Camarillo, Calif., June 5, 2003 -- Starting Saturday, June 7, university instructors at California State University Channel Islands will offer classes in education, business and law for high school students and life-long learners, even if they are not enrolled in a university. The Open University program allows enrollment in regular university credit classes on a space available basis, subject to approval. Admission to the university is not required, and the same fees apply to everyone.
Of particular interest to high school students and the general public will be a 3-unit introduction to business law course at Ventura College geared towards students who may never have had a college course. This course will include assignments such as paraphrasing the Bill of Rights as it might have been written by a rapper, a surfer or a minister. "The class will be 90 percent hands-on," says the instructor Panda Kroll, a local attorney. "Students will be encouraged to actively participate in exercises involving current events such as the Napster litigation." Students will also participate in a moot court where they will take plaintiff and defendant positions and argue before a student jury. A local judge will give the students feedback on their presentations.
High school students are major beneficiaries of the Open University program. "The credit college-bound high school students receive is a good alternative or addition to Advanced Placement credits," notes Dr. Gary Berg, Director of Extended Education at Cal State University Channel Islands.
Barbara Hall, College Counselor and AP Coordinator at Buena High School says, "This is an excellent idea because it offers high school students a head start on their college careers. For example, students who want to enhance their profiles for college admission could benefit from these Open University courses."
The course fees range from $155 - $244 per unit, and students receive extension credit. Students may apply up to 24 units of extension credit toward a Baccalaureate degree, and in many cases, up to six units may be applied to a graduate degree. For more information or to enroll call 805-437-8495.
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About California State University Channel Islands
CSU Channel Islands(CI) is the only four-year, public university in Ventura County and is known for its interdisciplinary, multicultural and international perspectives, and its emphasis on experiential and service learning. CI’s strong academic programs focus on business, sciences, liberal studies, teaching credentials, and innovative master’s degrees. Students benefit from individual attention, up-to-date technology, and classroom instruction augmented by outstanding faculty research. CI has been designated by the U.S. Department of Education as a Hispanic-Serving Institution and is committed to serving students of all backgrounds from the region and beyond. Connect with and learn more by visiting CI's Social Media.