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NUSTEP earns national accreditation

by Olivia
Thu, Jun 9th 2011 02:15 pm

A popular Niagara University program enabling high school students to earn college credits has received national accreditation.

The Niagara University Senior Term Enrichment Program, or NUSTEP, was recently awarded accreditation from the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships. Considered the authority on credit-bearing programs offered via partnerships between high schools and colleges, NACEP has accredited NU's concurrent enrollment program through 2018.

As of April 15, only 63 concurrent enrollment partnership programs throughout the U.S. were accredited by NACEP.

"NACEP accreditation is a significant milestone in the continuing development of NUSTEP, which offers a wonderful opportunity for academically qualified high school juniors and seniors," said Dr. Bonnie Rose, Niagara University's executive vice president and vice president of academic affairs. "More and more, young people and their parents are placing an emphasis on accelerated learning options and NUSTEP, with its unique curriculum and collaborative teaching methodology, has emerged as a very attractive option."

At present, 24 high schools participate in NU's program, which offers entry-level college courses taught by university-approved high school personnel. Approximately 1,200 students are enrolled in NUSTEP classes on their high school campuses for which, if successfully completed, they will receive college credit.

Courses offered include those in math, science, English, French, Spanish, history, political science, hospitality and business. Credits earned through concurrent enrollment programs are transferable to many colleges and universities across the country, similar to Advanced Placement.

"Through NACEP's rigorous accreditation peer-review process, Niagara University has demonstrated that it has integrated high quality standards-based practices across its concurrent enrollment program," remarked NACEP President Lynn Burbank. "We welcome the Niagara University Senior Term Enrichment Program as one of the 63 concurrent enrollment programs nationwide that have achieved NACEP accreditation status."

Offering substantial savings for students and their families, the cost of participating in NUSTEP is $60 per credit hour, with most courses comprised of three credits. Additionally, students on a free/reduced lunch plan are able to request tuition waivers. 

For more information, visit www.niagara.edu/nustep.

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