2008 - 2009 Catalog
Table of Contents
Calendar
Courses
Programs of Study
General Information
Admissions
Financial Information
Student Services
Academic Information
Educational Programs
Advisory Committees
Board of Trustees

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Special Academic Programs and Career Program Services

Agriculture Training Institute

The Agriculture Training Institute expands the availability of agricultural, horticultural, and equine training and instruction. The institute provides supplemental and continuing education through traditional credit courses, vocational skills courses, and special workshops in the areas of agriculture, horticulture, agri-business, and the equine industry are offered at times which complement the seasonal constraints of the agricultural community. Many of these courses meet in the Tony Noel Agricultural Technology Applications Center on the Parkland campus. For more information, call the Agriculture Training Institute at 217/351-2213.

Ford ASSET

As a joint agreement between Ford Motor Company, Ford, Lincoln-Mercury, and Mazda dealers, and Parkland College, the Ford ASSET (Automotive Student Service Educational Training) program is designed to develop entry-level, product-trained service technicians for Ford and Lincoln- Mercury dealerships. Since enrollment is limited, students are encouraged to submit their admission applications, indicating interest in the ASSET program, as early as possible.

The ASSET program is an intensive professional training program, requiring strong student commitment and solid academic preparation and skills in reading and mathematics. Application to the program is open to any student who is interested in a highly skilled professional technical career in the automotive dealership setting.

For more information or assistance, call the ASSET program director at 217/373-3765.

Tech Prep

Parkland College’s Tech Prep program is part of a national initiative that incorporates college preparatory course work with a rigorous technical education concentration. This planned sequence of courses begins in secondary school and is articulated with Parkland College in order to lead to an Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree or a certificate. Because Tech Prep prepares students for a lifetime of learning, it also provides the background needed for advanced education at the baccalaureate level.

High School Articulation Agreements

Articulation agreements have been developed between Parkland College and local high schools and vocational centers to minimize duplication of course content for career program students who complete occupational sequences in high school and wish to receive advanced training at Parkland. Individuals can convert credits for high school course work to credits toward a Parkland College degree through fulfillment of specific requirements in identified courses, or through passing a proficiency examination.

Currently, articulation agreements are in effect for Agri- Business; Applied and Technical Mathematics; Automotive Technology; Building Construction and Repair; Child Care; Computer-Aided Drafting (AutoCAD); Construction Design and Management; Electronics; Foodservice; Health Professions; Industrial Technology; Office Professional; and Welding courses.

For more information, contact the appropriate Parkland College department chair or the dean of career programs. Information is also available through high school guidance counselors.

Learning Communities

Students can enhance their college experience in one of several Learning Communities designed to enrich the student’s social and educational experiences. Learning Communities are offered for all types of students and include a mix of classes. Communities are often available for many programs: pre-college, transfer, or honors. Learning Communities allow the student to more easily use the skills they are learning in one course and apply it to the content in their other courses. Social activities may be planned for the students so they can get to know each other, their instructors, and their campus. For more information, contact the Counseling and Advising Center at 217/351-2219.

Dental Hygiene Clinic

For $10 a semester, the public can receive dental examinations, oral hygiene instruction, medical history reviews, cleaning, fluoride treatments, and X-rays. Each appointment is approximately one and one-half hours long and must be made in advance by calling 217/351-2221. There is no charge to children under 12, adults over 62, Medicaid recipients, or Public Aid recipients. Children under the age of four cannot be treated.

Massage Therapy Clinic

The public can receive one-hour massages for $10 from students in the massage therapy program during spring and summer semesters. Make an appointment by calling 217/353-2031.