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Topic:
Discover why thousands of working adults have chosen Strayer University
J. Chris Toe, Ph.D
Administrative Dean for Region I
Strayer University
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Dr. J. Chris Toe is the Administrative Dean for Region I of Strayer University. Dr. Toe has held the positions of Professor of Economics, Director of Graduate Programs, and Campus Dean. Dr. Toe earned his Ph.D. and Master of Science degree in Economics from Texas Tech University, and a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Liberia.
washingtonpost.com Advertising: Hello and thank you for joining us.
Dr. Toe was a guest during our Education Fair in April, and we're
happy to have him with us again today. Dr. Toe, welcome back to
Discussions Live.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : It is a pleasure to be here once again. I thoroughly
enjoyed every moment that was spent online in April discussing what
Strayer University is doing for thousands of adults who have chosen this
institution. I look forward to discussing why, I believe, Strayer ought to
be the choice for any adult who wants to advance his or her career.
Strayer has an impeccable record in adult education; this record spans
over a hundred years. It is a record underpinned by excellence, quality,
and service. I doubt if there is any institution in this country, and
certainly not in the metropolitan Washington DC area, that can lay claim
to unwavering excellence in adult education. Strayer University stands
alone in this regard.We empower adults to be productive in the
workplace by focusing on those skills and areas of education that are
demanded by employers. I invite you to be a part of this growing
institution; please call us at 1 888 4 strayer.
washingtonpost.com Advertising: In April you touched on the
tremendous changes the education sector of the United States has
undergone and the continuous learning philosophy that has evolved as a
result.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : It is becoming very clear that technology and other
engines of economic growth and prosperity will continue to change
through. Consequently, what we learn in the classroom becomes
outdated in a few years. To remain productive and efficient requires a
commitment to lifelong learning. Strayer University recognizes this
development and has remained committed to ensuring that employees
are always on the leading edge of business and information
technologies. The traditional institutions of higher learning have
recognized this phenomenon of late. But Strayer has been in the
vanguard of the lifelong learning revolution for over 100 years. Our
instructors and staff see the student as a customer whose needs are our
priority.
Alexandria, Va: If I'm not mistaken, it seems most universities are
now catering to working adults. It also seems Strayer haas been doing
this longer than most and how do you do it more successfully?
Dr. J. Chris Toe : We are successful because adult education remains
our one and only focus. It is our niche. We were established as an adult
education institution and remain that to this day. There are several ways
in which our commitment to working adults is manifested. We insist that
our instructors have both the theoretical knowledge and credentials in
the fields in which they teach; but unlike other institutions, we go further
by requiring that they have practical, working knowledge in those areas
of study. Our class schedules also reflect our working adult focus: we
are open seven days a week, practically all day. Our objective is to be
accommodating to employees who have to juggle work, family and
education. Can you imagine that at some of our 14 campuses, classes
are sometimes held 6 am or at 11 pm. In essence, both the
administrative and academic staff are committed to our philosophy of
lifelong learning.
Our nation's capitol: Sir,
My question to you is who do your graduate programs benefit most?
What kind of student?
Thank you
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Our graduate programs are designed and taught to
benefit both the individual student and the employer. The majority of
our students are working adults. Of late, we have started seeing a good
number of students in their twenties. For your information, Strayer
University currently offers graduate programs in professional
accounting, information systems and business administration. We hope
to unveil our new graduate degree program in communications
technology in January, 2000.
Fairfax, Virginia: Does Strayer offer a full range of undergrad and
grad programs? I realize your emphasis is on business.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : To a large extent, offering business and information
technology oriented programs is our mission. At the undergraduate
level, we offer programs in business administration, accounting,
economics, computer networking, and computer information systems;
we also offer associates degrees in marketing and general studies.
These programs are complemented at the graduate level by master of
science degrees in business administration, professional accounting and
information systems. Yes, our emphasis is on business--and I am proud
to say that we do it well. We try not to spread ourselves too thin. You
know what happens when you get into too many things. By the way,
why don't you call 1 888 4 strayer and we will be glad to show you
our state of the art facilities. perhaps you could even make an
appointment to speak to one of our able admissions officers. We have
several campuses near where you live--Arlington, Alexandria,
Manassas, Loudoun. Are you interested in taking classes via the
internet? We do offer classes on line; visit our website at
www.strayer.edu.
washingtonpost.com Advertising: How does Strayer work with
companies to provide the kinds of courses specific to their needs and
how do students benefit?
