Stetson Commons 1995-5-2

COMMONS winter 1995-96 A Newsletter for Families of Stetson Students volume v—N0.2 (Below) December '95 political science grad Jessica Elizabeth Kirkuiood (center), Winter Park, won the 1996 Underbill Award presented at Homecoming. Pictured with her, from left, are her parents, Lawrence and Deborah Kirkwood; former Stetson Trustee William Amory Underhill, '36; and Political Science Professor T. Wayne Bailey. (Above) Associate Director of Alumni Relations Kathy Burley (center) poses with Homecoming '96 hostesses, seniors Kristen Lambert (left), Sarasota, and Shana Workman, Seminole. Photos by Tommy Taylor Stetson's teacher education program nationally accredited Stetson University's Department of Teacher Education has received national accreditation by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education (NCATE), the agency tesponsible for professional accreditation of teacher education. Stetson received accreditation for its programs in both initial teacher preparation and advanced pteparation for all school personnel during this fall's round of decisions by NCATE's Unit Accreditation Board. Approximately 500 education programs across the country are professionally accredited. "Although our education program has had state approval for years, we felt it was important to students, especially those seeking teaching positions outside Florida, that we demonstrate that the program meets national standards," Dean of Arts and Sciences Gary Maris said. "With the trend to the setting of national standards for teacher preparation, this recognition is particularly significant." NCATE accreditation of Stetson's education department is the culmination of thtee years of work by the education faculty, beginning with a self-study and ending with an on-site examination by a team of national experts. Schools seeking NCATE recognition are required to meet high standards in a variety of areas, including quality of faculty and gtaduates and program excellence. The standards require the department to involve students and faculty in developing a framework for each program, based on current and established tesearch and best practice. Students must be able to explain insttuctional decisions from a base of knowledge about teaching and learning, Education Chair Robert Leahy said. Summer at Stetson gives pre-collegians a head start Academically gifted rising high school juniors and seniors can experience college life without stress. A Stetson summer session offers an opportunity to get a head start on a college career in a relaxed atmosphere with a wide variety of courses through its Pre- College Program. Participants may enroll in two regular Stetson courses during the eight-week program, from June 4 through July 27, or one course during one of the two four-week programs, June 4-30 or July 3-July 27. PCP students live in air conditioned residence halls, eat in The Commons with other Stetson students and patticipate in campus activities. Courses, which range from fundamentals of chemistry to total immersion French, are taught by Stetson faculty members. Credit may be applied immediately for early college admission or included in a student's academic record. The cost, including tuition, room, week-day meals and activities, is $2,900 for an eight-week program or $1,600 for the four-week program. For further information, contact Stetson Pre- College Program Director Mitchell Reddish at Stetson, Campus Box 8354. Campus Briefs Students study marketing in Europe, earn credit The School of Business Administration will begin a new European extension program in marketing this summer, open to both Stetson and non-Stetson undergraduates, including community college graduates. Stetson business professors will teach the junior and senior level courses, fully accredited by Stetson and transferable to other schools. The courses will be taught in London and Florence from July 17 through Aug. 17. Courses offered this summer are Principles of Marketing, Retail Management, Global Marketing, and Consumer Behavior. The 30- day study trip costs $3,500, plus tuition. Stetson launches building program for student needs Stetson is launching a three-year building program on its DeLand campus that will change the focus of student life, set the duPont-Ball Library firmly on the informa- tion superhighway, and expand resources for athletes and the sport/exercise science program. Also included is a new legal information facility at the College of Law, in St. Petersburg. Approved by the university's trustees and funded by donors, primarily Stetson alumni, are four projects in DeLand: the Hollis Center for recreation and wellness activities, an expansion of the duPont-Ball Library, and of the Edmunds Activities Center for both academic and athletic needs, and phase one of the Mandy Stoll Tennis Center. The new Legal Information Center at the College of Law exceeds all accreditation requirements. Internship Fair: opportunity An Internship Fair, sponsored by Stetson University's Career Services, Feb. 27, will introduce current students to the benefits of interning while at Stetson. "Interning opens doors to new careers for students and workers of every age and position, and is consistently a sure bet for employers as well as for potential employees," said Dawn Rodak, director of Career Services. "An internship is not like a job; it is a job — perhaps the most important job an individual will ever have." Benefits of interning include: acquiring experience needed for the work force; making business contacts; and learning about a career path, before making a commitment. How does one succeed at interning? By getting out of it all the benefits possible: learning new skills, making contacts and getting credentials. Please encourage your student to attend.