National Labor College - Ironworkers Labor College is regionally accredited by the Commission on...

NationalLabor College

©2012 National Labor College | NLCVB01A

10000 New Hampshire AvenueSilver Spring, MD 20903www.NLC.edu

(Place Postage)

(union bug)

Future student:

Here is the information you requested about finishing your college degree at

National Labor College.

School of Labor StudiesSchool of Professional Studies

2012–2013

President

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Congratulations on taking the first step to completing your college degree!

I am pleased to send you a viewbook about National Labor College (NLC). I hope that it answers your questionsabout what it takes to complete your college degree through NLC’s School of Professional Studies or School of LaborStudies.

As you read through the viewbook, you’ll soon discover how NLC is truly unique. We’re the only regionallyaccredited higher education institution committed to educating union members and their families, and union leadersand staff. Our bachelor’s degree programs are specifically designed to prepare you for job growth opportunities in yourexisting field … or a new one and to promote the values of the labor movement. Our online classes allow you toschedule the classwork at your convenience. And our tuition and fees (approximately $305 per credit) are affordablefor many working families — financial aid and Union Plus scholarships are also available to those who qualify.

When you’re ready to take the next step, simply go to our website at www.NLC.edu/start to complete anapplication. Or, please call our knowledgeable Admissions Counselors with more questions at 1-888-427-8100.

Take the next step now. You will be as happy as all the NLC graduates you will meet in these pages when you followyour dream and finish your college degree.

In solidarity,

Paula E. Peinovich, Ph.D.President

Letter from the President

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ContentsContents

About National Labor College (NLC) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Admission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Financial Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6

What is Online Learning?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Prior Learning Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Academic Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

School of Professional Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Bachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

School of Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

What is a Residency?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Certificate Programs in Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Bachelor of Arts in Labor Safety and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Bachelor of Arts in Union Leadership and Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

“I’m creating more opportunities and job security for myself while being a good role model to my son.”George Bowman, UA, Pennsylvania

“My NLC degree will help me reach my goal — to teachin my union’s apprenticeship program.”

Eric Seislove, SMWIA member, Washington4

National Labor College

Admission

Accreditation

About National Labor CollegeNational Labor College (NLC) is truly unique. We’re the only higher education institution committed to educating unionmembers and their families, and union leaders and staff. Our bachelor’s degree programs are specifically designed to prepareyou for job growth opportunities in your existing field … or a new one. Our online classes allow you to schedule classworkat your convenience. In our academic programs, we honor higher learning that takes place both inside and outside thecollegiate community and we recognize relevant union training for college credit.

AccreditationNational Labor College is regionally accredited by the Commission on Higher Education of the Middle StatesAssociation of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 267-284-5000).

Regional accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation making your degree of the highest value nationwide. Thisallows you to access federal student aid, transfer credits easily and move on to graduate programs at top schools.

To look us up on the Middle States Commission on Higher Education site or for more information about howaccreditation works and what it means, please go to www.msche.org.

AdmissionYou can apply to any of NLC’s bachelor’s degree programs online at www.NLC.edu/application.html.

National Labor College accepts applicants throughout the year on a rolling basis. An application should be receivedapproximately 6-8 weeks before a semester’s start date to allow time to gather the necessary documentation and processthe application. You may begin to take classes in the spring (January), summer (May) or fall (September).

Since NLC is an upper level degree completion institution, most of our students have credits from accreditedcolleges/universities, apprenticeships or other types of prior learning that can be transferred towards their degree. You maybegin a program of study at any time; however, you must have 56 credits on an NLC transcript to be eligible for federalfinancial aid. You may also enroll in the Prior Learning Assessment Workshop (see page 7) and complete a portfolio,where you can earn up to 30 credits for your collegiate learning that you acquired outside of a traditional classroom.

NLC accepts up to 84 transfer credits towards any of our bachelor’s degrees.

If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start.

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Financial InformationTuitionNLC’s tuition is less expensive than the average academic institution.

Degree Programs (Effective July 1, 2012)

Federal Student AidFully admitted NLC students with 56 earned or transferred credits may apply for federal aid at NLC.

Federal student aid may be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, room and board, books, supplies, buying acomputer or paying for dependent care. The U.S. government offers a number of grant and loan programs to helpeligible students finance college. Grants do not have to be repaid as long as you meet specified requirements, whileloans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. Eligibility is determined by the federal government and is based onfinancial need as well as a number of other factors. Students completing Certificate Programs are not eligible forfinancial aid. NLC participates in the Federal Pell Grant and Direct Loan programs. In order to apply for federalstudent aid with NLC, please visit www.NLC.edu/financialaid.

