The University Without Walls (UWW) is a self-paced program that builds on prior college-level learning gained outside of school and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. UWW is geared to meet the adult student’s learning needs and long range goals through a course of study that includes personalized curricula and independent study.
Admission
Prospective student meetings are held each semester to explain the program and answer questions. All prospective students are strongly encouraged to attend a prospective student meeting prior to submitting an application. A schedule of prospective student meetings is available in the Nontraditional Degree Programs Office in B-147. You may also obtain a schedule by visiting our NDP website or calling (773) 442-6030.
UWW applicants design their own applications, addressing their need for UWW, outlining their prior learning, proposing new learning goals and identifying human resources. All previous college work must be verified by submitting official transcripts and if the applicant has earned less than 24 semester hours, an official high school transcript or General Educational Development (G.E.D.) test scores must be submitted.
Program Participation
Each student, with an Academic Advisor (a Northeastern faculty member), a Community Advisor, and a UWW Faculty Advisor, develops a Learning Contract which outlines the student’s individualized curriculum: prior learning experiences and new learning goals. The UWW student’s individualized curriculum has three program requirements: depth, breadth, and effective communication. These three elements provide an organizational structure for the Learning Contract.
Students register for UWW Independent Study hours each semester. At the end of every semester, students submit a Semester Report that specifies learning activities and accomplishments of the semester in relationship to the learning outcomes identified for receiving Independent Study credit hours. Students who make satisfactory academic progress in the program receive a designation of Pass for the Independent Study credit hours in which they are enrolled. To ensure that UWW students make sufficient academic progress, UWW students are expected to meet with their academic and community advisors regularly during each semester of participation in accordance with the University's Credit Hour Policy.
Graduation Requirements
The student’s program is monitored closely each semester and upon meeting the Learning Contract terms, the student convenes a Graduation Review Board that has the sole authority to authorize graduation. In addition, students must also fulfill the Writing Intensive Program requirement, the Improving Human Relations requirement and the Math/Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Further details regarding these graduation requirements can be found under the heading “Bachelor’s Degree Requirements” elsewhere in this catalog.
More information about the University Without Walls can be obtained in the NDP office, B-147 or at (773) 442-6030 or NDP@neiu.edu or the NDP website
NDP-201. College Success For Adult Returning Students. 3 Hours.
Students will examine college success strategies including self awareness, critical thinking, styles of learning, time management, reading and notetaking skills, writing techniques, study skills, test taking strategies, overcoming math anxiety and strengthening learning gaps. The course will also provide an orientation to the NEIU learning environment with focus on university engagement. NDP-201 is open to all incoming adult returning students from all academic disciplines.
NDP-301. Putting It All Together: Projects For Academic And Career Goals. 2 Hours.
This project-based course integrates out-of-college learning with the college curriculum and equips students with skills that can be applied across academic disciplines and in their careers. Students consider academic and career goals as they plan, develop and execute a personal project to accommodate those goals. Topics may include self-assessment, goal setting, learning theory, critical reading, project development and presentation.
Requirement: 45 credit hours completed.
NDP-305. Introduction To Library Research And Information Fluency. 1 Hour.
Introduction to Library Research and Information Fluency, lcr. This class will introduce students to library research and issues in information studies. Students will acquire the skills to find and evaluate information and will learn how to create a bibliography and write citations. The course is geared towards students Interested in learning how to research for class assignments, prepare research in their major or for graduate studies.
NDP-310. Writing Intensive Program: Diversity In The Workplace. 3 Hours.
Workplace diversity is a hallmark of contemporary life. This course explores multiple dimensions of diversity, including race, class, gender, sexual orientation, and disabilities with the goal of preparing students to function in varied settings. The course is a writing intensive experience, offering the opportunity to develop and hone written communication skills applicable to the workplace.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C.
NDP-321. Correspondence On Current Biology Topics. 3 Hours.
This course is designed for students interested in understanding current topics in the field of biology. The correspondence will vary based on instructor and student interest, but will focus on the appropriate biological background, experimental techniques, and the impact of these topics on health, society, and the environment. In addition, scientific reasoning and effective means of communicating biology to different audiences will also be discussed. Through the course materials, assignments, and regular correspondence, students will develop an appreciation for the living world around them, an understanding of experimental techniques in the natural sciences, and effective ways of communicating scientific information.
Prerequisite: (100 - 399 or 100A - 399Z).
NDP-330. Creating A Prior Learning Portfolio. 1 Hour.
This one-credit hour course guides students through the process of creating a portfolio that showcases prior learning experiences. The course examines issues relating to learning and life experience. It explores questions of academic specialization and professional development. Final portfolios can be used to request credit by assessment and as a testament to a student’s personal and professional accomplishments.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C.
