Dean:
Charles M. Wilson BH 119B ext.
5306
Directors:
Extended Programs:
Harold Ledford BH 123 ext. 5262
Purpose
Continuing Education and Public Service programs extend the academic environment and opportunities of the University to the lifelong learner of the Ark-La-Tex region. This academic unit administers all continuing education or special activities as defined by the criteria of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
These activities include all public service and continuing education, conferences, workshops, institutes, international study programs, continuing education credit programs (on or off campus), media instruction, Public Radio, LSU System continuing education activities, and special assigned programs. Since 1973 over 200,000 participants have enrolled in continuing education programs offered by LSU in Shreveport.
Conferences and Institutes
The Office of Conferences and Institutes is responsible for coordinating noncredit continuing education programs. The types of noncredit courses offered are diverse and designed to meet a variety of the personal needs of the area's citizens. Some are designed for professional improvement and development; others, for personal enjoyment or for improved quality of leisure time. A few examples are foreign languages, stress management, real estate, communication skills, photography, notary, health and personal fitness, swimming, computer usage, and CPA review. Extensive programs for children are offered during the summer.
Non-credit certificate programs are available in paralegal studies, real estate, computer applications, personnel management, historic-resource management and many other areas. Also the Small Business Development Center, the Center for Business Research, and the Professional Development Unit of the College of Business Administration offer, through the Division of Continuing Education and Public Service, seminars and workshops that assist business and industry throughout the Ark-La-Tex.
The Director of Conferences and Institutes designs professional improvement programs to meet the needs of particular groups and industries. These programs are offered both on and off campus at the convenience of the group.
Continuing Education Units
Upon successful completion of designated noncredit programs, continuing education units will be awarded. One continuing education unit (CEU) requires 10 contact hours under responsible sponsorship, capable direction, and qualified instruction. These units provide a uniform system of recording noncredit continuing education activities. The CEU records are part of the full-time equivalent student account for the institution, as stipulated by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
Weekend College
Weekend College allows students seeking personal or professional enrichment to take credit courses that meet one day a week on Saturday or Sunday. Students seeking a degree can apply credits earned in Weekend College to a bachelor's degree in General Studies. Some courses may satisfy requirements in other degree programs as well. For more information, contact Continuing Education and Public Service or the College of Liberal Arts.
Office of Developmental Education
The Office of Developmental Education assists students of all backgrounds who may not have the high school grades or ACT scores generally required for college admission but who, according to other criteria, have the potential to succeed in college.
Developmental Education courses focus on the basic skills essential for educational achievement. Additionally, they develop oral communication, study techniques, and general strategies for coping with college life. For more information see "Developmental Education Program" or contact the Developmental Advisor in the Colleges of Business Administration, Education, Liberal Arts, or Sciences.
International Study Programs
The Office of International Study Programs develops and administers foreign-study programs for traditional-age students and adults. Courses are offered for credit and noncredit and take advantage of visits to a foreign country that give students first-hand experience of the culture. For more information, please contact the Office of Conferences and Institutes.
Satellite Teleconference Programs
Satellite down-link teleconference facilities are located in the University Center's conference rooms, ballroom, and theater. A variety of program formats can be offered, and the capabilities include both C and Ku Band.
Organizations wishing to use this satellite equipment for professional development and educational programming should contact Conferences and Institutes.
Distance Learning
In cooperation with Louisiana Public Broadcasting, the Distance Learning Program telecasts graduate and undergraduate courses via satellite. Some of these courses can help those with temporary teaching certificates earn certification in Special Education or Science. Courses in a variety of other areas are telecast periodically as well. For more information, contact Continuing Education and Public Service.
Off-Campus Instruction
Continuing Education and Public Service offers a variety of educational programs off campus. These may be for graduate or undergraduate credit or for noncredit.
These programs may be designed to meet the particular needs of the client groups and scheduled at convenient times for the participants. Business, industry, or citizen groups interested in off-campus instruction should contact the Dean of Continuing Education and Public Service.
Barksdale Air Force Base Center
LSU in Shreveport has established an off-campus center at Barksdale Air Force Base. The Center is coordinated by the Division of Continuing Education and Public Service and serves the needs of Air Force personnel and dependents by offering credit and noncredit programs on base and by responding to the needs of on-campus personnel and dependents.
