USF Sarasota-Manatee opens registration period for college “test drivers”

 

SARASOTA, FL (December 5, 2006) – Beginning December 7, people interested in continuing their college education will have the opportunity to register to “test drive” some college courses during the Spring 2007 semester at the University of South Florida Sarasota-Manatee.

 

The Student Services’ staff will be available from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on December 7 for the kick-off of non-degree registration to assist students who want to try just a few courses before committing to a full academic degree program – or who just want to take a few classes related to their own special interests.  

 

Prospective students will be able to meet with academic advisors to go over their transcripts and help design a rewarding academic path. Financial aid representatives will be on hand to assist prospective students as well.  Tours of the new USF Sarasota-Manatee campus center will be available throughout the day.

 

USF Sarasota-Manatee’s Spring 2007 classes begin January 8, and non-degree seeking students can choose from a wide array of classes in Business, Education, Library & Information Science,  Information Technology, Hospitality, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Gerontology, Women’s Studies, Social Work and Religion among several other subjects. USF Sarasota-Manatee also offers coursework for non-degree seeking students in south Sarasota County at MCC Venice.

 

“Test driving a class is a great way for people to become familiar with our campus and the programs that we offer,” said Hillary Bardwell, recruitment coordinator.  “We have a myriad of courses for students who want to try out the program -- or for people who are simply interested in expanding their knowledge.”

 

Students who decide to continue toward a degree at USF Sarasota-Manatee have the opportunity to transfer up to 12 graduate and 14 undergraduate credit hours of their non-degree coursework -- depending on the requirements of the selected degree program.

 

This holiday season, USF Sarasota-Manatee is also offering gift certificates to those who want to give the gift of education to loved ones or friends.  The gift certificates are valid only for the USF Sarasota-Manatee campus for the Spring 2007 semester, and can be purchased in the Business Office on that campus, located at 8350 N. Tamiami Trail.

 

“People often ask if they can pay for a class for someone,” Bardwell said, “and this holiday season we thought it would be great to offer that option.”

USF Sarasota-Manatee is an upper-level campus for those with an associate’s or bachelor’s degree interested in pursuing a baccalaureate or master’s degree, professional certification, or continuing education credit. The regional campus offers the prestige of a nationally ranked research university with the convenience of a hometown campus, including classes in south Sarasota County at Manatee Community College Venice. 

 

For a list of courses offered for non-degree seekers, please call 359-4330 or visit http://www.sarasota.usf.edu/nondegreecoursesspring2007.htm.