NLC Viewbook 2013-2014

School of Labor StudiesSchool of Professional Studies

2013–2014

PresidentCongratulations on taking the first step to earning your college degree!

I am pleased to send you a viewbook about National Labor College (NLC). I hope it answers your questions about

what it takes to earn your college degree through NLC’s School of Professional Studies or School of Labor Studies.

As you read through this viewbook, you’ll soon discover how NLC is truly unique. We’re the only regionally

accredited higher education institution committed to educating union members and their families, and union

leaders and staff. Our degree programs are specifically designed to prepare you for job growth opportunities in your

existing field … or a new one. And through all our courses, we promote the values of the labor movement.

Our online classes allow you to schedule the classwork at your convenience. And our tuition and fees are affordable

for many working families — financial aid and scholarships are also available to those who qualify.

When you’re ready, simply go to our website at www.NLC.edu/start to complete an application. Or, please call our

friendly, knowledgeable Admissions Counselors with any questions at 1-888-427-8100.

Take the next step now. You will be as happy as all the NLC students and graduates you will meet in these pages.

In solidarity,

Paula E. Peinovich, PhD

President

Letter from the President

2

http://www.NLC.edu/start

3

ContentsContentsAbout National Labor College (NLC)

Accreditation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5What Course of Study is Right for Me? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Admission . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6What is Online Learning?. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Prior Learning Assessment . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6What is a Residency? . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Academic Calendar. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Financing Your NLC EducationTuition . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Federal Student Aid . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Scholarships . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Veteran Benefits . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Academic ProgramsCareer Certificates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Associate of Arts Degree . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11School of Professional Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Bachelor of Arts in Business Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Bachelor of Arts in Construction Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Bachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response Management . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

School of Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Bachelor of Arts in Labor Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19Bachelor of Arts in Labor Safety and Health . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Bachelor of Arts in Labor Studies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Bachelor of Arts in Union Leadership and Administration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Next Steps . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23

“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, Washington4

Course of Study

National Labor College

Accreditation

ABOUT NATIONAL LABOR COLLEGENational Labor College (NLC) is truly unique. We’re the only higher education institution committed to educating

union members and their families, and union leaders and staff. Our certificates, associate’s, and bachelor’s degree

programs are specifically designed to prepare you for job growth opportunities in your existing field … or a new one.

Our online classes allow you to schedule classwork at your convenience. In our academic programs, we honor higher

learning that takes place both inside and outside the collegiate 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 States

Association of Colleges and Schools (3624 Market Street, Philadelphia, PA 19104. 267-284-5000. www.msche.org).

Regional accreditation is the gold standard of accreditation, making your degree of the highest value nationwide.

This allows you to access federal student aid, transfer credits easily, and move on to graduate programs at top

schools.

What Course of Study is Right for Me?

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.

5

CERTIFICATE ASSOCIATE’S BACHELOR’S

Transcripts Required NoneHigh School Transcript

or GEDAssociate’s Degree or 56 Transferred Credits

Total Credits Needed to Complete Program

12–18 Credits 60 Credits 120 Credits

Minimum Number of Credits Taken at NLC

All 18 Credits 36 Credits

Financial Aid Available No Yes Yes

Residency Required Depends on Program No Only in School of Labor Studies

http://www.msche.org


Admission

Prior Learning

Online Learning

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

National Labor College accepts applicants throughout the year on a rolling basis. An application should be received

approximately 6-8 weeks before a semester’s start date to allow time to gather the necessary documentation and

process the application. You may begin to take classes in the spring (January), summer (May), or fall (September).

Many of our students have credits from accredited colleges/universities, apprenticeships, or other types of prior

learning that can be transferred towards their degree. NLC accepts up to 42 transfer credits towards an associate’s

degree and 84 transfer credits towards any o f our bachelor’s degrees.

What 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 learn how

simple the technology is and how easy it is to communicate with your professor and fellow students throughout

each week as you complete assignments and engage in lively dialogue.

You will be studying with people just like you — students working toward their college degrees who are committed

to the labor movement. Even though your classmates live around the country, you will build solidarity and be part of

a dynamic community that shares labor’s values.

Prior 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 in such

activities as on-the-job training, union work, community volunteering, starting a business, or mastering a craft or

hobby over the years. The key to earning credits lies in the student’s ability to demonstrate his or her learning

through written essays, documentation, and other sources of verification through a portfolio process.

More information on the PLA Workshop is available at www.nlc.edu/pla.

