Adventures in ADP

Brunch:

This spring, the Adult Degree Program had its highest number of graduating students in the history of the program. Over 100 adult learners completed their bachelors’ degrees and had the opportunity to participate in university commencement ceremonies. Many of the graduates who attended commencement were visiting JMU’s campus for the very first time.

In order to honor the achievement of our graduates, the School of Continuing and Professional Education hosted a celebratory brunch, complete with a champagne toast, in the Hall of Presidents locate in the center of JMU’s campus. Graduates and their families received remarks from SPCE Dean Dr. Nick Swartz, and Director of the Adult Degree Program, Mr. Daniel Robinson, noting the diligence, effort and support that lead to their current and continued success.

During the brunch, ADP inducted its inaugural class of students into Alpha Sigma Lambda, the national honors society for adult students. Twenty-two students, representing the top 20% by GPA of the student body in the Adult Degree Program were awarded this honor. The graduates attending the brunch received a certificate of induction, and cords to be worn with academic regalia to symbolize this honor. The Honorable Richard Bell, 1989 alumnus of ADP, former VA State Delegate, and current member of JMU’s Board of Visitors was presented with an honorary membership into ASL, recognizing his outstanding achievement and consistent support for the program.
 

In February, the Adult Degree Program was asked to give a presentation on the work we do and students we serve to the Academic Excellence Committee of Board of Visitors. The JMU Board of Visitors is the governing body that oversees the operation of the university on behalf of the state of Virginia. Members of the board are leaders from various sectors across the state, ranging from business, to law and education and are appointed by the governor to serve four-year terms. Board members also serve on special committees as part of their service.

The Academic Excellence Committee is a group the works with the division of Academic Affairs at JMU and makes recommendations to the full board regarding change in curriculum and faculty, staff and student needs and concerns as they relate to academics.

During this presentation, SPCE Dean Nick Swartz gave an overview of School and how the Adult Degree Program fits into the full SPCE portfolio. ADP Director and Academic Unit Head Daniel Robinson gave an overview of the program, our student body and strategic vision. Members also heard from ADP alumnus Donna Garber, and current student Pam Sloan on their experiences as students, and in Garber’s case, graduate of the program. Both students gave eloquent remarks on the broad impact the program has had on their lives and the direct takeaways of their academic work.

During the question-and-answer period, members of the Board focused on the student panelists, drawing attention to the unique dedication and perseverance it takes to complete a bachelors degree as an adult learning. Board members were also clear in their admiration and support for adult learning at JMU.

This summer, a group of 10 Adult Degree Program students traveled to eastern Germany and Poland to study Migration and Culture in Eastern Europe. This experience was coordinated through the Adult Degree Program, JMU Study Abroad, and Viadrina University in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany. A parallel program for newly admitted first-year students ran alongside the ADP program, and the ADP students and New Dukes traveled and learned together while abroad. The ADP students participating in this program received full scholarships for travel and tuition funded by a generous grant from the Online Virginia Network.

The program began in Frankfurt (Oder), Germany, which is a small city on the border of Poland. The ADP students roomed in Frankfurt (Oder) and the new dukes stayed in Slubice, Poland and crossed the border each for class. The in-class components of the experience included crash courses in German and Polish language and culture, as well as history and current events. Tours and extracurricular experiences emphasized the legacy of migration in the area, as well as the fluidity of borders due to conflict and changing power structures. Students were guided through reflections in their respective program groups, and as a full cohort.

The group also traveled to Poznan, Poland, a medieval city in west central Poland. Students learned about the history of migration through Poland from experts working at a migrant support center, as well as experiencing the history, art, and culture of Poland through city tours, museum visits, and culinary experiences.

The program ended with four days in Berlin, Germany. Students visited the Reichstag, Germany’s parliamentary government complex, as well as soviet era TV tower, a now defunct Nazi era airport, and the Jewish Museum of Germany, among other experiences. Students were guided through a deeper understanding of the lasting effects of conflict on the movement and conditions of people in eastern Europe.

This program is an exemplar of two main initiatives in ADP and SPCE; high impact learning practices, and intergenerational learning. Study Abroad is a mainstay of undergraduate experiential learning and is typically inaccessible to adult learners in online programs. The rich interaction of the newly admitted students and ADP students encouraged broader thinking and deeper learning in both groups.