by Araceli Esparza
Features Editor
Opportunity and flexibility have encouraged many adults to return to school in order to expand possibilities for the future.
These adults include students from the the University of La Verne’s CAPA (College Accelerated Programs for Adults) program, who, while balancing a career and/or family, have chosen to pursue or continue a college education as well.
CAPA became a part of the University of La Verne when it was founded by Roger White in 1972. Since that time, the CAPA Professional Development Center has made enrolling in college courses a simpler task for adults.
The program currently offers an accredited bachelor’s degree for 650 adult students who are involved in a variety of academic areas.
CAPA makes a total of 13 majors available to its students.
Included are business administration, accounting and English, for which students may receive a bachelor of arts degree. In the fields of organizational management, psychology, sociology, behavioral science, public administration, child development, anthropology, criminology, computer science and computer engineering and paralegal studies, students may earn a bachelor of science degree.
According to Patti Noreen, director of CAPA, the program allows working adults the chance to further their educational skills altogether. She believes that the program addresses both theoretical and practical issues, and are conveniently scheduled for the adult who is employed full time.
“Our schedule compliments the student’s working schedule nicely,” said Noreen. “Most students work full time and balance the night and weekend classes as well.”
In order to participate in the CAPA program, applicants must be at least 25 years of age and may begin enrollment with little or no previous college experience.
“I really got into it because I realized I could complete a degree in two years,” said Deborah McNeal, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga.
McNeal is a diversified major currently pursuing the field of education; prior to her enrollment in the CAPA program, she owned a Subway Sandwich shop for seven years.
“I always wanted to be teacher. It’s intrinsically rewarding,” she said.
Thus far, McNeal has been actively enrolled within the CAPA curriculum for nearly two years.
“I started in the summer of 1996. I like the flexibility and the money because I do not waste time trying to get into classes,” she said.
Students who wish to take part in the CAPA program pay $298 per unit of coursework. In paying for their education, some CAPA students may receive financial assistance if they are eligible.
Though the exact number of CAPA students receiving financial aid could not be verified, there are three different types of CAPA students-those who receive financial aid, those who are company-reimbursed and those who are “just paying out of pocket,” said Noreen.
Regarding course schedules, “degrees in several areas can be completed by attending a combination of evening and weekend classes,” as stated in the informational brochure.
For the most part, CAPA students may enroll in the general education classes which are held throughout the day during weekdays. They may also attend evening classes which are scheduled to meet one to two times a week.
In addition, CAPA students are entitled to a minimum of two cycle classes. These classes, which are held Friday evenings from 7-10 p.m and Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., allow students the opportunity to complete a course in five alternate weekends.
“Our students are fiercely proud of being in CAPA,” said Noreen.
“In fact, each year we get letters to Dr. [Stephen] Morgan, [president of the University of La Verne], from students complimenting our service and guidance to the students,” she said. “I have a terrific staff and we pride ourselves in providing excellent services for students.”
