Sept. 17, 2003

CONTACT: Gordon Ovenshine (724) 738-4854;  e-mail: gordon.ovenshine@sru.edu

ELEMENTARY EDUCATION, MASTER’S IN PROFESSIONAL WRITING THE FOCUS OF OCT. 16 OPEN HOUSE AT SRU’S NORTH HILLS CENTER, WEXFORD

           WEXFORD, Pa. – An Elementary Education Certification Program for community college transfers and second-career students and courses for a master’s in professional writing will be the focus of a 4 to 6:30 p.m. open house Oct. 16 at Slippery Rock University’s North Hills Center, Route 910 in Wexford.

           Administrators and faculty will be on hand to explain curriculum and admission standards. The North Hills Center, just 15 miles north of Pittsburgh, offers evening classes and free parking.

           The Elementary Education Certification is designed for transfers and college graduates who have a degree in another area but would like to become a teacher. “Many students in the North Hills Elementary Education Certification Program are adults who have decided to make a career change into education from various first careers,” says Connie Bell, center coordinator.

           The professional writing program is for those who communicate through writing as a major part of their employment. Applicable fields include banking, technology, law, journalism, public relations and grant writing.

           In addition, SRU’s Dr. Thomas Bechard, assistant professor sociology/anthropology/social work, will conduct an information session at 6 p.m. Oct. 16 for those interested in a career in social work. A North Hills Center program for Social Work Certification is planned for fall 2004. Call 724-933-8150 for more information.