Continuing Ed offers classes to meet community needs
Melissa Teutsch

From computers to cake decorating, from parenting to private investigator licensing, the LSUS Division of Continuing Education and Public Service offers an array of classes and programs to meet the ever-changing needs of the community.

During the summer the campus is covered with children attending the Summer Youth Program sponsored by Continuing Education. Among the many activities available are full-day camps, clinics in areas such as art and babysitting, athletic camps and various classes such as dance and technology.

“We design these camps and classes to be educational for the children, not just play,” said Dr. Severn Doughty, the division’s dean. “This summer we had almost 700 children on campus.”
Continuing Ed also offers year-round computer learning, with classes for “dummies” to experts. Classes included are introduction to the Internet, build a personal computer – from the ground up, Web page design and HTML, the base language of the Internet.

For those needing help with exam preparation, Continuing Education offers classes for exams such as the ACT, EMT, Notary Public and Private Investigator License. A review for the MCAT exam is also available.

“Effective time management,” “get the interview for the job you want,” “how to supervise effectively” and “resume writing” are a few of the many classes available for those seeking professional development.
Classes A lot of companies sign up their employees for some of these classes and even pay for them,” Doughty said.

Leisure learning classes offer a variety of choices for those looking for a new hobby. Classes such as cake decorating, genealogy, motorcycle rider and photography are offered, as well as dance, foreign languages, health, history, parenting and personal finance. A Graduate Master Gardener Program will be implemented late this fall.

Continuing Education also offers certificate programs for dental assistants, paralegals and electricians, as well as for nonprofit administration and substance abuse counselors. Most programs can be completed in only a few semesters. The Dental Assistant Program, however, is the most extensive and requires five semesters. It is certified by the American Dental Association and is a program of which the staff is “very proud,” Doughty said.

In the fall, students enrolled in certificate programs and computer classes will be able to obtain federal loans through Campus Federal Credit Union.

More high-tech computer classes will be available, along with a new state-of-the-art computer lab.
Online courses are available in conjunction with Gatlin Education Services. Online courses include medical transcription, travel agent training, technical writing and advanced coding. Certificates are also available in e-commerce, webmaster and graphic design.

Continuing Education also manages a distance-learning program that links LSUS with 29 other colleges and universities in the state through compressed video courses.

“We are very excited about the changes taking place in the fall,” said Beverly Whitehead, coordinator of non-credit programs.

Senior citizens 55 years or older and LSUS alumni receive a 10 percent discount. Full-time LSUS faculty, staff and students receive a 50 percent discount. Computer classes are free to faculty and staff, but the $20 book must be purchased. Adjunct faculty members receive a 25 percent discount.
For more information on the Division of Continuing Education, and for a complete list of classes and programs offered, call 797-5262.