President’s Message The Rio Salado College Story: “We like to think of 25 Years of Delivering Dreams Rio Salado as the college of Rio Salado is proof that new models of higher education can choice for successfully meet the needs of adult students who are not today’s active, adequately served by traditional learning formats. When it working was established a quarter century ago, Rio was charged with adults. reaching out to an emerging market: busy adults with careers We focus on and families who require flexible and convenient learning customized formats in order to earn their degrees. programs and What was most unusual at the time was Rio Salado’s status as partnerships,accelerated formats and dis- “the college without walls.” Rio Salado has never built a traditional tance learning,and we pride ourselves on campus. Rather, from its Tempe, Arizona administrative headquar- being educational change agents.” ters, Rio Salado utilizes technology and forges partnerships to —President Linda M.Thor deliver educational opportunities to diverse populations throughout Maricopa County. Today Rio focuses on a threefold mission: customized, unique programs and partnerships, accelerated formats and distance learning, particularly through Internet courses. Rio’s student population has steadily increased, and today it is the District’s second largest college in terms of students served, with total credit and non-credit headcount exceeding 50,000 annually, and the third largest college in FTSE. A sizable number of Rio Salado students can be found taking their courses at their places of employment through community partnerships at corporations and government agencies. Others go to class at Paradise Valley Mall, Luke Air Force Base, the Rio Salado College School of Dental Hygiene, Rio East Valley, or one of five computer labs. Dual enrollment for able and ambitious high school students is another major Rio program. In addition, many Adult Basic Education students earn their GEDs (high school equivalency diplomas) through Rio 7th Avenue in Phoenix, and then successfully transition into college courses. However, a surprising fact is that approximately 18,000 Rio Salado students are not visible at any physical location. They take their courses “anytime and anyplace” through distance learning, with the Internet being the preferred format. Rio Salado now offers 200 Internet courses and a broad range of student services such as registration, tutoring, academic advising, electronic library services and counseling…all just a mouse click away. Another Rio Salado difference can be found in the collective expertise of its faculty. Unlike most colleges or universities, Rio Salado relies primarily on 800 adjunct faculty, who are directed by only 25 permanent faculty members. This means that Rio Salado’s instructors are actively employed in the disciplines they teach and therefore can share relevant and real-world knowledge, practices and strategies with their students. Since 1990, President Linda M. Thor has been the guiding force that has propelled the college into a 21st century learning model. Under her leadership, Rio Salado’s reputation for excellence and innovation has attracted regional and national attention and prestigious awards. The 2003-2004 academic year marks the 25th anniversary of Rio Salado. A spirit of achievement and innovation makes Rio Salado College the unparalleled success it is today. Rio Salado carries the maximum 10-year accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association. Rio Salado College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and a member of the North Central Association: 30 North LaSalle Street, Suite 2400 Chicago, Illinois 60602 312-263-0456, Fax: 312-263-7462 ✔ http://www.ncahigherlearningcommission.org - 1 Larry Celaya, A.A., Arizona Western College; B.S., Rio Salado College M.P.A., Arizona State University; Ph.D., Walden University. Administration Beatriz I. Cohen, B.S., Universidad Javeriana, Bogota, Linda M. Thor, Ed.D. Colombia; M.C., Arizona State University. President Michael E. Cottam, B.A., M.A., Arizona State Carol Scarafiotti, M.A. University. Dean of Instruction Hazel M. Davis, B.A., Higher Diploma in Librarianship, James Van Dyke, Ph.D. University of Witwatersrand, Johannesburg, South Dean of Applied Programs Africa; M.L.S., University of Arizona. Todd Simmons, M.Ed., C.P.A. Laura Helminski, B.S., M.S., State University of New Dean of Administrative Services York at Brockport; Reading Specialist, Arizona State University. Karen L. Mills, Ed.D. Senior Associate Dean of Instruction John Jensen, B.A., Forham University; M.A., Arizona State University. Carol Wilson, M.A. Senior Associate Dean of Applied Programs Janet Johnson, B.A., M.S., Ph.D., Arizona State University. Sylvia Hantla, M.A. Associate Dean of Student Services Mary Elizabeth Kaz, R.D.H., M.S., University of Missouri-Kansas City. Mary Rodes, M.A. Associate Dean of Marketing John Lassen, B.A., M.A., Arizona State University. Mary