Updated Information for CEMML Employees Free Distance Learning Opportunities From CSU Using Your Study Privilege Employee Benefit !!!

One of the employee privileges available to Colorado State University-CEMML employees (both on-campus and off-campus) is the Employee Study Privilege that allows you to take up to six (6) semester credits per academic year. Colorado State Classified and Research Associates staffed at 50% or more time and receiving full benefits, and temporary employees with one year of service, are eligible. The number of credits is dependent on the level of employment (e.g., 100% appointments are eligible for 6 credits, half-time employees are eligible for 3 credits).

The Division of Continuing Education manages CSU's distance learning courses. It is IMPORTANT that you fully understand the nature of your privilege before you sign up for a course! The rules may differ depending upon whether or not you are a Colorado Resident or Non-Resident (applicable to most of our off-campus employees). Only CREDITED courses can be taken under this privilege. Non-credit courses under Personal Enrichment and Professional Development are NOT eligible.

The costs for a particular distance learning course vary considerably. For example, a 3-credit distance learning graduate course costs between $222 and $523 per graduate level credit. Course costs are determined by the mode of delivery (e.g., online, correspondence, videotape) and by the association of the course with an identified degree program. For Colorado residents, the privilege per graduate tuition credit rate is $205.00, which would translate to $615.00 for a 3-credit course (not including the General and University Technical Fees). Non-Colorado residents have an $831.00 credit per unit or $2493.00 for a 3-credit course.

In the example above, NR 515 would cost a Colorado resident nothing for attending the course on campus (except possible fees) and $57.00 for taking the course online. Non-Colorado residents would pay nothing because their education privilege is greater than the cost of the class. For NR 440 a Colorado resident attending the class on campus would pay nothing and $573.00 for taking the class online. Again, non-Colorado residents would pay nothing. Graduate courses and the tuition privilege is greater compared to undergraduate courses.

For those of you (most of you) who cannot come to campus, you can access distance learning on the Web at http://www.learn.colostate.edu/. CLICK ON "Distance Degrees” or “Online & Independent Learning Courses” then view the various programs and courses. Again, make sure you check the cost of the course to see how it fits with your particular employee privilege, as described above. Some courses (e.g., correspondence type courses) can be enrolled in at any time of year, while others have specific semester enrollment criteria. It is recommended that you only take one course (usually 2 or 3 credits) at a time. The Academic Year for this privilege runs from 1 May through 30 April of the succeeding year.

While the course selection in environmental programs is somewhat limited, there are several opportunities in Anthropology (e.g., Peoples and Cultures of the Southwest), Bioagricultural Sciences and Pest Management (e.g., Weed Management and Control), Rangeland Ecology (e.g., Principles of Range Management, Range Animal-Habitat Interactions, and more), and Soil and Crop Sciences (e.g., Seed Germination and Viability). Rangeland Ecology and Statistics offer master’s degrees.

Additionally, you may combine several courses (four total) in Natural Resources Management to earn a Certificate in "Natural Resources and the Environment" from Colorado State University - (see http://www.learn.colostate.edu/certificates/environment.asp). This Certificate is an excellent resume builder and demonstrates your initiative to pursue life-long learning for future job growth.

If you are really serious about Distance Learning and you want to complete a full graduate degree, you must apply for admission to a particular graduate program using the Online application form. You must complete the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) and provide undergraduate transcripts and three letters of recommendation to CSU. Your application will be reviewed by the particular academic Department to which you apply. While some or all of the courses you complete using your Study Privilege may apply to your degree, this determination is made by the Department and your Advisor. There are also specific rules concerning how many credits you can transfer prior to graduate school admission. A minimum of 24 credits must be earned at Colorado State, 21 of which must be earned after admission to the Graduate School. Most commonly, master’s programs require 30 to 36 credits, but some require as many as 60. It is best to call and talk to the Division of Continuing Education before you initiate this process or invest too much time on courses before being accepted into a program.

If you are interested in taking advantage of your employee study privilege, there are a few simple steps that you need to follow:

1. Peruse the list of available courses and decide what course you want to take. Check the course cost, the availability dates and the deadlines for enrollment (if applicable).
2. Down-load the Faculty/Staff form and the Student Registration Form and complete both with your signature. Forms are available at: http://www.learn.colostate.edu/students/forms/employee.pdf
3. Forward the completed forms by mail to Mr. Alan Mertens at CEMML, who will be authorizing the continuing education requests.
4. CEMML will complete the Supervisor Statement and transmit the form to the Division of Education Outreach on campus. (NOTE: It is assumed that you will take the course on your own time and that it will not interfere with your assigned duties.)
5. You will then be contacted directly by Division of Continuing Education once your application has been processed.
6. Complete the course/certificate with your assigned instructor and then try another!

CEMML would like to keep track of those employees who complete courses/certificates and any feedback on them. Please e-mail Dr. William Doe at CEMML when you have completed a course or certificate, or have general feedback. Questions concerning this program and other educational opportunities at CSU should be directed to:

Dr. William Doe
Graduate and Professional Studies
Center for Environmental Management of Military Lands (CEMML)
Colorado State University
(970) 491-5082
William.Doe@ColoState.EDU

STUDY HARD !!!!!!!!!!

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