Data on 62 graduates of the Stephens College Without Walls program were gathered from student records, transcripts, and a questionnaire to measure program success as perceived by the student in terms of work effectiveness, access to advanced programs of study, and impact on life outside of work and education. The nontraditional degree was rated…

To determine the role of student writing in nontraditional life/experience credentialing programs, a questionnaire was compiled and results surveyed from nearly 50 such programs. Most respondents agreed that writing is a vital part of the credentialing process but many felt it should not be overstressed. The questionnaire is appended. (Author/LBH)

University managers of academic outreach need outstanding skills in communication, persuasion, and negotiation to win and maintain active faculty/administrator support for outreach activities. Failure to generate such support will make it impossible for outreach managers to deliver on the promise of the outreach concept. (Editor/LBH)

An analysis of developments at the Open University since 1973 indicates that there has been little reduction in average cost in real terms and that no improvement is likely on known developments to 1979. Reasons for this are explored, and suggestions for improving the situation are offered. (Editor/LBH)

The cooperative program between Regents College and Miami-Dade Community College, which offers an external Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, is described. Aspects of the program (known as PRO: Post Registered Nurse Opportunities), such as counseling services, course development and implementation, and public relations, are explained. (CT)

Results of a survey show that Open University students attach importance to face-to-face tutoring, and their need for the service does not lessen with their experience in distance education. These findings contrast with the institution's policy of offering tutoring only remedially. (MSE)

The outlook for the Open University is examined with regard to growth factors, new jobs for graduates, trends in the United Kingdom towards mass higher education, and transferability and collaboration. (LBH)

Considered the problem of growing concern about future enrollment at community colleges and discussed programs designed to bring the college to the student rather than the opposite. (Author/RK)

An Open University program to develop software for a microcomputer/speech synthesizer is described that could provide broad access to university programming, computer-assisted instruction, and data processing. The state of the art of speech synthesis and the problems encountered in program construction and trial are outlined. (MSE)

A Latin American scholar suggests that the U.S. system for correspondence and audiovisual education has potential for an international effort to improve distance education in Latin America. Special considerations for Latin American populations, communications, and logistics and experiences in developing such programs at Pennsylvania State…

The problems and needs of adults returning for higher education are discussed. It is important for learning institutions and nontraditional programs to investigate the types and the scope of these problems and needs and the availability of support the student will receive from others to help overcome the problems. (Author/MLW)

The Universidad Estatal a Distancia is used as an example to illustrate the methodology and utility of cost analysis in educational planning and decision making. By identifying cost-inducing variables in a system, it is possible to analyze expenditure against the level of activity associated with each variable. (Author/MLW)

Examines the nature of external doctoral education, particularly as it pertains to nursing. While such nontraditional programs provide new learning structures and expand available options, disadvantages include separation from student support services, full-time faculty, and library facilities. Discusses accreditation, residency requirements,…

Suggests alternatives to traditional methods of "dispensing" higher education to lifelong learners, focusing on changing teacher responsibilities, older college students, crediting experiential learning, extending services to private and public agencies, and learning contracts. Cites two examples of using contract learning. (JM)

A survey was conducted of all Webster University (Missouri) Extended Campus site directors (N=37) addressing the duties they associated with support staff positions at their sites. The directors were asked to assign relative importance in the duty rankings they listed and to show the job titles used for the positions at their sites. The 16…