These programs are some of the most exciting ones offered on campus. Their curricula reflect the rapid changes taking place in offices today. The modern office is being revolutionized by increasingly sophisticated technologies, and a "new breed" of office professional is using them for telecommunications, word processing, spreadsheets, database management, and desktop publishing. The "Office of the Future" has already arrived, bringing with it integrated information systems and specialists who can use them to organize, manage, and administer office functions. The national shortage of office personnel, rapid technological advances, new opportunities for increased earning potential and career advancement all make any one of these programs an excellent choice for distinctive business training.
Today's office specialist is seen as part of the management team, and has administrative responsibility that may include planning, organizing, and directing certain activities and functions. Promotional possibilities include administrative specialist, office manager, and other similar positions. And today's specialist command higher and higher salaries. At a time when administrators and specialists have become increasingly important to business, there is a critical shortage. As a result, titles, benefits, roles, and responsibilities are all enhanced.
The Office Information Technologies programs offer several unique programs: the one-year Clerical Office Assistant certificate program; the certificates of completion in Microsoft Office and Geographical Information Systems; and the Office Information Technologies - Executive degree program and options.
All of our programs offer special career opportunities and specific academic studies. Many of these academic studies are common to all programs, and several are unique. Entering students may already have some well-developed skills in keyboarding and word processing that would make them eligible for challenge examinations, which are designed to allow credit for acquired skills. Students who demonstrate satisfactory results on these exams can enroll in advanced courses in related areas.
These programs are intensive, and require approximately 30 to 40 hours of study outside class each week. While this requirement may seem excessive, the investment of time will be worthwhile because it will bring many rewards in job satisfaction and career advancement. Our courses, faculty, and extensive new training facilities are state-of-the-art, and cannot be matched in the region.
Students must place in ENGL-100 prior to registering for first semester courses. Enrolling students are required to take math, reading and English placement tests. If students have been out of school for a number of years, or are weak in math, reading comprehension, and/or English, it would be wise to review these skills before taking the placement tests. Depending on the test results and the program selected, it might be wise to enroll in one or more of the following English and math courses before the first semester of courses.
Minimum Grade Requirement: Students are required to achieve a "C" (73%) or better as a final grade in specified courses. A minimum quality point average of 2.0 is required for graduation.
Minimum Speed Requirements: Students are required to achieve the minimum "Speed Requirements" specified for individual courses. A minimum speed requirement of 50 WPM for 5 minutes with 5 errors or less is required for students graduating from the Office Information Technologies - Executive program.
Minimum Standards: Third and fourth semester students in specified programs are required to achieve minimum "Mailability Standards."
Cooperative Education: Cooperative Education is available to eligible seniors who wish to enhance their education with work experience. Co-Op work must follow guidelines established by the program and the Cooperative Education Office.
