Simpson University's ASPIRE Program Announces Changes

Immediate Release
07.06.2006

REDDING, Calif. - Simpson University announces upcoming changes to ASPIRE, its accelerated education program designed to help working adults complete their bachelor's degrees in 16 months. The changes include a shift in class concentrations, a cohort setup, online learning opportunities, a new evening schedule, and a new degree offering in Siskiyou County.

ASPIRE offers majors in Business Management, Liberal Studies, Psychology, Organizational Leadership, and Christian Ministry Leadership at Simpson's northeast Redding campus. Until now, each major has included six core classes that every student takes and six concentration classes exclusive to their major.

Beginning this fall, the new ASPIRE format will continue to have 12 foundational courses while each majors will be strengthened with 10 solid concentration classes specific to their studies. These courses will be taught sequentially, with students entering the program as a cohort.

"Because students stay with the same group throughout the program, they will develop a strong rapport with other group members, who will act as a support system through the completion of the degree," said Patty Taylor, ASPIRE director. "Students will find the networking opportunities that arise through participating in the program to be invaluable."

Possible majors in the near future for the ASPIRE program include Early Childhood Education, Criminal Justice, and a step-up program for registered nurses to obtain their BSN. ASPIRE will also expand its programs with the 'blended learning' model, where students will take portions of a course inside a classroom and the remaining part online.

Another change involves the schedule for the evening majors (Business Management, Liberal Studies and Psychology). Starting in the fall, courses will be offered one night a week instead of two. Classes will meet for four hours once a week for five weeks, concentrating on one subject at a time (20 hours of class time). The Saturday majors (Organizational Leadership and Christian Ministry Leadership) will continue to meet for eight hours every other Saturday.

In 2004, ASPIRE began partnering with the College of the Siskiyous in Weed to offer its convenient program in Siskiyou County. A psychology major will be offered in a Saturday format in Siskiyou County this fall.

The ASPIRE degree-completion program has been an important component of Simpson University and a vital community resource since 1989. During the past 17 years, ASPIRE has graduated well over 2,000 students. For more information, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

Simpson University, located at 2211 College View Drive in Redding, is a Christian liberal arts university offering undergraduate, graduate and teaching credential programs. For more information about the university, or to arrange a personalized visit, call 1-888-9-SIMPSON or visit simpsonu.edu.

Contact: SU Public Relations
mediarelations@simpsonu.edu
(530) 226-4737