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This Page is Dedicated to Providing You With Over 35 Facts and Resources
Intended to Help With The Decision To Continue And Succeed In Your Education Endeavor
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About LeTourneau -
As a nondenominational, evangelical Christian university, LeTourneau is based
on biblical principles and practice. Our foundation and instructional methods enable students to
grow spiritually, as well as academically and socially. Our instructors and students share the
principles and commitment that enable LeTourneau to support a student body. A student is always a
member of our community of support.
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From Engineering to Education
Just who was R.G. LeTourneau? As a world-famous inventor, engineering genius,
designer of heavy-duty earth moving equipment, off-shore drilling platforms and the electric-drive
wheel, he was – first, and foremost – a Christian. The millions of dollars he contributed to
missionary development projects in Liberia, West Africa and Peru demonstrated his commitment to his
faith.
However, Mr. LeTourneau's most significant contribution is the school he and
Evelyn established. While flying over East Texas in 1946 to select a manufacturing site, Evelyn saw
the sprawling complex of a vacated Army hospital. Learning it was no longer in use, she asked about
establishing a school to teach veterans returning from World War II. Thus the LeTourneaus secured
the site and established LeTourneau Technical Institute. The timeline continues:
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From 1946 to 1961, more than 7,000 men received technical training in the
school.
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By 1961, the institution had outgrown the tech school mold and LeTourneau
Tech became LeTourneau College. As a four-year college, the curriculum broadened to include many
technical and non-technical majors – and became coed.
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In 1989, LeTourneau College became LeTourneau University, a reflection of the
quality and diversity of academic programs, aptitude and international flavor of the student body,
service orientation, research capabilities and the professional nature of the curriculum.
Today, LeTourneau University is an accredited, interdenominational Christian
university, offering four-year and two-year degree programs in engineering, technology, liberal
arts, business, aeronautical science, education and the sciences, as well as master's degree
programs in business and educational leadership.
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LeTourneau Leads the Way -
Just like faith, education is a lifelong pursuit. That's why we provide
students with the opportunity to grow in both endeavors. At LeTourneau, we provide a strong,
values-based education with a focus on the knowledge and principles you need to succeed both
personally and professionally. In addition, we instill Christian faith and leadership – two
important factors of success – through campus programs ranging from athletics to student
ministries. Our mission is to support you on the road to success; we will stand by you to help you
achieve your goals.
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Quotables
Listen to what several prominent people have to say about LeTourneau
University:
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You Can Go Home Again -
Has it been a few years – or a few decades – since you've been in school? You
might be apprehensive about returning, but this isn't high school. LeTourneau's curriculum and
class schedules are specifically designed for the adult learner. And keep in mind that our
instructors and staff provide a supportive and encouraging environment to give you faith in
yourself: You can definitely do this!
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Time Is On Your Side -
LeTourneau is geared toward meeting your particular needs as an adult
learner; we always take into consideration the challenges you face by going back to school. First
and foremost, we understand the need for adult learners to balance the responsibilities of family,
work and continuing education. Depending on the degree program selected, adult students can choose
between online and/or on-campus classes that cater to a busy life.
Two major benefits of our accelerated course schedule are that students take
just one class at a time, and attend class only one night per week at one of our six convenient
locations or in a blended online/on-campus format (depending on the degree or certification
selected). As a result, students can focus harder on their current course material and stay at a
pace to graduate in the same amount of time it would take at a traditional university. In addition,
the accelerated pacing provides students with immediate feedback on both individual and group
accomplishments.
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Accelerated…Not Abbreviated -
While accelerated, our programs deliver all the courses, and course material,
needed to fulfill the requirements of fully accredited baccalaureate and graduate degrees. For
instance, with our BBA program, students enroll in only one course at a time with class held one
night each week; however we still require 127 credit hours to graduate – an amount at parity for a
similar degree at other schools. A look at the long list of
course
requirements for the BBA or BBM
should erase any doubts about cutting
corners!
