So, I’ve been suffering through these incredibly dull web design classes through the continuing education department at the local university since May. I’m trying to become a certified web designer in the hopes of being a little more employable (not that I’m not enjoying having all this free time but I do worry about the balance in the savings account).
There’s no formal registration into the certificate program. You just start taking the classes. That’s all well and good until you log in to register for your next class…one of the three I have left to take…and see that they’ve changed the required courses. This is actually the second time that’s happened since I started. The first time, I’d only taken one class so it wasn’t a big deal, but this time it is. They removed the course I’d logged in to register for from the list of requirements and added in a new one that isn’t being offered UNTIL DECEMBER. I don’t plan on being here in December and I certainly am not waiting that long to finish up this program. I’ve emailed them to see if my certificate is contingent on meeting the previous requirements or these new ones. I realize I could be getting all worked up about nothing, but I’ve invested a LOT of time and money (a commodity in short supply right now) in getting this certificate and to be this close and run the risk of not being able to finish would be a huge pain in the ass. It’s also pretty indicative of the problems I’ve had with the Continuing Ed department in the past. Both Shannon and I were working through the paralegal program a few years ago and finally gave it up because they NEVER offered some of the required classes.
Hopefully, I’ll get a response to tonight’s email early tomorrow letting me know that I’m only three classes and six weeks away from being done instead of possibly four classes* and five and a half months away from being done.
*I just looked again and realized that instead of Photoshop 1, they are now requiring something called Photoshop: Web Graphics. That class isn’t even on the course schedule yet. Oh, I’m gonna be soooo pissed if they don’t give me the answer I want to hear tomorrow.
Is that at TCC? From what I understand (i go to dcccd) – once you elect a catalog year (whether it be for a certificate or degree program) they have to honor the classes that were required at the time of enrollment…Now, I do not work at a college, but again from what I understand and what the counselors have told me. Good Luck and hope everything goes your way =] (fingers crossed)
No, UTA. And since it’s the continuing education department there’s a serious lack of organization…at least on their website. We aren’t considered “real students” so I guess we don’t need any sort of clarity.
Funny thing.. a few of my friends work at UTA, and another is a teacher there. I plan on attending after I get my associates from Mountain View….I will send an email to my friend(s) to see what she thinks and maybe she can get an email to the right person. I will let you know what she says…I hope you get the answer soon.
I do work at a college and can assure you that it’s usually just as easy as getting the dept head to sign off on a waiver or course substitution form. Legally, they do have to stick to the program requirements that were in place when you began, or to waive/substitute whatever bits and pieces will help you to complete the certificate.