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December 19, 2006
SAINT MARY’S UNIVERSITY NAMED EXCLUSIVE EDUCATION PROVIDER
OF ON-SITE COURSES TO HENNEPIN COUNTY
MINNEAPOLIS – How many people can attend college classes just by walking down the hall from their desk at work? Because of a new partnership between Hennepin County and Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, this scenario will be a reality for county employees beginning in January 2007.
“We surveyed county employees asking for ideas on learning opportunities,” said Brikkelle Thompson, Hennepin County Senior Human Resources Specialist, coordinator of the partnership with Saint Mary’s. “Based on their feedback and factors including convenience, access, flexibility and cost, Saint Mary’s really hit the mark.”
The county asked 11 universities to respond to its request for information on how they could meet the county’s needs. Saint Mary’s University offered to provide its Bachelor of Science program in business and its Master of Arts program in management at the Hennepin County Government Center. The university also is waiving its application fee to county employees, and in some cases is providing credits for an individual’s work/life experience.
“Saint Mary’s prides itself on taking education to the students,” said Sarah Lang, Saint Mary’s University director of admissions. “Having classes available at the county’s government center will make college more convenient for county employees, and convenience is a very important factor for people deciding whether to go back to school.”
Lang also pointed out that the university’s Twin Cities campus is just a few minutes away should county employees want to take additional classes, which could speed up the degree process. Students can complete the programs in as little as two years just by taking on-site courses.
Saint Mary’s University has similar education partnerships for on-site courses with Hutchinson Technology, Thomson West Publishing, more than 80 Minnesota school districts, and others. These partnerships enable people to take college classes close to home or work rather than traveling to a college campus.
The university’s first classes at the Hennepin County Government Center will begin January 10, 2007. While registration remains open, 16 students have signed up for courses thus far.
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