This is a progress report on the first 6 months activity of the Commission on Non-Traditional Study which was established: 1) to examine all aspects of non-traditional postsecondary education, including the external degree, now in operation or being planned; 2) to evaluate the desirability and feasibility of such study; 3) to identify the…

In 1976, Indiana University began offering a General Studies degree to open degree opportunities to those who are not necessarily able to return to the campus and meet residency requirements for other degrees. As a cornerstone of the program, a flexible admission policy was included for those 21 years or older. (JOW)

This annual survey provides data on the status of programs leading to associate degrees, diplomas, and other awards based on less than 4 years of work beyond high school in US institutions of higher education. It covers degrees awarded between July 1, 1968 and June 30, 1969. Detailed listings of specific awards granted by each institution, by type…

This article describes a needs assessment strategy for assessing client interest in a graduate liberal arts degree for adults. It is recommended that, in planning a new off-campus graduate degree program for adults, attention should be given to assessing needs both externally and internally. (CT)

The development of sub-graduate diploma courses (programs conferring special expertise for advancement in a career) at the University of Papua New Guinea are described as an innovation distinguishing the University by comparison with its Australian antecedents. Several diplomas are offered in education, commerce, police studies, and journalism.…

The nursing programs offered as part of the New York State Regents External Degree programs are highlighted including a brief historical review and description of the nursing program. (JMF)

The article presents an overview of the quality control procedures of the British Council for National Academic Awards. The Council awards degrees and certificates to persons completing courses of study at educational establishments other than universities. Noted are procedures for institutional accreditation, models of quality assurance, and…

An explanation of the Continuing Education Unit (CEU) is offered in this paper. At Jefferson College in Missouri, the CEU is an evaluative unit used in awarding a Continuing Education Diploma. The CEU is defined as ten contact hours of participation in an organized continuing education experience under responsible leadership, capable direction and…

The efforts of George Peabody College for Teachers to expand into nontraditional programs is characterized by two programs: a human development counseling program in Europe in cooperation with the U.S. Air Force and a graduate program in educational administration. A general overview of these programs is offered. (JMF)

This presentation focuses on impressions and findings resulting in activities in the Cooperative Assessment of Experiential Learning Project, which is briefly described. Comments are made about nontraditional programs in higher education that provide opportunities and assessment for experiential learning particularly and centers on five topics:…

The need to build experiential learning into external degree programs is examined in terms of the framework identifying the functions of experiential elements of a program. Successful forms are defined and models of these are described. (JMF)

The nontraditional education movement in postsecondary education has presented new problems for accreditation in terms of results vs process, governance, the rise of entrepreneurs, and territoriality. (JMF)

This paper reviews the history of the Child Development Associate (CDA) credential, created in 1972 to meet the growing need for skilled child care workers to provide quality programs for young children in the United States. A pilot program was launched in 1974, leading to the granting of CDA credentials in 1975. Since 1976 over 60,000 CDA…

Five institutions under one governing board have begun a degree program that is more responsive to the needs of the mature adult. Work remains to be accomplished in work competency assessment, but there is a growing commitment to the program, because it serves people not previously served--effectively. (Author)

A variety of external degree programs and the unique characteristics of administration are discussed. (JMF)