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer currently has outreach educational
programs at several sites. These include government offices (GSA for
example) and corporate sites (Claritas off Wilson Blvd, Arlington).
What we usually look for is an invitation to offer our programs at your
site; this should be addressed to the President. We then send in a team
from our admissions and academic departments to undertake a needs
assessment. Once the needs assessment is completed, and details
regarding class hours, etc are finalized, we are ready to start. Keep in
mind that the courses we offer off-campus are those that are identified
by the employer. The greatest benefit to the student is that they do not
have to travel any where to take the class; it is given at the job site. The
student thus earns college credit while at the same time , he or she
enhances needed skills that improve work productivity and efficiency. If
you are interested in having Strayer at your site, please call me at 202
408 2413 or send me an email at jct@strayer.edu. I will be more than
happy to meet with you.
Richmond VA: I'd be grateful if you'd discuss online learning in general
and Strayer's program in particular.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer's approach to online learning replicates the
traditional classrooom. It is given in real time; you log on and the
instructors and students also log on at the same time. Each class goes
on for close to four hours. Our entire degree programs are offered
online. Online learning is particularly beneficial for those, who for some
reason or the other, are unable to leave their homes or their
workplaces. Such students therefore can still earn their degrees by
utilizing the computer. Studies have shown that online classroom
participation rates are higher than those of the traditional classroom. If
you are interested in our online program, please visit us on the web at
www.strayer.edu and click on online. If you have any questions, call 1
888 4 strayer.
Atlanta, Georgia: What sort of financial aid is available to adults, who
may already have a four-year degree, but want to pick up some extra
knowlege?
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer has several resources available for those
wishing to finance their education. Federal financial assistance is
available to those pursuing a graduate or undergraduate degree. We
also have Strayer Education Loans; the terms and conditions of these
loans are better than what the market is offering. In essence, those who
for some reason are not eligible or do not want federal funds, can still
finance their education by using the Strayer Education Loan. Please call
1 888 4 Strayer for assistance or visit us online at www.strayer.edu.
reston: i understand you offer computer courses and programs that
many other schools don't. please describe strayer's offerings in this
area.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer offers academic credit for classes taken in
many computer fields. We offer bachelor of science degrees in
information systems and computer networking (novell or windows nt
emphases). Starting this Fall, we are offering oracle dba and developer
certification training. The closest campus to you may be in Arlington or
in Loudoun. Each of these can be reached when you call 1 888 4
strayer; you could also apply for admission online at www.strayer.edu.
Wheaton, Maryland: Is the University innovative in its approach to
financial aid?
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer is very innovative in its approach to
financial aid. Federal financial aid can be obtained by applying online.
Furthermore, we have our own means of helping you to finance your
education; this is done through the Strayer Education Loan program.
Why don't you visit our Takoma Park campus. please call 202 722
8100 or 1 888 4 Strayer.
Rockville,Md: How is Strayer accredited?
Dr. J. Chris Toe : Strayer University is accredited by the Commission
on Higher Education of the Middle States Association of Colleges and
Schools. This regional accrediting body is the same for almost all of the
institutions of higher learning in the metro DC area. We are also
approved by the education regulatory bodies of the states in which we
operate (Maryland, DC and Virginia).
washingtonpost.com Advertising: Please explain how adults
returning to school can earn credit for life-work experience.
Dr. J. Chris Toe : The key to earning credit for life-work experience
is documentation. You must be able to provide evidence on the skills
you have obtained on the job, the training you have taken, seminars, etc
you have attended. These should then be documented in the form of a
portfolio and then linked to courses listed in our catalog. Strayer
University is very rigorous, but very fair and just,in the evaluation of
these portfolios.
Strayer University is uniquely positioned to meet the diverse needs and
demands of working adults who want to advance their careers. We can
meet these demands anywhere in the world--by attending classes in a
traditional classroom or by attending classes online. It is evident that
getting ahead in this increasingly competitive world requires education.
Advancing careers is what we do at Strayer. Our multiple locations
(over 14), flexible schedules and student friendly staff and instructors
are just what the working adult needs. Our fees are competitive and our
degree programs undergo timely change to remain relevant. Please call
us at 1 888 4 strayer; we will be glad to help you.
washingtonpost.com Advertising: Our thanks to Dr. Toe as well as
our viewers. Join us again on Tuesday, August 17 at noon when our
guest will be Trent Anderson of the Kaplan/Newsweek How To Get
Into College guide.
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