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Accreditation -
Accreditation is a big deal when you're earning credits. Take a look at
LeTourneau University's accreditations and memberships:
Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and
Schools
1866 Southern Lane
Decatur, GA 30033-4097
(404) 679-4501
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Inspired Results -
Our combination of Christian faith and rigorous academics sets us apart from
other schools that focus on adult education. More than anything, our interdisciplinary framework
provides a superior education with personal involvement. For example: Our Teacher Education
programs – the
PACT Accelerated
Teacher Certification Program
and
TEACH Accelerated Bachelor's
Degree and Teacher Certification Program
– boast impressive records, including:
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99 percent pass rate for calculating the national Title II Report Card for
the past two years
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Consistent ratings in the top Tier I Texas institutions
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Full accreditation status each reporting year since the inception of the
state accountability system (ASEP)
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Approval from the Texas State Board for Educator Certification (SBEC) as an
undergraduate, post-baccalaureate, principal certification and "No Child Left Behind" school
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Can You Handle Going Back? -
At LeTourneau, we've found that successful returning students gave their
decision-making process plenty of time and consideration, and that they begin classes with a
serious commitment to succeeding. As a mature adult with experience in the workplace and meeting
the responsibilities of home and family, you know the value of dedicating time and effort to a
project and how to reap the benefits of your labor.
Before you decide to enter any graduate or professional program, decide
whether or not you can make the commitment necessary to succeed in school and be sure to find out
whether or not the schools you are considering will value and accommodate your other life
commitments.
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Being SMART About Your Goals -
In the quest to successfully balance work, life and classes, you may find it
helpful to break up what you need to accomplish into short- and long-term goals. Short-term goals,
often smaller in scope, typically are more achievable and give you a sense of accomplishment while
chipping away at the long-term goal with which they’re associated. In setting either type of goal,
keep in mind the SMART methodology. Take a look at the examples below.
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Fear: False Evidence Appearing Real -
Returning to school may feel a bit like navigating uncharted waters – it's a
big ocean and you don't have a map. Many of our students who initially shared this same feeling –
with concerns ranging from having the time or money to return to school to apprehension about
homework and grades – found that LeTourneau's supportive environment assuaged their fears. With our
strong Christian foundation, our faculty, staff and students' faith-based approach forms a
nurturing environment for even the most apprehensive returning students. Plus, LeTourneau provides
guidance on topics that can present some concern, such as how to
afford your
education
, as well as courses structured to fit into your lifestyle, such as
our
Accelerated Teacher
Certification Program (PACT)
. Remember, all things are possible to him who believes (Mark
9:23).
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The Non-Traditional Student Advantage
Did you know studies show that non-traditional college students exhibit
higher academic achievement than traditional students? Influencing factors include motivation,
maturity, persistence and personality. Those factors – things you cannot learn in school – are
typically found through life experiences, particularly in the workplace. You've come a long way
since the last time you were in school – and we recognize the distinction between younger college
students and adult learners who have responsibilities at work as well as for continued professional
development.
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Where There's a Will, There's a Way - With your
already-full schedule, the decision to continue your education is a big one. Once your application
is completed and you've been accepted, turn to your support network – your spouse, parents, kids,
friends, co-workers – to strengthen your decision to enroll. You'll also need their support while
completing your coursework. A candid conversation with family members can help them better
understand why you're doing this and how life might be different while you're in school. You'll
find it easier to solicit help around the house if your kids realize the benefit of a degree to you
(promotion at work, for instance) and the benefit to them (inspiration to achieve personal goals or
how an increased family income means summer camp or an iPod for them). One extremely
helpful option is to find a mentor. This could be a friend at work, parent or someone who currently
works in the job or field you'd like to pursue. Find someone who understands your goals and
potential setbacks and who can provide logical and emotional support during the next two to four
years. You might be surprised how much a coach and sounding board can help alleviate the stress you
might feel – and can celebrate with you when you ace an exam or finish a course.
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Begin With the End in Mind -
What's your reason for wanting to start or continue pursuing a degree?
