University business program earns regional recognition

A University business program will be honored with a regional award later this month for being both successful and innovative.

The University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) will recognize the Advanced Studies in Business (ASB) post-baccalaureate certificate program with its Mid-Atlantic Region's Credit Program Development Award at the group's annual conference later this month in Syracuse, N.Y.

The ASB program is designed to meet the professional development needs of a variety of continuing education students including working professionals and part-time students. It is a joint program of the university's Office of Extended Studies and the John L. Grove College of Business.

Dr. Christina M. Sax, dean of extended studies, said those involved with the program hope to build on its success. "We hope to apply this model to new programs that meet the needs of working professionals in south central Pennsylvania," she said.

Dr. Patricia Wolf, assistant dean of Grove College and director of the university's Masters in Business Administration (MBA) program, said the ASB program "is perfect for working professionals who want to expand their knowledge of business but do not want to commit to a full graduate degree program."

The program was launched in 2006 in response to a recommendation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) to ensure consistent skill levels for students admitted to and enrolled in the university's MBA program. ASB courses may be used to fulfill the pre-requisites of an MBA program, to complete a 16-credit post-baccalaureate certificate or as stand-alone professional development courses.

The five four-credit courses are offered in an accelerated 10 to 12 week format via both evening face-to-face and online class work, allowing students to complete the ASB certificate in one year.

In an effort to meet the needs of a wide geographic area, the program uses videoconferencing technology to link students at three locations: Shippensburg's campus, at Dixon University Center in Harrisburg and at Snyder's of Hanover corporate headquarters.

Sax and Carolyn Callaghan, assistant dean in the extended studies office, will accept the award on the university's behalf. Callaghan said the recognition "validates the collaborative efforts among our university departments and external partnerships such as area chamber of commerce offices and regional businesses."