NDP-341. Human Rights: An Introduction. 1 Hour.
Human rights principles have been explicitly enshrined in international documents since the 1948 United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights which American leaders helped formulate in the aftermath of the Holocaust. Human rights language is increasingly used in struggles for social justice worldwide. This course introduces students to the conceptions and debates about human rights in the US and globally, examining examples of the ways these values have and have not been implemented or secured.
NDP-342. Environmental Justice. 3 Hours.
This class will give students an overview of issues and concerns related to environmental justice. Understanding environmental issues is crucial today in the context of global warming. This course introduces new ideas through which to consider the environment and our ethical responsibilities living in it.
NDP-351. Time And Project Management Skills. 1 Hour.
This course explores the range and types of time and project management skills used in everyday life, academic and life-long learning, and in work settings. Students will analyze their own styles and theories of time management, learn how to set effective goals and objectives, and learn change management techniques that can be applied to new approaches, strategies, and techniques of time/project management.
NDP-380. Project Management For Individuals And Organizations. 3 Hours.
This three-credit hour course guides students through the process of creating a project management proposal including a timeline. The course examines issues related to project structure and stakeholders and considers the process from selection to completion. It explores responsibilities within a project as well as how to identify and delegate project tasks. Students will be exposed to project management as it relates to organizational and individual goals, preparing them to participate in projects while maintaining a professional perspective. Content for this course is skill-based and includes knowledge topical to project management through weekly topics in learning modules.
Prerequisite: ENGL-101 with a minimum grade of C and ENGL-102 with a minimum grade of C.
UWW-201. Participated In University Without Walls. 1 Hour.
UWW-202. Participated In University Without Walls. 2 Hours.
UWW-203. Participated In University Without Walls. 3 Hours.
UWW-204. Participated In University Without Walls. 4 Hours.
UWW-205. Participated In University Without Walls. 5 Hours.
UWW-206. Participated In University Without Walls. 6 Hours.
UWW-207. Participated In University Without Walls. 7 Hours.
UWW-208. Participated In University Without Walls. 8 Hours.
UWW-209. Participated In University Without Walls. 9 Hours.
UWW-210. Participated In University Without Walls. 10 Hours.
UWW-211. Participated In University Without Walls. 11 Hours.
UWW-212. Participated In University Without Walls. 12 Hours.
UWW-301. University Without Walls Independent Study. 1 Hour.
University Without Walls students receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed in consultation with and under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor, and UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-302. University Without Walls Independent Study. 2 Hours.
University Without Walls students receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed in consultation with and under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor, and UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-303. Introduction To University Without Walls--First Sem Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Introduction to University Without Walls prepares students to receive credit as they fulfill individualized curricula developed under the direction of the UWW Academic Advisor (or another faculty member recommended by the Academic Advisor), the UWW Community Advisor and the UWW Faculty Advisor.
UWW-304. Contemporary Topics In Depth Area Study. 3 Hours.
This course will examine contemporary topics related to student's prior/proposed learning and depth area concentration. With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore the socio-political, cultural and economic relationships between the contemporary topics they choose and their depth area. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-305. Independent Study In Health Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in health services fields (community health, health administration, healthcare systems, medical services, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of health services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-306. Independent Study In Violence Prevention. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in violence prevention fields (hospital responders, outreach workers, peace academy workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of violence prevention as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-307. Independent Study In Research Methods. 3 Hours.
Students will examine research methods specific to investigating prior learning/depth area processes and outcomes; including research design, theory, data collection, and reporting.
UWW-308. Independent Study In Community, Human And Social Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in community, human service or social service fields (case managers, community service officers, family support, community outreach workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of community, human or social service as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-309. University Without Walls Field Experience Independent Study. 3 Hours.
Students will engage in in-depth experiential learning, integrating academic course work, prior learning experience, and/or on the job experience.
UWW-310. Independent Study In Recreation Services. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in recreation services fields (recreation leaders, recreation assistants, event specialists, youth recreation/athletics workers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, students will explore topics in the field of recreation services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through a traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.
UWW-311. Independent Study In Capstone Portfolio And Review Board Preparation. 3 Hours.
University Without Walls Capstone Portfolio and Review Board is the capstone course for the UWW academic program. In this course, students will finalize their learning contract and compose an online portfolio that will be presented to a UWW board of evaluators.
UWW-312. Independent Study In Education-Related Fields. 3 Hours.
This individualized study course is designed for UWW students who have depth areas in education-related fields (paraprofessionals, teaching assistants, school office managers, etc.). With the assistance of their UWW advisor, student will explore topics in the field of recreation services as they relate to their depth area concentrations and prior learning experiences. Completion of the course can be achieved through traditional research paper or other relevant project as determined by their UWW advisor.