NSU Horizons Fall 2011

The Benefits of Nova Southeastern University’s Student Educational Centers By Michelle F. Solomon W hen Jacqueline Lacal receives her Ph.D. from Nova Southeastern University’s College of Pharmacy in June 2012, her educational experience will have been just a bit different, yet just as rewarding, as those of her classmates at the main campus in Davie. By the time she graduates, Lacal will have attended classes, participated in student government, enjoyed extracurricular activities, and gathered her collegiate memories from the Palm Beach Student Educational Center, one of NSU’s seven centers. Drive on any major interstate in Florida and you’ll see signs pointing to NSU’s Student Educational Centers (SECs) in Fort Myers, Jack- sonville, Miami, Orlando, Palm Beach, and Tampa. NSU also has an SEC in Nassau, Bahamas. Enrollment at each SEC ranges from 500 to 3,000 students who are pursuing bachelor’s, master’s, doctoral, and professional degrees. Courses are offered in anesthesiologist assistant, pharmacy, business, education, mental health counseling, psychology, nursing, criminal justice, physician assistant, interdisciplinary arts, and more. “What we’ve done is create a college and academic experience that is as close as possible to our main campus,” said Joe Pepe, Ed.D., interim execu- tive director for NSU’s Student Educational Centers and the regional director of the Fort Myers SEC. The SECs serve students using microcomputer and simulation labs, plus videoconferencing equip- ment. Course offerings are presented either in a classroom with a full-time or adjunct faculty member, via interactive video connected to the main campus, or online. Some courses are a blend of all three course-delivery types. Tutoring also is available. In addition, the centers are staffed with aca- demic advisors and full-time employees to help with registration, enrollment, and financial aid. State-of-the-art fitness centers and student lounges provide places to work out, study, socialize, and network. “We do a good job of bringing the main campus experience and services to our distance-education students,” said Pepe. “The best part is that the centers are convenient and accessible.” Students are encouraged to join organizations specific to their SEC, and also be part of groups that are active on the main campus. Lacal is president of the Palm Beach Student Government Association and vice president of the Alpha Zeta Omega Pharmaceutical Fraternity (AZO), where she is active in developing programming and events to help foster student engagement with peers and faculty and staff members. “There are so many leadership opportunities here and ways to get involved because you’re basically attending a smaller campus. It really is a great experience,” Lacal said. Student 28 horizons Students at the SECs study and learn together.