Whether your objective is to expand your career options, build job security, or fulfill a longtime
personal goal, we will help you achieve it. Simply attend class one night per week at one of our
six convenient locations, take courses totally online or in a blended online/on-campus format
(depending on the degree or certification selected), or work entirely online and never even step
foot on campus. Regardless of your choice, our accelerated format means you can complete your
degree in a timely manner, making your road to success that much shorter!
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Peas in a Pod -
As an adult returning to school, you're in good company – you'll find your
classmates are much like you. Adult learners today are a rapidly growing population. They are
professionally active adults, often educating themselves and their children simultaneously. Many
adult learners seek higher level degrees and updated knowledge to expand professional
opportunities. Or they may seek a change in their career through educational achievement. Studies
indicate adult learners look at education from a consumer perspective. That is, they tend to be
more selective about how and where they receive their education. While price is a consideration,
they also care about the responsiveness of colleges to their needs and questions. Therefore, adult
learners may shop around among the undergraduate and graduate colleges that offer distance degrees
to find the best combination of features.
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It's Not Your Parent's University Experience Anymore -
During the time you've spent in the workplace – whether just a few years or
much longer – university life has changed dramatically. Gone is the need to traipse around campus
to enroll in classes or buy textbooks. In our School of Graduate and Professional Studies, you
register just once for each degree program – and books are delivered to you before each course
begins. With our years of experience in adult education, we understand your time is valuable and
limited by other commitments and responsibilities. Tools like our
Online
Application
make it easy for you to take the next step.
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Time
Can Be on Your Side -
Time management is more than just managing your
time – it’s managing how you
use your time. While you probably employ some type of time management technique or tool
already, these guidelines can help keep all your ducks in a row.
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Avoid creating impossible situations. Expecting to work a 40-hour week,
attend LeTourneau, go to and from a child’s soccer practice and cook supper every evening is
impractical. Instead, realistically review obligations – and adjust as necessary – as you prepare
for each new class.
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Define your priorities. Successful time management begins with planning. Try
a weekly calendar and daily to-do list. Each day, write down all of the things you want to
accomplish (including personal activities such as phone calls and errands). Use the list to set
your daily priorities, differentiating between what’s urgent and what’s important.
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Avoid distractions and lack of focus. Identify activities that waste time.
Determine the times of the day when you are the most effective or focused and schedule your
challenging tasks for those times.
For students in the online MBA program, time and task management is critical
to progressing in your studies. Even though you’re outside a traditional classroom, it’s important
to keep up with deadlines and goals
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Take Time to Be a Student -
Life is all about balance, and just as traditional students take time out for
fun, so should non-traditional students. Of course you may not have as much disposable time at
hand, so consider multi-tasking with your free time by enjoying Chinese food with friends or the
kids, and sitting back and enjoying a newly release movie with your own bucket of popcorn. How
might this help you with important decisions? While you're relaxing with some "me" time, consider
the questions and issues that have come up since you've been considering returning to school.
Regardless of whether your motivation is career advancement, changing careers or personal
fulfillment, everyone can find benefits to continuing their education!
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Manager as Mentor
Consider how your workplace might support your education goal. If you're
pursuing your degree to advance in your position or qualify for a promotion, your manager most
likely knows – and supports – this goal. Maintain open, two-way communication with your supervisor
(and possibly his or her manager). Openly sharing your successes and concerns can garner their
support and encouragement, thus expanding your network. Plus, if you need a few hours off for
last-minute studying before a final exam, your manager's understanding and support will be
golden.
Speaking of work, remember to investigate whether your company provides any
type of tuition reimbursement. Your manager or Human Resources department can point you in the
right direction, whether to a company-funded program or perhaps another source of financing, such
as a local scholarship program.
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What's Your Learning Style? -
How do you find the time to study? Maybe you're working a full time job or
care for a family or even elderly parents. No matter how busy your life is, you don't have to throw
up your arms in despair – you can find time with these study tips. Remember: it's not always a
question of how much you study, but rather a question of how well. Understand your learning style
to improve your study habits and you'll succeed.
Learn How You Learn: There are a few consistent styles of learning: once you
identify your style, you can begin to adapt your study habits to suit your needs.