ScholarshipsThrough the generosity of our alumni, staff, friends and partners, NLC is pleased to offer a variety of scholarships thatallow us to support our students’ unique financial needs. The Union Plus Education Foundation provides numerousscholarships to students with financial need. Specific unions also offer scholarships to NLC to their members in goodstanding. Visit our website for information on eligibility and how to apply for all scholarships atwww.NLC.edu/scholarships.

Veterans BenefitsNational Labor College is proud to participate in the veterans benefits program. Interested students should contactthe federal Department of Veterans Affairs for more information at www.gibill.va.gov.

TUITION FEES

AFL-CIO UnionMember/Family

$270/credit hour Application Fee $75

Working America Member

$270/credit hour Technology Fee $35/credit hour

Non AFL-CIO Union Member/Family

$325/credit hour Graduation Fee $260

Non Union Member $480/credit hour

Academic CalendarAcademic CalendarNLC has three semesters every calendar year. Each semester has 15 weeks and is split into two, 7-week terms.

For the 2012-13 academic year, the key dates are:

FALL SEMESTER: September 4 – December 14, 2012Fall Term A (Sep. 4 – Oct. 19, 2012); Term B (Oct. 29 – Dec. 14 , 2012)

SPRING SEMESTER: January 7 – April 19, 2013Spring Term A (Jan. 7 – Feb. 22, 2013); Term B (Mar. 4 – Apr. 19, 2013)

SUMMER SEMESTER: May 6 – August 16, 2013Summer Term A (May 6 – Jun. 21, 2013); Term B (Jul. 1 – Aug. 16, 2013)

Online LearningWhat is Online Learning?NLC’s online format allows you to maintain your commitments to family, work, community and union. Our well-designed, highly interactive classes allow you to master course material conveniently at home.

Your first course will provide a comprehensive introduction on how to succeed in online learning. You will learnhow simple the technology is and how easy it is to communicate with your professor and fellow students throughouteach week as you complete assignments and engage in lively dialogue.

You will be studying with people just like you—students finishing their college degrees who are committed to thelabor movement. Even though your classmates live around the country, you will build solidarity and be part of adynamic community that shares labor’s values.

Prior Learning AssessmentPrior Learning AssessmentThe Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) Workshop enables you to earn college credits for skills learned and knowledge acquired outside of the traditional college classroom setting. Credits may be earned for learning gained insuch activities as on-the-job training, union work, community volunteering, starting a business, or mastering a craftor hobby over the years. The key to earning credits lies in the student’s ability to demonstrate his or her learningthrough written essays, documentation and other sources of verification through a portfolio process.

More information on the PLA Workshop is available at www.nlc.edu/prior-learning-assessment.html.


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“Going back to college was the best thing I could do. Get off the sidelines and get started.”Alejandro Garcia, IBEW, Nevada

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Professional StudiesSchool of Professional StudiesThe School of Professional Studies currently offers three bachelor’s degrees: Business Administration,Construction Management, and Emergency Readiness and Response Management. These programs arespecifically designed to help working people advance in their careers. All degrees in the School ofProfessional Studies require two courses in labor studies that provide students with an understanding of thecontributions of the labor movement to the world of work.

Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration

NLC’s bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is designed for rank-and-file union members and adult membersof union families interested in acquiring the business knowledge and skills in a degree program that emphasizessustainable and ethical business practices. Union members interested in starting or improving the performance oftheir own small businesses will find this program suitable for their learning needs. This program is also effective for union staff or elected officials interested in improving their ability to manage and administerunions and other organizations.

The Business Administration degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 required core courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.

Admissions Criteria

• At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits

Required Core Courses

Digital Learning for the 21st CenturyManagement and Labor in the 21st CenturyBusiness Ethics and Sustainability Financial and Accounting ControlsMarketing and New MediaResearch MethodsLabor and Work in the United States Legal Environment of BusinessEntrepreneurshipManaging Human Resources in a Dynamic EnvironmentLabor and Work in the Global Economy Capstone Project in Business Administration


Electives

Effective LeadershipFilm and GlobalizationLabor and the American Political SystemLeadership TheoryUnion Structure and Governance

Specialized CertificatesCertificate in Small Business ManagementThis a 12-credit program that provides studentswith a basic understanding of how to set up, staffand manage their own small business.

Certificate in Ethical ManagementThis is a 12-credit program that fosters a new breedof manager, who can grow organizations sustainablyand ethically by promoting people, the planet andeconomic prosperity.

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“The staff is friendly and accommodating. The support is awesome. NLC has it all.”Tina Davis, AFSCME, Pennsylvania

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Professional StudiesBachelor of Arts in Construction Management

NLC’s Construction Management degree is geared for building and construction trades members who are interestedin combining their experience in the industry with the knowledge required to advance in their careers. NLC’sprogram has the academic standards of a traditional construction management program which complement theexperience workers have gained through apprenticeships and supervisory positions in the construction industry. Thisprior experience helps seasoned construction workers develop the insights needed to be effective leaders.

The Construction Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 required core courses (of 3credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.

Admissions Criteria

• At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits• Union membership or sponsorship by a buildingtrades union or building trades council

• Construction experience


Digital Learning for the 21st Century Fundamentals of the Construction Industry I Fundamentals of the Construction Industry IIProject Building Systems Project Administration Labor and Work in the United StatesConstruction Cost Accounting, Estimating and Finance Construction Project Planning and SchedulingIndustrial Relations in the Construction Industry Advanced Leadership and Business CommunicationLabor and Work in the Global EconomyConstruction Industry Capstone Project

Electives

Effective LeadershipLeadership TheoryComputer Skills for Trade UnionistsFoundations of Safety and HealthIndustrial Hygiene

Specialized CertificateCertificate in Construction ManagementThis certificate program is a 15-credit programdesigned to develop a thorough understanding ofthe planning, directing, coordinating andbudgeting necessary for construction projects.


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“Studying history made me realize that the civil rights movement and the labor movement are two sides of the same coin.”

Martese Chism, RN, NNU, Illinois

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Professional StudiesBachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management

NLC’s degree in Emergency Readiness and Response Management is designed for rank-and-file union members andadult members of union families interested in fire service, EMS, law enforcement, public safety and related fields.Through this program, students will gain the skills currently in high demand for expanding opportunities at thefederal, state and local levels. NLC is the only higher education institution offering a Bachelor of Science degreethat combines Homeland Security courses—which examine the function, organization, and responsibilities ofHomeland Security agencies and personnel—with courses in labor studies.

The Emergency Readiness and Response Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits—12 requiredcore courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general educationcredits.

Admissions Criteria

• At least 56 prior college and/or apprenticeship credits


Digital Learning for the 21st CenturyFundamentals of Emergency Readiness and Response Management

Labor and Work in the United States

Disaster Response, Operations and Management

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Emergency Readiness and Response Management

Research Methods for Emergency Readiness and Response Management

Risk Management

Strategic Financial Planning and Management

Leadership: Systems Thinking and Critical Decision Making

Emergency Planning

Labor and Work in the Global Economy

Capstone Project in Emergency Readiness and Response Management

Electives

Effective Leadership

Leadership Theory

Bioterrorism

Industrial Hygiene

Hazardous Materials in Transportation

Counter-Terrorism and Intelligence Analysis

Specialized CertificateCertificate in Emergency Management

This certificate program is a 15-credit program that

provides students with a comprehensive under-

standing of the principles of emergency manage-

ment and Homeland Security including disaster

response and consequence management.

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Labor StudiesSchool of Labor StudiesThe School of Labor Studies currently offers four bachelor’s degrees: Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health, LaborStudies, and Union Leadership and Administration. These programs are specifically designed to help working peopleadvance in their careers, develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the labor movement. All of the bachelor’sdegrees offered in the School of Labor Studies require students to complete a 36 credit curriculum or 12 required courses (of3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.

Required Core Courses for All School of Labor Studies Degrees

• Living Labor History (residency required)

• Labor and Work in the United States

• Research Methods

• Labor and Politics

• Labor and Work in the Global Economy

• Labor and Employment

What is a Residency?A residency is an opportunity for students to meet face-to-face with professors, school professionals, and other studentsduring an intensive four-day gathering scheduled over a long weekend. The first required residency is part of the courseLiving Labor History and must be taken in the first or second semester of study. This residency will include tours, meetingsand class sessions during which students will learn how working people use history to build a powerful labor movement.Locations of residencies will rotate; please check www.nlc.edu for specifics. The final residency will take place as studentscomplete their programs as part of the Capstone Writing Seminar.

New students may choose from one of two upcoming Living Labor History residencies:

• Fall 2012 – November 9 – 12 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland

• Spring 2013 – January 18 – 21 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland

Certificate Programs in Labor StudiesThe School of Labor Studies offers a variety of certificate programs, each consisting of 12 credit hours of online degreeand/or Union Skills courses. See website for more detailed information.Topics include:

• Building Trades Organizational Dynamics and Growth

• Building Trades Union Leadership and Administration

• Labor Education

• Labor Safety and Health

• Leadership for Change

• Organizing

• Union Administration


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“NLC doesn’t feel like an ‘online college’ because the students are soconnected to the faculty and to each other.”

Rodney Donald, USW, Maryland

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Labor StudiesBachelor of Arts in Labor EducationThe Labor Education degree is specifically designed for labor and community educators, trainers and activists who teach,

design, implement and administer educational programs invested in key areas, including leadership, organizing, health and

safety, and apprenticeships. The labor education program empowers trainers, educators and activists by giving them the tools

they need to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

Requirements:Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to any 5 of the following:

• Teaching Techniques II (Union Skills course)

• Distance Learning for Labor Educators

• Methods that Motivate

• The Adult Learner

• Instructional Systems Design

• Instructional Technology

• Enhancing Student Collaboration

and:

• Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)

Bachelor of Arts in Labor Safety and HealthStudents in the Labor Safety and Health degree program study policy, standards and union strategies. In addition, they learn

technical skills to improve their understanding and application of worker safety and health principles.

Requirements:Students must complete the 6 required core courses in addition to the following 2 courses:

• Foundations of Safety and Health

• Industrial Hygiene

and any 3 of the following courses:

• Self-Directed Study in Occupational Health and Safety

• Bioterrorism: Agents and Emergency Response

• Hazardous Materials Transportation

• Workplace Hazards and the Law

• HazMat/Chemical Emergency Response

and:


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Labor Studies

Labor and Politics ConcentrationThe Labor and Politics concentration is designed to offerstudents an in-depth analysis of labor's role in the politicalprocess. This concentration includes a combination oftheoretical and practical exercises and perspectives.Required courses examine labor's relationship with theinstitutions of American government (Congress, the Courtsand the Presidency), labor's role in lobbying and the policymaking process, the role of labor in campaigns and elections,and a range of contemporary issues and controversies inlabor politics.Students must complete the 6 required core courses inaddition to the following 4 courses:

• Future of Labor and Work• Labor, Congress, and the Presidency• Campaigns and Elections• Labor as a Social Movement

and one of the following courses:• Special Topics in Labor and Politics• Other upper-division Labor Studies course

and:• Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)

Individually Designed ConcentrationThe Individually Designed concentration is structured sothat students can explore a range of topics and subject areas,drawn from NLC’s Labor and Professional Studies programs,which best fit their particular personal and career interests.The actual list of classes will be designed in consultationwith the student’s academic advisor. This concentration isintended to offer self-motivated students maximumflexibility in designing a course of study that best fits theirneeds.Students must complete the 6 required core courses inaddition to the following course:

• Future of Labor and Workand 4 additional upper-division Labor Studies courses, and:


Students must complete the 6 required core courses in additionto the following course:

• Union Administration

and one or more of the following courses:

• Union Structure and Governance

• Leadership Theory

• Effective Leadership

and three or more of the following courses (for a total of 5):

• Computer Skills for Trade Unionists Level I

• Ethics in Decision Making

• Organizing and Representing the New Workforce

• Health Care Bargaining: Impact of the New Law

• The Power of Partnerships (formerly Labor

• Management Partnerships)

• Grassroots Leadership for Working America

• Special Topics in Union Leadership and Administration

and:


Bachelor of Arts in Labor StudiesThe Labor Studies degree encourages students to develop an in-depth understanding of the labor movement's historical

development and its contemporary opportunities and challenges. There are currently two concentrations from which to

choose within the Labor Studies degree: the Labor and Politics concentration and the Individually Designed concentration,

in which students can design a course of study with their advisor.

Bachelor of Arts in Union Leadership and AdministrationThe Union Leadership and Administration degree is designed to explore the theoretical and practical aspects of labormovement leadership and leadership more generally. Courses are designed to provide students with a thoroughunderstanding of bargaining, financial and general management issues. Students who are local union officers or hold unionleadership positions are ideal candidates for this course of study.

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“Apply now, absolutely do it!”Linda Murphy, paraeducator, CSEA member, California

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If you have any questions about National Labor College, please contact an Admissions Counselor at

1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start.

Photo credits: All individuals included are actual students or graduates of National Labor Collegeand recipients of Union Plus scholarships. Their photos and quotes are used with permission. www.unionplus.org

On the front cover, the individuals pictured are (starting in the upper left and going clockwise):John Bacon, Ironworker, Rhode Island; Bridget Gael Benjamin, steamfitter, UA member, New Jersey;

Peter Kennedy, BMWED staffer, Indiana; and Belinda Gunn, SEIU member, Illinois.

ChecklistNext Steps

� 1 Call an Admissions Counselor at 1-888-427-8100 or go to www.NLC.edu/start.

� 2 Choose a degree program (Business Administration, Construction Management, EmergencyReadiness and Response Management, Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health, Labor Studies,or Union Administration and Leadership).

� 3 Complete and submit the application at www.NLC.edu/apply with application fee.

� 4 Send for all official transcripts, apprenticeship, military and other training records and proof ofunion membership.

� 5 Investigate financial aid at www.NLC.edu/financialaid and scholarships atwww.NLC.edu/scholarships.

� 6 Register for classes and study!

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