ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Rock Island, Ill. - St. Ambrose University continues to reach out to adult learners through the R.I. University (formerly known as ACALA Academy and TACOM R.I. University). The goal of the now identified R.I. University, which is presently housed in the Garrison, is to satisfy the educational needs of the government employees, active-duty military and veterans at the Rock Island Arsenal. St. Ambrose is the contract institution presently providing classes at the Davenport campus of St. Ambrose University, online, and on-site in a training center located on the Rock Island Arsenal.
The ACCEL (Adult College Curriculum for Education and Leadership) program is an accelerated undergraduate program for working adults. ACCEL has provided eight-week, three credit classes on Arsenal Island since 1997. The partnership between St. Ambrose University and the Rock Island Arsenal began with two undergraduate pilot classes provided by St. Ambrose and Black Hawk College. In 1999, St. Ambrose won a three-year government contract to offer R.I. University undergraduate and graduate classes in an eight-week format. A five-year contract was awarded in September 2000 to offer additional undergraduate and graduate courses in four, eight-week sessions and one four-week mini graduate session. An additional five-year contract was awarded in 2007 to continue with these services.
Presently, R.I. University undergraduate students can earn a 24-credit hour certificate in business management, a 30-credit hour analytical business certificate, an 18-credit hour certificate in organizational leadership, and a 25-credit hour east-west studies certificate. These courses provide highly interactive, discussion-driven, seminar-style learning in an environment, which focuses on developing multi-functional, multi-skilled capabilities that adults can apply immediately in the workplace. Each course meets three hours per week for eight weeks on-site at the Rock Island Arsenal. Students share work and life experiences, engage in group projects, give presentations, complete individual assignments and problem solve within a team structure. Students in the RI University are held to the same academic standards as all other St. Ambrose University students. All college credits earned in the RI University Program can be applied toward the appropriate degree at St. Ambrose.
In addition, St. Ambrose offers a Master of Organizational Leadership program through the R.I. University Program. This is an interdisciplinary graduate program of study designed to nurture a student's abilities and skills for effective leadership, emphasizing leadership and integrated business skills. The curriculum enables individuals in positions of leadership, or those individuals seeking leadership roles, to become more self-aware of their own strengths and weaknesses, attitudes, behaviors, and the effects they have on others in organizational settings. The MOL curriculum requires of 36-credit hours with courses offered by all three colleges at St. Ambrose (Education and Health Sciences, Arts and Sciences, and Business). A core curriculum of 21-credit hours emphasizes leadership theory and integrated business skills. Leadership skills, organizational decision-making, conflict resolution, and ethical responsibilities provide the foundations of the core curriculum. The students develop, in consultation with an organizational leadership advisor, an area of concentration consisting of 15-credit hours. Concentrations include logistics management, organizational leadership, and community service leadership. MOL students are required to take a Leadership Through People Skills class, which is an intensive, five-day learning experience that transforms managers into leaders by creating skills that are necessary to meet today's business challenges and turn vision into reality. In addition, the LTPS course is also offered through the government bid process and has been delivered not only at the Rock Island Arsenal, but other government locations such as the Redstone Arsenal in Alabama and Ft. Belvior in Virginia.
In October 2005, the 46-credit hour "Intensive" Master of Business Administration program was added to the contract in an 8-week format. In August, the MBA introduced a new 39-credit hour program to the contract. The St. Ambrose University H.L. McLaughlin MBA Program allows the student to complete their degree in two and one-half years if students take two courses in the fall, two in the spring, and one in the summer. Individuals with a bachelor's degree in any field from an accredited institution may apply to the H.L. McLaughlin MBA Program and complete the required admissions paper work.
To obtain information regarding undergraduate or graduate classes through the St. Ambrose University/R.I. University, you can contact Michelle Beck, government POC and contracting officer's representative at Michelle.Beck@us.army.mil or (309) 782-0965.
In addition, St. Ambrose University's Professional Development offers training programs to develop or enhance employee skills, meet professional requirements, and develop the teamwork necessary for an effective and productive work environment. Programs are offered year-round in a variety of topics, including project management; grant writing, supervisor, leadership, and management training. Customized training topics and programs are also available to meet your needs. For more detailed listing of our current offerings visit our website at www.sau.edu/pdc or contact Jennifer Prinz, director of professional development, St. Ambrose University at PrinzJenniferL@sau.edu or (563) 441-9950.
Related Links:
Rock Island University (St. Ambrose University College for Professional Studies)
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