FAST-TRACK CLASSES AT ABAC THIS SPRING

In an effort to find ways to help non-traditional students complete college in a timely manner, Abraham Baldwin College will experiment with alternative scheduling for certain courses beginning this spring semester. 

Dr. Gail Dillard, ABAC’s Director of Evening and Off-Campus Programs, said fast-track scheduling is one approach that other colleges have found successful. 

“If students at ABAC show an interest in this type of scheduling by registering for these courses, we expect to expand fast-track and weekend offerings in the future,” she said. “I am grateful to Dr. Bobbie Robinson [Chair in ABAC’s Division of Humanities] for taking the lead in this effort to accommodate students who have to fit college into a hectic work and family schedule. Jenelle Louder [Director of Financial Aid at ABAC] has also gone out of her way to work out possible financial aid problems for students taking split-semester courses.”

One scheduling experiment will take place in the Humanities Division. Scheduling changes will include a fast-track, eight-week schedule for one section of Composition II (ENGL 1102) and one section of Human Communication (COMM 1100). ENGL 1102 will meet the first half of the semester (January - February) on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 - 8:20 p.m., and COMM 1100 will meet March - April in the same time slot. In addition, the Humanities Division will offer a Saturday morning class, Composition I (ENGL 1101), from 9 - 11:40 a.m. on campus.

Robinson said ABAC faculty members have listened to students and have tried to offer core courses that will fit into any major. 

“The mini-mester courses will allow students to pick up two courses in the place of one during the semester,” she said. “The Saturday morning class should appeal to non-traditional students who usually can take classes only at night. This course would help them move faster toward completing their degree requirements.

“We are enthusiastic about offering these courses. They will require a different kind of commitment from students than regular courses, but the overwhelming success of the Maymester last summer proved to us that students will rise to the challenge when they are committed to the educational process.”

For additional information about alternative scheduling options available at ABAC, contact Dillard at (229) 386-7154. Registration for spring semester is now underway. Classes begin Jan. 8.

# # #