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Extension acts as a principal nexus between UC Santa Barbara and the global community, and serves the educational interests of a diverse group of adult learners, providing a visible example of how the University of California is a valuable asset to its alumni and state tax-payers. Extension delivers educational opportunities regionally, nationally, and globally to life-long learners who desire a UC quality education. As a two-way conduit between the academy and the community, Extension provides programming to those who lie beyond normal campus boundaries. As an example, Extension’s Language and Culture, Professional Academic, and University Immersion Programs provide 400-500 international students annually with continuing education experiences in several academic and professional areas, as well as giving them the opportunity to develop their English language skills. As an added benefit, these programs also serve as pipelines for the growing population of international students wanting to matriculate to UC Santa Barbara.
Extension’s Open Enrollment Program in the Fall, Winter, and Spring quarters allows academically eligible, non-degree seeking, community and international students the opportunity to enroll in UC Santa Barbara courses and, by so doing, earn transferable units. Offered to non-matriculated students only if space is available, the Open Enrollment Program is attractive to those who are thinking about returning to school but are uncertain about whether they want to enroll full-time. Also, continuing UC Santa Barbara students who need a few more units to complete their degree have taken advantage of the cost savings associated with the Program. Finally, the Program has proven ideal for students who need to study specific subjects related to their professional fields or who just wish to take courses for personal enrichment. Thus, the Open Enrollment Program assists the campus to meet its obligations as a publicly-funded institution of higher education—an institution dedicated not only to enhancing the intellectual development of its matriculated students, but also to meeting the intellectual needs of a local community interested in life-long learning. In addition, because an increasing number of international students are recruited by Extension to its Open Enrollment Program, the Program provides an effective mechanism for expanding the diversity of cultures represented within the campus community.
Off Campus Studies extends the reach of the university’s public service mission by providing baccalaureate degree programs through its Ventura and Santa Maria Centers to young adults, returning adult students, students in career transition, and part-time students who work and/or support families who would not otherwise be able to obtain a UC education. Last year, 85 students participated in one of the eight different degree programs, and 62 enrolled in the summer program offered in partnership with Summer Sessions. For the past 34 years, Off Campus Studies has helped the campus serve the educational needs of a larger (and more diverse) number of students than would be permitted otherwise due to current community constraints on the student headcount at the main campus. Equally important, some Off Campus Studies students elect to continue their post-graduate studies full-time on the main campus following completion of their B.A. degree requirements.
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