6

http://www.NLC.edu/apply

http://www.nlc.edu/pla

ResidencyWhat is a Residency?A residency is an opportunity for students to meet face-to-face with professors, school professionals, and other

students during an intensive four-day gathering scheduled over a long weekend. The first required residency is part

of the course Living Labor History and must be taken in the first or second semester of study. This residency will

include tours, meetings, and class sessions during which students will learn how working people use history to build

a powerful labor movement. Locations of residencies will rotate. The final residency will take place as students

complete their programs as part of the Capstone Writing Seminar.

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

• Fall: October 11 – 14, 2013 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland

• Spring: February 14 – 17, 2014 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland

• Fall: October 10 – 13, 2014 (noon Friday – noon Monday); near Baltimore, Maryland

Academic CalendarAcademic CalendarNLC has three semesters every calendar year. Each semester has fifteen weeks and is split into these seven-week

terms. For the 2013–14 academic year, the key dates are:

FALL: September 3 – December 13, 2013

Term A (Sep. 3 – Oct. 18, 2013); Term B (Oct. 28 – Dec. 13, 2013)

SPRING: January 6 – April 18, 2014

Term A (Jan. 6 – Feb. 21, 2014); Term B (Mar. 3 – Apr. 18, 2014)

SUMMER:May 5 – August 15, 2014

Term A (May 5 – June 20, 2014); Term B (June 30 – Aug. 15, 2014)


7


8

Financial InformationTuition

Federal Aid

Scholarships

Veterans Benefits

FINANCING YOUR NLC EDUCATION

TuitionDegree Programs (Effective July 1, 2013)

Federal Student AidFederal student aid may be used to cover expenses such as tuition, fees, travel to a residency, room and board,

books, supplies, buying a computer, or paying for dependent care. The US government offers a number of grants

and loan programs to help eligible students finance college. Grants do not have to be repaid as long as you meet

specified requirements, while loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. Eligibility is determined by the federal

government and is based on financial need as well as a number of other factors. Students completing certificate

programs are not eligible for financial aid. NLC participates in the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental

Educational Opportunity Grant, and Direct Loan programs. In order to apply for federal student 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

that allow us to support our students’ unique financial needs. Specific unions also offer scholarships to NLC to their

members in good standing. Visit our website for information on eligibility and how to apply for all scholarships at

www.NLC.edu/scholarships.

Veterans BenefitsNational Labor College is proud to participate in the veterans benefits program. Interested students should contact

the federal Department of Veterans Affairs for more information at www.gibill.va.gov.

TUITION FEES

AFL-CIO UnionMember/Family

$297/credit Application $83

Working America Member

$297/credit Technology $39/credit

Non AFL-CIO Union Member/Family

$358/credit Graduation $286

Non Union Member $528/credit


http://www.NLC.edu/financialaid

http://www.NLC.edu/scholarships

http://www.gibill.va.gov


“The faculty wants you to succeed and the Union Plus Scholarship makes the cost of education so much more affordable,

especially for single parents.”Lydia Gallegos, IAM, New Mexico

99

Career CertificatesAcademic ProgramsACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Career CertificatesAdmissions Criteria

• No transcripts required

School of Labor Studies The School of Labor Studies offers a variety of certificate programs, each consisting of 12 credit hours of online

degree and/or residential Union Skills courses. See our website for more detailed information.

Topics include:

• Arbitration and Grievance Handling

• Labor Education

• Labor Safety and Health

• Leadership for Change

• Organizing

• Union Administration

• Building Trades Organizational Dynamics and Growth

• Building Trades Union Leadership and Administration

School of Professional Studies

The School of Professional Studies offers a variety of certificate programs consisting of 12-15 credits of online degree

courses. See our website for more detailed information.

Topics include:

• Construction Management

• Emergency Management

• Ethical Management

• Small Business Management

10

Associate of Arts DegreeAssociate of Arts DegreeNLC’s Associate of Arts degree is designed for rank-and-file union members and adult members of union families

interested in acquiring the foundation to succeed in any of NLC’s bachelor degree programs or any other four-year

college or university.

The Associate of Arts degree requires students to complete 60 credits, meet the program requirements that include

core curriculum and general education courses, and complete 18 credits in NLC courses (3 credits each).

In addition to taking courses at NLC, a student may earn the minimum 60 credits through a combination of transfer

credits from an accredited college or university, ACE-certified apprenticeships, ACE-accredited courses or training,

CLEP testing, military credits, partnership credits, and credit for lifelong learning experience through NLC’s PLA

Workshop.