The Department of Computer Science offers the Master of Science in Computer Technology through this Center. This program is not offered on campus but is available to civilians as well as Air Force Base personnel. (See also, "Computer Science" and "Graduate Programs.")
The Department of History and Social Sciences offers the Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) for BAFB Security Police. The College of Education offers courses leading to teacher certification. For information on any of these programs, contact Continuing Education and Public Service or the BAFB Education Office.
Pioneer Heritage Center Program
The Pioneer Heritage Center interprets the unique culture and social history of northwest Louisiana from the 1830's to the end of the 19th Century, the period of settlement and early development.
The Center comprises six plantation structures, including the Thrasher House (a log dogtrot) and Caspiana House (the big house from Caspiana Plantation), both listed on the National Register of Historic Places; a detached kitchen; a log single-pen blacksmith shop; a doctor's office; and a commissary. The structures, exhibits, and artifacts serve as a history laboratory for students and teachers in the humanities and for community groups, tourists, and the general public.
The educational program of the Center has become a model for progressive museum education, and has received a commendation for excellence from the American Association for State and Local History. During the school year, students in grades 5 through 12 receive hands-on interpretive tours that enrich their classroom studies. The Center regularly sponsors outreach programs such as research seminars, museum professional - development workshops, teachers' in-service programs, public symposia, and slide-illustrated lectures. Community volunteers serve as interpretive staff.
While the Pioneer Heritage Center was founded in 1976 as a joint project of the University and the Junior League of Shreveport, corporate citizens, foundations, individuals, and groups in the regional community have supported the Center since its inception. For example, the Shreveport Medical Society Auxiliary, who sponsored the Doctor's Office at the Center, has undertaken the Medical Heritage Gardens project to provide an authentic environment for the Center.
The Center is open to the public during school semesters on Sundays from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m., with groups scheduled on weekdays by appointment. The Center is closed on holidays. During the summers and from December 15 through February, the Center is available only for special tours by appointment.
Requests for information, scheduling of activities, and donations to the collections are coordinated by the Director of the Pioneer Heritage Center, Bronson Hall 106, LSU in Shreveport, One University Place, Shreveport, LA 71115, telephone (318) 797-5332.
Public Radio
The University operates four public radio stations. KDAQ (89.9FM) originates from studios on campus and broadcasts to over 2,000,000 residents of the Ark-La-Tex. KLSA (90.7FM), which signed on in December of 1986, originates on the LSU in Shreveport campus and serves more than 600,000 residents in the Central Louisiana Region. KBSA (90.9FM) serves El Dorado, Arkansas. A fourth station in Lufkin, Texas, broadcasts on 88.9FM.
The LSU in Shreveport Public Radio Network is licensed to the LSU Board of Supervisors and is operated by LSU in Shreveport. The stations broadcast 24 hours each day and are affiliated with National Public Radio and Public Radio International. This public and cultural service of the University is supported by underwriters, corporations and foundations, the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, and listeners.
LSU System Continuing Education Activities
LSU Baton Rouge Graduate Programs
LSU Baton Rouge offers the Master of Library Science on the LSU in Shreveport campus. This program may be completed in Shreveport. For graduate admission, registration, and class scheduling, interested students must contact the School of Library Science in Baton Rouge. Further information concerning this and other programs may be obtained from Continuing Education and Public Service.
Independent Study
The LSU Baton Rouge Office of Independent Study assists those individuals who are unable to attend regular classes and who wish to pursue instruction at home. Correspondence courses are available in college, high school, and certain professional noncredit subjects. Further information may be obtained through Continuing Education and Public Service or by contacting the Office of Independent Study, Pleasant Hall, LSU, Baton Rouge, LA 70803.
Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service
The Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service develops programs based on the needs, interests, and problems of farmers, ranchers, business people, homemakers, consumers, and youth. These programs generally are in the categories of agriculture, home economics, 4-H Clubs, and community-resource development. There is at least one Extension Service office in each parish. Printed information is available from all parish offices. The District Agent for the Extension Service in Northwest Louisiana is housed in Bronson Hall on the LSU in Shreveport Campus. Requests for information concerning any part of the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service program may be obtained by visiting this office or calling (318) 797- 5136 or 5137.
Non-Credit Offerings
The Division of Continuing Education and Public Service, through its Office of Conferences and Institutes, offers a number of non-credit courses, some of which earn the student Continuing Education Units. The following are but a few of the many programs and courses offered: