by Dennis Huffman, Nancy Grinberg, and Lynn Lubey

Extension Center Program Managers

Did you know that in the fall 2004 semester, 1,298 students are sitting in PGCC classrooms who may never visit Largo? We are not talking about distance education; these individuals are enrolled in extension center courses. The number nearly doubles to 2,400 when we include students taking on-campus classes in addition to extension center classes. 

In fact, the official third week data tells us 19.7 percent of the credit students at PGCC this semester are taking at least one course at an extension center. The total number of credit hours at extension centers has increased by 12.6 percent since fall 2003.

Prince George’s County is a large county with a diverse population. Degree centers and extension centers bring education to the community’s doorstep by providing college credit programs in neighborhoods closer to students than the main campus at Largo. Classes are identical to those offered on the Largo campus and online in title, number, course content, and credit. Students may register in person, by STAR, or by e-STAR for any course at any location. Most of the services that the Largo campus offers are available at the degree centers, such as admissions, registration, placement testing, advising, cashier, computer labs, and access to online library services. Experienced staffing at the centers supports these activities.

Students attending classes at a degree center may complete the requirements for an associate's degree in General Studies that can later be used to transfer to a four-year institution. Some locations offer several degree options. In addition, selected courses are offered in technical and career programs at all locations. It is possible, with good planning, for a student to earn up to 18 credits per semester through a degree center. All students follow the college’s admission procedures, course requirements, and prerequisites regardless of location. The college’s permanent extension center is the Law Library in Upper Marlboro. Non-credit continuing education courses are also offered at select degree and extension centers.

Access South: Andrews Air Force Base Degree Center

Ms. Lynn Lubey, Program Manager

Prince George's Community College on Andrews is a safe, convenient location for those living in the southern part of Prince George's County. The Andrews Degree Center, on the base since 1972, offers a full range of enrollment services, such as admission, placement testing, registration, and cashier function. Two part-time academic advisors with many years of experience administer the Accuplacer placement test and assist students with its interpretation, course placement, transfer information, and many other student services. With at least 50-70 course offerings each fall and spring semester (with fewer offerings in summer session), it is an extremely convenient location for those instructors who live south of the base and want a teaching environment closer to home. Classes are small and personal.

Associate degrees offered at Andrews are Accounting, Business Management, Marketing Management, Business Administration, Criminal Justice, and General Studies, along with several certificate programs. Civilians can easily access the base through the Visitor Center just outside the main gate off Allentown Road. Approximately 70-75 percent of the Prince George's Community College students on Andrews have a military ID. Nearly all credit courses offered are in the evening at various locations on the base, but the Andrews Degree Center does have some “Lunch and Learn” opportunities for students during the day. These are typically general education courses taught during the 12-1:15 p.m. time slot twice a week. This fall, Andrews is offering three of them. Weekenders, Friday night only, 8-weeks, and one night per week classes are the mainstay at Andrews. Duplicating, interoffice mail, audio-visual equipment, and computer lab access are available to AAFB instructors. We are the only resident school on base that is open evenings and Saturdays for the community’s convenience.

Access North: Laurel College Center

Ms. Nancy Grinberg, Program Supervisor
The Laurel College Center is Prince George’s Community College’s newest degree center.  Established in fall 2001, LCC is a unique joint effort between Prince George's Community College and Howard Community College. This partnership was formed with the goal of making college credit and noncredit programs more accessible to the residents of Laurel and the surrounding area. LCC has been growing steadily in the last three years, with credit enrollment increasing 36 percent since fall 2003. This fall, LCC will serve approximately 600 credit and 900 noncredit students.

Associate degrees offered at Laurel College Center include Business Administration, General Studies, Criminal Justice, and Applied Information Technology. LCC is conveniently located at 312 Marshall Avenue in downtown Laurel, next to the Laurel Shopping Center and close to the Laurel Mall. The Center occupies three floors of a ten-story office building, with twenty-nine classrooms, including ten computer labs, one A+ and computer repair lab, and eighteen general classrooms. 

The Laurel College Center offers 80-100 credit and over 100 non-credit sections each semester.  The classes are small, personal, with both day and evening class times offered. The administrative office of LCC is open Monday through Friday with a full range of enrollment services available, including admissions, placement testing, academic advising, registration, and bill payment. The Center offers duplicating, interoffice mail, audio-visual equipment, a faculty workroom, and computer lab access for all LCC instructors. The Center is also open on Saturday for classes, general information, and instructor assistance. 

Access West: University Town Center
Dennis Huffman, Program Supervisor

Prince George's Community College at University Town Center opened in August of 2000. The Center is in Hyattsville, just a five-minute walk from both the Prince George’s Plaza Metro station and the Hyattsville branch of the public library. Enrollment at the Center has grown steadily, and this fall, UTC is serving 1,331 credit and more than 200 non-credit students. Fall 2004 data indicate that 55 percent of all UTC students were born outside the U.S., and the Center prides itself on the services and courses it provides for recent immigrants. The Center offers a wide range of services, such as admission, placement testing, registration, academic advising, and financial aid.

In the fall 2004 semester, 138 credit sections of 51 courses are being taught by a total of 83 faculty members. Classes are small, personal, and available throughout the day from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 pm. The Center is open Monday through Saturday during the fall and spring, and Monday through Friday over the summer.

For more information on the college’s extension centers, visit the Web site at: www.pgcc.edu/extensioncenters/

The Instructional Area Newsletter, Volume 20, No. 1 

Fall 2004