Flash player is required to view weather conditions. Download

site web  

Classes are set to begin in January 2009 at Miami University's Voice of America Learning Center in West Chester Twp. The 23,000-square-foot School of Education, Health, and Society is located on Cox Road off of Interstate 75 and adjoining to Voice of America Park. Graduate and undergraduate degree programs and courses will be offered in more than 80 classes scheduled during days, evenings and weekends. The facility will also provide space for community meetings, forums and other events.

Tom Poetter, director of the partnerships office says the location is ideal for those looking for continuing education opportunities.

"Someone who is interested in continuing education can access it at the Voice of America Learning Center face to face with faculty from all regional campuses," Poetter said.

Director of the Voice of America Learning Center, Rod Nimtz says the location is idyllic for teachers.

"The convenience and accessibility of the masters degree program for teachers is a real key factor," Nimtz said.

Graduate courses in education will be offered in late afternoons to work around the teachers schedule. Teachers from area school districts are also eligible for Miami's TEAM Scholarship program which provides a fifty percent tuition and fee reduction for professional educators pursing a graduate degree. The reduction is applied to the instructional fee, general fee, technology fee and Miami Metro fee.

The CCI, Corporate and Community Institute of Miami's regional campuses will also have its headquarters located in the learning center. CCI specialists will work with area employers to provide programs and customized training for local businesses, industries, school districts and government agencies. Nimtz believes businesses will find the CCI especially attractive.

Poetter also believes the VOALC will be beneficial to businesses within the southwest community.

"We're hoping to do some unique and innovative things," said Poetter. "We intend to do a lot of good outreach to the Voice of America site."

According to Poetter, the VOALC's potential is endless.

"Higher education can work with people to solve problems in communities and work with them on new ventures, new partnerships and new possibilities."

However, the VOALC is not only geared toward continuing education but beginning education as well. Undergraduate introductory courses will be offered along with bachelor degree programs in nursing, technology and the new BIS, Bachelor of Integrative Studies. The BIS allows students the versatility to combine different courses and concentrations to explore the relationships between them. It will be offered at all Miami University regional campuses in Hamilton and Middletown as well as the VOALC.

The Miami University Alumni Association Alumni Career Services will also be located in the VOALC. Miami officials hope the central location of the alumni office will provide networking opportunities for Miami grads and alumni employers.

To learn more about Miami University and the VOALC visit www.muohio.edu/voalc.