Rarely will a student fit neatly into one category, with most individuals
using a combination of two or more learning styles. Try them on to see what fits best. You can be a
little unconventional in your approach to studying as long as you develop a system that works for
you.
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Achieving – and Maintaining – Equilibrium - While
learning to prioritize your obligations and figure out how to manage your time, chances are your
stress level will increase. Even the most organized and easygoing people experience tension,
anxiety and the feeling that they’re going in a million different directions. When creating your
to-do list and identifying priorities, remember to schedule some time in your day for activities
that reduce or eliminate stress.
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Exercise. This is the best way to reduce anxiety-producing stress. Even a brisk
walk for 30 minutes can help keep you healthy in the long run.
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Eat right. Your time may be tight now, but make a healthy diet a priority. Healthy
snacks during the day keep your blood sugar level steady, which helps to maintain focus and energy
level.
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Get enough sleep. Sacrificing your slumber time can reduce your ability to
concentrate (not to mention making you grouchy in the morning).
Think you don’t have enough time to incorporate these stress-reducing tips in your life?
Consider this: too much stress can lead to sickness, which will definitely derail your
schedule.
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Did you know -
More than 7.5 million adults over the age of 25 are in college right now?
Here are some great reasons for you to join these ranks!
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Can You Have a Life While in School? -
Short answer: Yes. Long answer: Yes, if the school you attend respects and
appreciates the family, work, church, community and other obligations that make up your
life.
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Supporting Your Values. We believe that education and self-improvement should
never come at the cost of a person's personal beliefs and values. As an interdenominational,
evangelical Christian university we believe that engagement with faith and family makes better
students and provides
support when you need it
.
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Bending to Your Schedule. We realize that a primary consideration for most
returning students is time – how much you have vs. how much school requires – that's why we work
with you, offering a flexible schedule to meet yours through our
Accelerated Programs
, which require one night of class each week, with evening and weekend class
schedules available.
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Bringing School to You. For many of us, the demands of family and work may
not leave time to commute to class, and that's why online education is growing in popularity every
year. Besides the many online classes and seminars in our School of Graduate and Professional
Studies, LeTourneau also has added locations throughout Texas to make study more convenient.
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Marketability Upgrade -
Earning a graduate or professional degree means a lot more than adding a few
more letters after your name. Earning a master's degree or teaching certificate means upgrading
your marketability; more employers can hire you for more jobs, putting you in higher demand. That
will definitely bring positive outcomes for you and your family.
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Solid Footing. One way you can improve your job security is by raising your
value to your employer by adding to your skill-set. Couple this with benefits of easier job-hunting
and it is easy to see why advanced degrees have a reputation for enhancing job
security.
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Learn to Earn. You will have to get used to earning more as a holder of a
post-graduate degree or certificate. In 1998, the U.S. Census Bureau revealed that the average
worker holding a bachelor's degree earned $40,478 vs. the average worker holding a master's degree
who earned $51,183. This increased income translates into added stability for you and your family
as you plan your financial future.
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Easy Hunting. With the additional knowledge and skills you learn along with
the prestige of a degree, job-hunting will get a whole lot easier. Employers highly value
individuals who have workforce experience as well as the knowledge gained from a graduate or
professional degree.
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Keep Climbing. It's not unreasonable to think of a graduate or professional
degree as a ladder up to the next level in your career. Many employers require advanced degrees of
their employees in upper management or administrative positions. Doors can open and careers can
transform upon completion of a program of study at LETU.
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Financing Your Education -
The first thing to know about financial aid at LeTourneau is that 90 percent
of our students receive some form of aid. As a returning adult student, you're eligible to apply
for the same types of aid as traditional students. After you get the skinny on the different types
of aid, talk to an
enrollment counselor
and consult our Web site of
Financial Aid Information for Working Adults
to learn how financial aid can help make your college dreams a
reality.
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Grants – The
federal government
, many state governments and private institutions provide money to pay for
college. Many of these are distributed based on financial need, though some are distributed based
on other criteria.
