Thursday, December 18, 2008

New Dean at UI&U Florida Center

DR. BERYL WATNICK NAMED DEAN OF
UNION INSTITUTE & UNIVERSITY’S FLORIDA CENTER
Dr. Marie Bogat, current dean of Florida’s undergraduate programs, will resume her role as a full-time faculty member

NORTH MIAMI BEACH, FL – Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced that Dr. Beryl Watnick has been appointed dean of undergraduate programs for UI&U’s Florida Academic Center. Dr. Watnick takes over from Dr. Marie Bogat, longtime dean of the undergraduate program, who will resume her role as a full-time faculty member.

“Beryl is a dedicated member of the educational community in southern Florida and brings a creative touch to help educators in all stages of their careers, from earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree to professional preparation,” said Dr. Roger Sublett, President of UI&U. “She is an invaluable resource for South Florida educators, and she will serve our learners well.”

A 1996 alumna of UI&U’s doctoral program, Dr. Watnick joined UI&U in 2001 to develop and lead UI&U’s Florida Master of Education and Education Specialist programs. She has worked across degree programs to include the undergraduate program, the Master of Education, and the doctoral programs in her efforts to recruit and train southern Florida’s teachers and administrators. A member of several professional organizations, she has published and presented both nationally and internationally.

Prior to joining UI&U, Dr. Watnick served as an administrator with Miami-Dade County Public Schools supervising family literacy programs in school sites and programs housed in the migrant community and a women’s correctional facility. In this role, she was responsible for monitoring 50 staff people who provided services to 350 families. In addition, she wrote and was awarded several major state and federal grants while working for the school district.

Dr. Marie Bogat has served as dean since 2001, and as faculty since 1993. In her role as dean of the Florida Center, she fostered increased visibility for the university throughout Florida, and strengthened relationships between the university and area school districts. “While focused on Union’s reputation and connections in the community, Dr. Bogat has never lost sight of the individual learner and his or her success,” said UI&U Provost, Dr. Richard Hansen. “Under her guidance, countless graduates have earned positions in the school district’s classrooms and administration, and many have gone on to earn both masters and doctoral degrees, many through Union’s M.Ed. and Ph.D. programs. Her leadership will be missed, but we, along with our many learners, are grateful that she will be staying on as faculty.”

Thursday, December 4, 2008

New Part-Time Options for BA Program

Montpelier, VT--

Union Institute & University (UI&U) today announced the launch of a new part-time option for learners enrolled in the university’s Bachelor of Arts (BA) programs. The part-time alternative is consistent with UI&U’s mission to provide flexible higher education opportunities for busy adults and will be offered starting Spring semester, which begins January 28 for the cycle (one week every six weeks) option, and February 20 for the weekend option. The Virtual Vermont online option offers a start date four times a year.

Dr. Victor Ehly, dean of the BA programs, says UI&U responded to suggestions to offer part-time options from the Montpelier community. “Based on learner’s requests, and given the ever-increasing pressure on the time of working adults, we are now prepared to offer the same programs with the same individualized process, but now with the option for a 9-credit semester study,” he said. “This is a chance for any current learner or beginning student, who is either unable to take on the work required of full-time study or is unable to afford the tuition for full-time study, to further their education and earn their degree.”

Since 1964, UI&U has redefined higher education by placing learners at the center of their own education by offering personalized undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral degree programs designed for the lifelong learner. Union’s BA program allows learners to major in liberal studies and focus on one of nine areas of concentration, in addition to teacher licensure preparation. Like learners who choose to enroll in the program full-time, those enrolled part-time also make use of a learning model that works best for them, choosing from low residency options at UI&U’s Montpelier or Brattleboro Centers, or through UI&U’s online option, Virtual Vermont.

“We are always on the lookout for creative ways to reach out to adults in Vermont, New England, and beyond,” said Ehly. “Our online learners hail from more than 20 states across the country, but also from right here in Vermont. This part-time option should be more attractive to many who are looking for ways to combine their degree completion with current job, family, and community commitments. We listened and we made the change.”

Monday, December 1, 2008

North Miami to Host BS Info Sessions Dec 6 and 13

North Miami Beach, FL--

Union Institute & University (UI&U), a leader in higher education for adults, will host bachelor of science (BS) information sessions at its Florida Academic Center, from 11 a.m. - 2 p.m., December 6th and 13th. The center is located at 16853 NE 2nd Ave., #102, in North Miami Beach.

UI&U has been educating South Florida professionals for more than 18 years. The university’s BS program offers a rich academic environment where learners can interact with faculty and each other through low residency and distance learning options. Among the most popular programs are early education, social work, psychology, business management, and criminal justice management. UI&U’s education program prepares Bachelor of Science (BS) and Master’s of Education (M.Ed) learners to teach in Florida schools. In addition, the University offers professional development courses for educators to fulfill continuing education requirements.

Union is currently accepting applications for their Winter term which starts January 5. Interested learners are encouraged to enroll soon. Early registration, says Francis Francois, admissions director for UI&U’s Miami Center, enables learners to better prepare for the upcoming term, allowing them more time to save money, and to better familiarize themselves with online learning methods.

For more information email Francis Francois at Francis.Francois@tui.edu, or call 305.653.6713 x2130.