Hannaman, Ed. D. Thomas Lombardo, B.A., University of Connecticut; Administrative Director of Adult Basic Education & Ph.D., University of Minnesota. Transition Cynthia Maxson, B.A., M.A., Grand Valley University. Monica Zontanos, M.A. Willie Minor, B.S., M.S., Prairieview A. & M. Administrative Director of Faculty Services University; M.A., University of Phoenix; Ed.D., Arizona Carl Matthusen, M.A. State University. General Manager of KJZZ/KBAQ Anne McNamara, R.N., A.A.S., Greenfield Community Faculty Members College; B.S., Worcester State College; M.S. Arizona State University; Ph.D., University of Arizona Janine Adkins, B.S., The American University; Robert C. Semmler II, B.S., M.A., M.Ed., Boston State M.A., Brown University; Ph.D., Case Western College; M.S., University of New Mexico. Reserve University. Vernon Smith, B.A., M.O.B., Brigham Young University. Angela Ambrosia, B.A., University of Louisville; M.S., Long Island University; M.B.A., University Jean Tease, B.S., University of Arizona; M.A., Arizona State of Phoenix; M.S., Nova University; Ph.D., Kennedy University; Ed.D., Northern Arizona University. Western University. Kristopher Treat, B.A., Arizona State University; M.Ed., Keith Anderson, B.A., Oberlin College; M.F.A., Northern Arizona University. University of Alabama; Ph.D., University of Arizona. Janelle Underhill, B.A., Arizona State University; M.A., David Brewster, Diploma, U.S. Army Command and University of Arizona. General Staff College; B.A., University of Phoenix, Lorelei Wood, B.S., M.A., Northern Arizona University. M.B.A., Arizona State University. Barry Wukasch, B.A., University of Texas; M.A., David Brown, B.A., Arizona State University; M.A., University of Houston; Ph.D., University of Arizona. University of Phoenix. Pat Case, A.A., Scottsdale Community College; B.S., Emeritus Distinction M.C., Arizona State University; Ph.D., Walden Julie A. Bertch 1980-2000 University. Jean Tease 1971-1997 2 - How to Use This Catalog This is a brief introduction on how the Rio Salado College Catalog is designed and how to use it. The catalog is published annually and the information contained in this catalog is subject to change, and it is the student's responsibility to be knowledgeable of its contents. The 2003-04 Rio Salado College Catalog includes program requirements for new students enrolling in the Summer I 2003, Summer II 2003 semesters, the Fall 2003 semester and the Spring 2004 semester. If you are a new student, or a student who has been readmitted after three or more semesters of inactivity, you may fall under the new catalog year requirement outlined on page 59. Contact Rio Salado's Student Enrollment Services at 480-517-8540 with any questions. Rio Salado College is dedicated to serving you. This catalog contains everything you need to know about Rio Salado College and our degree options, course descriptions, and numerous college resources available to you. There are several ways to access information in this catalog: • For example, the Table of Contents found on pages 4-5 provides a quick and simple way to find information. • There is also a detailed, alphabetical Index on page 215. • For a listing of all our certificate and degree pro- grams, turn to page 6. • We also have sections dedicated to the various areas of Rio Salado including Student Enrollment Services (page 15), Registration Information (page 29), and Financial Information (page 41). The infor- mation found within each of these sections is arranged in alphabetical order. Use this catalog to find out about certificate and degree requirements. This information is located on pages 57-120. Course numbers and descriptions (on pages 153-214) are necessary to ensure proper course selection to satisfy degree requirements. If you would like a degree check sheet, please contact the Academic Advisement Office at 480-517-8540 or check out the website at ✔ www.rio.maricopa.edu. The catalog is a helpful tool, detailing the many serv- ices available and the necessary information needed to Let Rio Salado College help make your college experience a rewarding one. You will find information on Academic Advisement (page you on your way to becoming 16), Counseling (page 19), How to Register (page 30), Tuition (page 45), Bookstore (page 18), and a college graduate. Tutoring (page 27). Other areas include Rio Salado’s Library (page 27), Policies and Procedures (page With Rio Salado College, 131-152), and Study Skills (page 8). you can achieve The Rio Salado College Catalog is published once a year. Please be aware that some courses and programs may be modified throughout the year. Students should your academic goals. always consult with an academic advisor to ensure that the most current infor- mation is available when making academic decisions. - 3 Table of Contents Rio Salado Registration Information . .29 Administration . .2 Registering for Classes . .30 Faculty Members . .2 Cancellations, Drop/Add, and Withdrawals . .30 Emeritus Distinction .