Admissions Criteria• High school transcripts or GED

11

Core CoursesNLC Pathways: Becoming a Successful Online Learner

Effective Writing

Bibliography and Research

US History: Work, Workers, and the Building of the American Nation

US Government

General Education Courses (1 course in each topic below)

Composition & Communication

Humanities & Arts

Social & Behavioral Sciences

Literature

Mathematical Sciences

Natural Sciences

Information Technology

Select ElectivesFilm and Globalization

Ethics in Decision Making

Multimedia Technology

Psychology of the Adult Learner



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

Alejandro Garcia, IBEW, Nevada

12

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 are

specifically designed to help working people advance in their careers. All degrees in the School of

Professional Studies require two courses in labor studies that provide students with an understanding of the

contributions of the labor movement to the world of work.

Bachelor of Arts in Business AdministrationNLC’s bachelor’s degree in Business Administration is designed for rank-and-file union members and adult

members of union families interested in acquiring the business knowledge and skills in a degree program that

emphasizes sustainable and ethical business practices. Union members interested in starting or improving the

performance of their 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 administer

unions and other organizations.

The Business Administration degree requires students to complete 36 credits — twelve required core courses

(of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.

Admissions Criteria• An associate’s degree or at least 56 approved transfer credits


Required Core CoursesDigital Learning for the 21st Century

Management and Labor in the 21st Century

Business Ethics and Sustainability

Financial and Accounting Controls

Marketing and New Media

Research Methods

Labor and Work in the United States

Legal Environment of Business

Entrepreneurship

Managing Human Resources in a Dynamic Environment

Labor and Work in the Global Economy

Capstone Project in Business Administration

Select ElectivesEffective Leadership

Film and Globalization

Labor and the American Political System

Leadership Theory

Union Structure and Governance

13


Professional StudiesBachelor of Arts in Construction ManagementNLC’s Construction Management degree is geared for building and construction trades members who are interested

in combining their experience in the industry with the knowledge required to advance in their careers. NLC’s

program has the academic standards of a traditional construction management program which complement the

experience workers have gained through apprenticeships and supervisory positions in the construction industry. This

prior experience helps seasoned construction workers develop the insights needed to be effective leaders.

The Construction Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits — twelve required core courses

(of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general education credits.


• Union membership or sponsorship by a building trades union or building trades council

• Construction experience


Fundamentals of the Construction Industry I

Fundamentals of the Construction Industry II

Project Building Systems

Project Administration


Construction Cost Accounting, Estimating and Finance

Construction Project Planning and Scheduling

Industrial Relations in the Construction Industry

Advanced Leadership and Communication


Construction Industry Capstone Project


Leadership Theory

Computer Skills for Trade Unionists

Foundations of Safety and Health

Industrial Hygiene


14


“The staff is friendly and accommodating. The support is awesome. NLC has it all.”

Tina Davis, AFSCME, Pennsylvania

15

“I wanted to get my degree in Labor Studies so that I can better contribute to the labor movement by educating others and helping to organize.”

— Belinda Gunn, SEIU, Illinois

16

Professional StudiesBachelor of Science in Emergency Readiness and Response ManagementNLC’s degree in Emergency Readiness and Response Management is designed for rank-and-file union members and

adult members of union families interested in any area of emergency management. This includes, but is not limited

to, first responders such as 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 the federal, state, and

local government levels, as well as in industry, the military, or health care. NLC is the only higher education

institution offering a Bachelor of Science degree that combines emergency management courses—which equip

students to prepare for, mitigate against, respond to, and recover from natural and man-made disasters—with

courses in labor studies.

The Emergency Readiness and Response Management degree requires students to complete 36 credits—twelve

required core courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including general

education credits.


17



Fundamentals of Emergency Readiness and ResponseManagement


Disaster Response, Operations and Management

Legal and Ethical Aspects of Emergency Readiness andResponse Management

Research Methods for Emergency Readiness and ResponseManagement

Risk Management

Strategic Financial Planning and Management

Leadership: Systems Thinking and Critical Decision Making

Emergency Planning


Capstone Project in Emergency Readiness and ResponseManagement


Leadership Theory

Bioterrorism

Industrial Hygiene

Hazardous Materials in Transportation


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

Rodney Donald, USW, Maryland

18

Bachelor of Arts in Labor EducationThe Labor Education degree is specifically designed for labor and community educators, trainers, and activists whoteach, design, implement, and administer educational programs invested in key areas, including leadership,organizing, health and safety, and apprenticeships. The program empowers trainers, educators, and activists bygiving them the tools they need to deliver exceptional educational experiences.

