SEMO programs a good step for students

Southeast Missouri State University recently shared information on two programs that will benefit students.

The Associate's Plus program will begin in the fall of 2014. Through its regional campuses in Kennett, Malden and Sikeston, Mo., students can take courses through the university and online via Missouri State University-West Plains toward a two-year associate degree. After the 62-hour requirement, a student can apply for graduation through West Plains with an associate of art's degree. If they want a bachelor's degree, the 62 hours apply toward a bachelor's degree at Southeast.

This is a positive step for Southeast. The immediate Cape Girardeau area has the Cape Girardeau Partnership for Higher Education. The university's new arrangement with West Plains does not affect the partnership. However, it's a good step for students who want to continue living near one of our regional campuses or others in neighboring states with an interest in Southeast.

The second program is geared toward students in high school who want to take dual-credit courses through Southeast. Several area schools have offered these courses for high school juniors and seniors. The courses apply toward college credit. However, the requirements in place meant students at some schools could not have access to the courses.

For a high school educator to teach a dual-credit course, he or she must have a master's degrees and a minimum of 18 credit hours of graduate-level work in the subject area. For some schools, having instructors who qualify to teach a dual-credit course is not an option.

The technique that Southeast piloted uses technology to connect university instructors with the students. The classroom teacher is involved as a "teaching assistant mentor," according to Gerald McDougall, interim provost and dean of the Donald L. Harrison College of Business.

The reaction from schools has been positive.

"For being a small school district, it's a wonderful opportunity that we otherwise probably wouldn't have if Southeast Missouri State University wasn't offering the setup like they are," Advance High School principal Shana Kight told reporter Ruth Campbell.

Course transferability and the option for an associate of art's degree for students at the regional campuses are positive steps.

Offering dual-credit courses to more schools means more students can get a leg up on college, getting into the workforce faster with less student debt.

These are positive things for students. We commend Southeast for its efforts.