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Scholarships – Scholarships come in many shapes and sizes and from a wide variety
of sources. You may be eligible for continuing education scholarships through your employer,
church, service organization or other institution. If you conduct an online scholarship search, be
advised that not all search services are free and many merely repackage information available for
free through resources such as
FinAid
and
The College Board
.
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Employer Continuing Education Funds – Many employers provide matching or partial
funding for employees pursuing educational goals that will further enhance their value as an
employee. Be sure to check with your employer's human resources or personnel
department.
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Student Loans – Education loans come in two basic forms: subsidized student loans,
which are backed by the federal government and provide favorable interest rates and lending terms;
and unsubsidized student loans, which are provided by a variety of banking institutions with
varying rates and terms. Our
Financial Aid Web site
can help you start your search for both types of loans.
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Did You Know? - Did you know you don't have to
pay for everything to get started? If you want to hold your spot by registering in advance , you
can submit your resource and registration fees first and pay the difference when your aid is
available. For more information please contact your enrollment counselor.
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Tailor-Made Education -
Not everyone has the same schedule or time to devote to education, so you
should be able to tailor your educational experience to help you achieve your goals. Here are some
things you will want to look for in any continuing education program:
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Flexible Schedule – Depending on your work and family commitments , you will need
the flexibility to study and attend classes online at night or during the day. You will want to
make sure that you will be able to access all of your required courses within your current
schedule.
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Variable Course Loads – Some continuing education programs require a full-time
commitment or even a certain level of part-time commitment. As a working adult with a real life
outside of the classroom you will need to be able to attend at your own pace. This means having the
freedom to take
one class at a time.
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Study From Home – Returning students often find that it's not the time for
coursework or even the hours required to attend classes that cause the real time crunch; instead
they run into time conflicts with the time it takes to commute to and from campus. Any program that
takes the education of working adults seriously should offer courses, one-on-one time with
professors and ways to connect to other students via the Internet.
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Personal Attention – Every student deserves the attention and focus of his or her
professors and instructors on a regular basis throughout his or her educational process. Be sure
the program you choose has an appropriate faculty to student ratio.
We hope you noticed that LeTourneau offers all of the many options above, so
, if you're ready to take advantage of the ones that work for you, then why not
apply today
?
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Questions for a University - As you plan for your
future, you probably are considering all of your educational and training options. We encourage you
to take into account all of the various ways continuing your education can impact your life – in
your career, at home and in your community. Before you enroll at any school we think you should be
sure to get answers to the following questions, and the answers should match your vision and
values.
What's in Your Name? - A university is a university right?
You know better and so do we. The name that appears behind your degree on your resume should carry
some weight. LeTourneau delivers a quality education that is recognized and admired in Texas and
across the country. We are an
accredited nondenominational Christian university with a
reputation for graduating individuals with the highest of professional, ethical and moral
standards.
What is Your Mission? - Our mission is based on
integrating faith, learning and living. We take our mission seriously and look for students who
share our vision. We encourage anyone interested in attending LeTourneau to read our full
mission statement .
How Did You Get Here? -We began life as the LeTourneau
Technical Institute in 1946. In 1961, after training more than 7,000 men, we put our tech school
designation behind us and became LeTourneau College. As a four-year college, we continued to expand
both in population and breadth of studies, adding graduate and professional programs and welcoming
students from around the world. In 1989, our growth dictated another change, and we became
LeTourneau University
How Are You Ranked? - This may not be the bottom line
for you, but ranking is an important factor worthy of serious consideration before enrolling in any
school. U.S. News and World Report consistently names LeTourneau University to its list of
"America's Best Colleges" and in 2005 we ranked 23 rd in the best Master's Comprehensive
Universities in the Western region. We do not work to be ranked, but rather strive to graduate
quality people with quality degrees and trust the rankings will reflect the efforts of our faculty,
staff and students.
If these answers match your perspective and expectations then why not
apply today .
