FAQ

Q. I have never heard of Antioch University McGregor? Are you accredited?

Antioch University McGregor is the youngest member of the Antioch University family and is based in Yellow Springs, Ohio. Antioch University, founded as Antioch College in 1852, encompasses six campuses around the country including Antioch College, Antioch University McGregor, Antioch University New England, Antioch University Seattle, Antioch University Los Angeles and Antioch University Santa Barbara. The university enrolls more than 4,000 graduate and undergraduate students nationally. To read more of our story, check out Antiochiana: www.antioch.edu

Antioch University is accredited by the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), 30 LaSalle Street, #2400, Chicago, IL 60602-2504. (800) 821 – 7440.

Q. I have never taken an online course before. I am wondering how this degree will be viewed when I graduate?

A. There is much discussion these days about the academic integrity of online programs. We believe the world of online learning has much to offer working professionals who seek to further their education.

At Antioch University we have been highly selective about the types of programs we offer online and have ensured that the same academic principles are applied to the online courses as are applied to our on-campus classroom offerings.

To see an external assessment of the value of online learning visit the Sloan Consortium at:

http://www.sloan-c.org

To read their most recently published report on online education in the United States visit:

http://www.sloan-c.org/publications/survey/pdf/growing_by_degrees.pdf

Q. Where are your students from? Who are they?

Community College Management (CCM) students represent 13 states (IA, MI, MO, NC, NJ, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, TN, TX, and WA) at 20 community colleges around the country. They are 26% African-American, 70% Caucasian and 4% Asian or Multi-Racial.

They come from almost every segment of the community college world: Student Affairs, Admissions and Financial Aid, Faculty, Continuing Education, and Public Relations and Marketing. One of the joys and strengths of the program is the diversity of geography, backgrounds, and professionalism that each individual brings to the table.

Q. I work full time and am wondering how this program will work for me. (I also have two small children). Is this really doable?

A. This program is designed specifically for adult learners. Part of what goes into developing a quality graduate program is a good understanding of the needs of adult learners. We feel that we have such an understanding. At Antioch McGregor, we recognize that you have multiple responsibilities to your work, your family, and your community. We’ve developed this program with the working adults’ lifestyle in mind.

• With one 3-day residency each year and online courses, you will be able to maximize your learning time. The online courses are “asynchronous” – meaning that you are not required to be online at the same time as your classmates and professors. This affords you the flexibility to work when you are at your best: early mornings before heading off to work, evenings after the kids are in bed, or weekends when you can carve out some time to get online.
• We’ve designed the coursework to relate to what you experience at work. So, you’ll be applying what you learn in your courses to your work, and, hopefully, making your work more efficient and rewarding.
• If you will be attending professional conferences as part of your work responsibilities, you may be able to apply what you learn at these conferences to your elective coursework.
• With full-time and half-time enrollment options, you can register for the number of courses that fits the amount of time and energy that you can dedicate to your studies.

All of your classmates will be employed full-time at a community college and will also have multiple demands on their time. Our goal is to help all students graduate--we all share in everyone’s success.

To answer you directly, “Yes! It is definitely doable.”

Q. Do I have to take the GRE or GMAT?

No. We do not require either test.

Q. How will I know if I am a good candidate for “online learning?”

A. First, an interest and willingness to explore learning in this way is key. We don’t expect students to be experts in technology or online learning. However, curiosity and receptivity to the ambiguity that comes with new situations is needed. Students need to have basic technology skills and access to the appropriate technology (see the question on system requirements for more detail).

Second, there are a variety of books and online resources that have self-assessment tools that can be useful in determining if you are ready to learn in an online environment. One such resource contains tips for the online learner, as well as, a self-assessment tool and links to other assessments.

Q. Budgets are tight where I work (whose aren’t)… How can I pay for this program, and how much does it cost?

A. Don’t forget to ask your Human Resources Department about tuition reimbursement and other employee educational benefits. Many community colleges have programs that reimburse employees for at least a portion of their tuition costs.

There are also a variety of options for tuition assistance, such as federal subsidized and unsubsidized student loans and scholarships. Please take a moment to visit the Financial Aid Information area if you have not already. There is a lot of information in there to help you with financing your education.

Full-time students complete the program in two years and enrolled in approximately 24-26 credits each year. Half-time students enroll in 12-20 credits each year, completing the program in three to four years, depending on whether they register for classes during the summer.

Please see the tuition schedule for current year costs. The anticipated 2007-2008 tuition cost is $360 per quarter hour. Students also pay a $75 technology fee each quarter, making total tuition and fees approximately 18,000-20,000. Additional costs include books and other instructional materials and personal expenses plus travel and lodging costs for a 3-day residency at least once per year.

Q. What kind of system requirements are there for taking this online program? I’m not sure my computer is good enough.

A. All students are required to have a computer and Internet access. Visit the Technology Requirements section for specific information.

For students who need to purchase a computer to meet these requirements, the costs can be covered through your financial aid package. Please contact Kathy John, Director of Financial Aid at 937-769-1840 kjohn@mcgregor.edu for further information.

Q. I am still not convinced that I need an MA in management and one so geared toward community colleges…aren’t I limiting my future options?

A. It sounds like you’re asking two questions: how will this degree help me in my community college career, and how will it limit me if I decide to work outside of community colleges.

Here’s how it can help you within community colleges:

• No doubt your community college has already started planning for the upcoming retirements of a large percentage of your administrators, staff, and faculty. This degree will increase your competitiveness for filling these upcoming vacancies.
• If you’re a faculty member recently promoted or interested in moving into a chair or other administrative position, this degree will provide you with the knowledge and skills that you need in your new role.
• This is a master’s degree in management, which will help you qualify for teaching management or business courses at your institution.
• If you’re interested in moving into top administrative positions, you’ll ultimately need to earn your doctorate. Very few doctoral programs accept students who don’t have master’s degrees. With this degree, you can show that you already have a solid knowledge base in your field.

Here’s how this degree can help you if you choose to work outside community colleges:

• Your degree is in management, with a special focus on the community college. This means that you will have a solid background in the traditional management functional areas of organizational behavior, marketing, budgeting, and finance.
• Many of the challenges confronting community colleges also confront public schools, universities, and governmental agencies. The concepts and strategies that you learn in this program will be applicable to other public or nonprofit settings.
• Your degree will complement your professional experience. You will be able to show that you have attained an educational level that is earned by less than 15% of the adults in this country. You will show your ability to think critically, work in teams, cope with rapid change, and communicate and collaborate with individuals who may be separated from you geographically. These skills are critical professional skills for our global society.

Q. Tell me why should I get this degree, now, at Antioch?

A. This particular degree program is the only one of its kind—a master’s-level education designed specifically for the community college professional, dealing with very real issues in your field. It is timely in its application and solidly grounded in theory. Antioch University provides a unique educational experience, which respects you and the knowledge and skill you bring to the program. You will study with other community college professionals and have faculty who have prior community college experience or are current community college administrators. The education could not be any more relevant.