Requirements:Students must complete the six required core courses in addition to any five of the following:

• Teaching Techniques II (required residency)

• Distance Learning for Labor Educators

• Methods that Motivate

• The Adult Learner

• Instructional Systems Design

• Instructional Technology

• Enhancing Student Collaborationand:

• Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)

Labor StudiesSchool of Labor StudiesThe School of Labor Studies currently offers four bachelor’s degrees: Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health,Labor Studies, and Union Leadership and Administration. These programs are specifically designed to help workingpeople advance in their careers, develop leadership skills and deepen their knowledge of the labor movement. All ofthe bachelor’s degrees offered in the School of Labor Studies require students to complete a 36 credit curriculum ortwelve required courses (of 3 credits each). To graduate, students must have 120 total credits, including generaleducation credits.


Required Core Courses for All School of Labor Studies Degrees• Living Labor History (required residency)• Labor and Work in the United States• Research Methods• Labor and Politics• Labor and Work in the Global Economy• Labor and Employment

19

Labor Studies

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 six required core courses in addition to the following two courses:

• Foundations of Safety and Health• Industrial Hygiene

and any three 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 (required residency)

and:• Capstone Writing Seminar (required residency)

20

Labor and Politics ConcentrationThe Labor and Politics concentration is designed to offerstudents an in-depth analysis of labor’s role in thepolitical process. This concentration includes acombination of theoretical and practical exercises andperspectives. Required courses examine labor'srelationship with the institutions of Americangovernment (Congress, the Courts, and the Presidency),labor’s role in lobbying and the policy making process,the role of labor in campaigns and elections, and a rangeof contemporary issues and controversies in laborpolitics. Students must complete the six required corecourses in addition to the following four 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 subjectareas and draw from NLC’s Labor and ProfessionalStudies programs, which best fit their particular personaland career interests. The actual list of classes will bedesigned in consultation with the student’s academicadvisor. This concentration is intended to offer self-motivated students maximum flexibility in designing acourse of study that best fits their needs.Students must complete the six required core courses inaddition to the following course:

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


Bachelor of Arts in Labor StudiesThe Labor Studies degree encourages students to develop an in-depth understanding of the labor movement'shistorical development and its contemporary opportunities and challenges. There are currently two concentrationsfrom which to choose within the Labor Studies degree: the Labor and Politics concentration and the IndividuallyDesigned concentration, in which students can design a course of study with their advisor.

Labor Studies

“The resources at NLC are unmatched. I’m blown away by the information sharing that exists among faculty and students.”

Mark “Wes” Jordan, IBB, Indiana

Students must complete the six required core courses inaddition to the following course:

• Union Administrationand one or more of the following courses:

• Union Structure and Governance

• Leadership Theory

• Effective Leadershipand three or more of the following courses (for a total of five):

• Computer Skills for Trade Unionists

• Ethics in Decision Making

• Organizing and Representing the New Workforce

• Health Care Bargaining

• The Power of Partnerships

• Grassroots Leadership for Working America

• Special Topics in Union Leadership and

Administrationand:


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 orhold union leadership positions are ideal candidates for this course of study.

21

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

22

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 starting in the upper left and going clockwise areJoy Krom, UAW; Victor Ghidoni, IAM; Mark King, AFT; and Pamela Parker, CWA.

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

� 2 Choose a course of study: Career Certificate, Associate’s Degree, or Bachelor’s Degree.

� 3 Select a program: Business Administration, Construction Management, Emergency Readinessand Response Management, Labor Education, Labor Safety and Health, Labor Studies, or UnionLeadership and Administration.

� 4 Complete and submit the application at www.NLC.edu/applywith application fee.

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

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

� 7 Register for classes and study!

23


http://www.NLC.edu/apply

http://www.NLC.edu/financialaid

http://www.NLC.edu/scholarships


http://www.unionplus.org

©2013 National Labor College

10000 New Hampshire AvenueSilver Spring, MD 20903www.NLC.edu/start1-888-427-8100

(union bug)

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

National Labor College.

PICTURE YOURSELF HERE!

Non ProfitUS Postage

PAIDWashington, DCPermit #3070


NLC Viewbook 2013-2014

Documents

Transcript of NLC Viewbook 2013-2014