednesday, Oct. 21. The changes include the following:
- Lowering the minimum age of participants from 24 to 21.
“In the past, 24 reflected a certain level of world experience,” explained Andrea Liedtke, coordinator, Adult Fast Track. “But we’re seeing students who may already hold full-time jobs at 21, have served in the military, head their own households or have prior college experience. We’re trying to reach out to those groups.”
- Requiring 12 prior credits of college-level work with a minimum GPA of 2.5.
In the past, the program did not require prior college work. This criteria was added to make sure students are equipped to succeed, particularly in an accelerated format, Liedtke said.
“An accelerated program does not mean that a traditional class requiring 10 hours of work is now reduced to five,” she explained. “You do the same amount of work, but you do more on your own. Students must be prepared to take the initiative.”
- Offering eight-week accelerated classes but not in cohort groups.
Within the 16-week fall and spring terms are two 8-week sessions, and AFT courses will be offered during each 8-week session as well as during the summer semester. The cohort format will be eliminated (current cohorts may stay together to finish out their studies), which allows students to start their degree any time an 8-week session begins. This provides greater flexibility, Liedtke said.
“A student can opt to enroll primarily in Fast Track or they can supplement their schedule with one or more AFT courses,” she said. “Let’s say a 21-year-old is taking traditional classes during the day. But, for whatever reason, he’d like to complete Speech 1100 in eight weeks. As long as he fulfills the requirements, he can take AFT Speech 1100.”
- Adding an additional degree and more general education classes.
The program will introduce an Associate in Applied Science Management degree while continuing to offer an Associate in Arts degree. Also, a much greater selection of general education courses will be added to the AFT schedule.
- Expanding the program from the Westmont Center.
Adult Fast Track, which was offered only at the College’s Westmont Center, will now be expanded to the College’s campus in Glen Ellyn and the Naperville Center.
“All of the changes we’re making are intended to accomplish one thing: make the C.O.D. Adult Fast Track program the ideal destination for adult students eager to reach or exceed their academic and career goals,” Liedtke said.
For more information, call (630) 942-2778.