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Did You Know? -
Did you know that LeTourneau is committed to changing the world? As our
president, Dr. Alvin O. Austin, said, "As a Christian university, LeTourneau can make a difference
in the world. This is a leadership institution – a place where the cutting edge of technology and
Christian faith can merge. Other institutions may have rediscovered the importance of a
values-centered education, but that's something LeTourneau has known all along."
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Did You Know? -
Did you know that LeTourneau students have a widely recognized reputation for
service? Each year, hundreds of LeTourneau students serve on mission trips across the globe and all
together our student volunteers contribute 20,000 hours to the local communities that welcome us as
an institution. Our work has caught the attention of people in Austin and we were the only college
or university to be honored with a nomination for the Governor's Volunteer Award.
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Service through Learning -
As you embark on a graduate or professional school education, it is worth
remembering that you not only are being served by the school, but are also doing a work of service
for yourself, your family and the community. To your children and spouse you demonstrate the value
you put on education while helping to better meet their needs through furthering your career. As an
educated professional, you bring skills and knowledge to your community to help your co-workers,
friends and neighbors realize a better world.
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What It Takes... -
It's not running a marathon or building a skyscraper, but returning to school
is no small feat. Signing up, paying the bills and making the time are the easy parts. The tough
stuff begins after you are underway. Here we offer some important questions you may already have
asked yourself and explain why the answers matter. There are no "right" answers to these questions,
but you will need to know how to answer them if you plan to go back to school.
The "
Are you ready to go back?" Quiz
-
How will you prioritize school?
Putting faith, family and work before the demands of school is the right thing to do. You
will probably need to make time for school by taking a little time from the other things you do,
such as sports, hobbies or simply relaxing after work in front of the TV.
-
Do you have the academic skills to succeed?
Be honest with yourself. If you need to brush up on your skills, then plan on taking a
course that will help you get up to speed academically. You may need to find a friend, colleague or
education professional who can serve as a tutor to help you develop note taking, essay writing,
memory and reading comprehension skills.
-
Will your family support you in this endeavor?
Be sure to discuss all of the factors involved in a return to school with your spouse and
children. Explain the positives of earning another degree (increased income, the benefits of more
education, a job you enjoy more) and the obligations of time and energy earning a degree
requires.
-
Do you know how you will pay for school?
You may not know exactly how you will pay for every course, but you should have a pretty
good idea of the expenses entailed in getting your degree, the financial aid available for a person
in your situation and what you can afford to contribute each semester. This way you can make an
academic plan that matches your schedule and pocketbook.
-
How are your computer skills?
Whether or not you take all of your classes online, you will need to have very good computer
skills in order to succeed in any graduate or professional program. You need to know more than how
to turn it on and save a file. You need to have a good command of how to organize files, upload and
downloads files to and from the Internet and be proficient with e-mail.
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Can you set aside a place and time to focus on coursework?
School requires focus. You can't succeed at any graduate or professional school level work
by sitting down in front of a television with your laptop. You'll need to have a place where you
can minimize distractions and focus on the work at hand so that you can succeed.
-
Do you have a plan for what you will do once you have your diploma or
certificate?
Having a concrete plan for your future after classes are complete will help you stay
motivated to complete the task(s) at hand and get you through the challenging times every student
faces.
Know you're ready and sure you have what it takes?
Apply to LeTourneau today
.
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Planning for Your Success
Even if you have top-notch organizational and time-management skills, you may
still find balancing all your responsibilities a challenge, at least initially. After all, it may
be a few years since you were in school (at least as a student) – and your skills may be a bit
rusty. Consider these tips – integrating the ones that work for you will help you maintain balance
in your life.
-
Study in daylight hours. Research shows that 60 minutes of study during the
day is equal to 90 minutes of study at night.
-
Review required readings before lectures. Skim the title, headings, summary
and figures to refresh the information before going to class.
-
Study soon after lecture courses. Reviewing your notes immediately after
class aids retention and understanding.
-
List and do tasks according to priorities. Parkinson's Law states, "work
expands to fill the time available for its completion." If you allot two hours to read 10 pages, it
likely will take you two hours – rather than the 30 minutes it realistically might take to read and
take notes on it if you're focused.
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Start long jobs ahead of time. Avoid cramming and the poor quality work that
typically results from it.
-
Be realistic. Consider your other responsibilities and plan study periods
accordingly.
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Discover how long to study. As a rule of thumb, for every hour in class,
study two hours outside of class. Then, adjust the time as needed to achieve your goals. Don't
assume you can study less just because you're acing a particular course.
-
Plan blocks of time. In general, you'll reach optimum efficiency by planning
to study in blocks of one hour – 50 minutes of study followed by a 10 minute break. Also, shorter
periods work best for studying notes and memorizing materials. Use longer periods for
problem-solving tasks and writing papers.
-
Have an agenda for each study period. This is especially important when
juggling multiple roles – be specific about the task you want to accomplish during each planned
study period.
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Did You Know? -
Did you know that your education won't end when you receive your degree? The
truth is that many graduate and professional students leave with more questions about their field
than when they started their studies, but they are asking better questions and are equipped with
the foundation of knowledge, concepts and skills it takes to come up with solid, workable and
successful answers. Learning is a lifelong endeavor that continually shows us how much more there
is to discover in this world.
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Did You Know the History of the Online MBA Degree? -
The online MBA program has grown markedly, both in availability and
acceptance. Believe it or not, the evolution of the online MBA goes back to when computers weighed
a few tons, instead of just a few pounds. The gradual move toward today's online MBA degree started
in the 1950s and 1960s when employees who wanted to return to college found they often knew more
about management skills than the instructor – but lacked the credentials. Thus, the idea of earning
credits for experience was born.
In 1972, the first external (or outside the traditional classroom) degrees
were awarded in the U.S., allowing examination of information gained outside the classroom.
Distance learning programs grew, as did the idea of a graduate degree for working managers – and
both companies and workers alike took to the idea. In the 1980s and 1990s, schools began to deliver
flexible programs in new ways, such as correspondence courses. Then, with the Internet coming on
the scene in the mid-1990s, distance learning became easier to deliver and more user-friendly to
students. The idea of awarding online degrees came almost as fast. The proliferation of these
degrees during the last decade proves that both industry and academia view this as a natural
progression for education in the information age.
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Fundamentals of Online Communication -
Being face-to-face with a monitor rather than a real person may make
communication seem more remote, but it still requires manners. In particular, LeTourneau has found
that our adult students and distance learners, who rely heavily on online communications, benefit
from a few Internet guidelines – even if it's just a refresher lesson.
First, practice the basics of good writing. Most e-mail software will check
spelling and grammar for you, and provide formatting options such as bold face, italics, bullets or
numbering. Try to present your communication in an easy-to-read layout, and review your e-mail for
readability before sending it.
Here's how to get your point across in a positive way and sidestep any
misunderstandings:
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Check your e-mails on a regular basis.
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Reply in a timely manner – and ask yourself whether a response is needed to
acknowledge receipt.
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Write concise messages.
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Summarize your message in the Subject line.
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Learn to convey humor or sarcasm properly. When in doubt, leave it
out.
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Use proper capitalization: writing in ALL CAPS reads as though you are
yelling.
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Refrain from sending chain e-mails. They annoy others and can spread
viruses.
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When in doubt, practice the "Golden Rule" and e-mail unto others as you'd
like them to e-mail unto you.
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Five Habits of Highly Successful Distance Learners
Which is best for you – courses in a traditional classroom setting or
distance learning via the Internet? While many LETU students successfully earn a degree online
every year, your personality and habits may mean you're better suited for the classroom. As a busy
professional, an online program can be a convenient option for continuing your education,
especially for people who thrive on the independence and freedom offered by online education.
Compare yourself to the following list of
five
habits of highly successful distance learners
to determine whether online classes are right for you.
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Motivation to work independently and stay on task
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Ability to work at a pace necessary to complete assignments
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Good reading comprehension skills and aptitude to consume information without
direct guidance
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Ability to filter distractions that might get in the way of learning
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Capacity to use online communications – email or discussion boards – to
explore new concepts with peers
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