Pursuit of Learning in Society
The Pursuit of Learning in Society (POLIS), sponsored by Quincy University, provides an opportunity to continue a lifelong journey of learning in a welcoming academic environment. Participants may choose from a selection of engaging, discussion-based courses taught by university professors, field experts, religious leaders, and researchers. Courses are designed to inspire curiosity, encourage thoughtful conversation, and explore a broad range of subjects—including history, music, art, literature, biology, political science, philosophy, theology, criminal justice, law, and business. No tests or grades are required.
Professional Development in Education
Through Professional Development in Education (PDE), we provide innovative teaching and learning opportunities to accommodate your professional development needs. Whether you are a teacher looking to take continuing education courses, a facilitator or instructor offering a targeted learning event, or an administrator looking to provide cumulative credit for your school, PDE is your solution.
The School of Education at Quincy University has been offering professional development opportunities since 1994. Our programs are designed to help you pursue professional development and lifelong learning through workshops, lectures, seminars, courses, and conferences across a wide range of subjects.
Onsite professional learning courses include seminar/classroom-style presentations. Planned school district in-services are tailor-made by each school district. Online professional learning courses include Virtual Education Software, Inc. These learning options are accredited as graduate-level study by QU’s Oversight Committee.
Online Professional Learning Courses
Virtual Education Software, VESi, provides online courses for educators through Quincy University for graduate credit or clock hours. Courses offered, such as Differentiated Instruction or Violence and Bullying, are relevant to today’s educators.
With online access, the courses are convenient and easy to use. Click here for a short video which explains VESi courses:
VESi offers courses each semester, and registration begins on the first day of each term. We do not have a registration deadline, however, final assignments are due on the last day of each term. It is suggested to allow at least 4 weeks to complete these online courses, so plan your registration with this in mind.
Semester Dates
- Spring term: January 1 – May 31
- Summer term: June 1 – July 31
- Fall term: August 1 – December 31
Fees and Refunds
- 2 graduate credit courses are offered at $415
- 3 graduate credit courses are offered at $550
Refunds for VESi courses require written request of withdrawal from the course. Refunds are computed from the date the course registration confirmation email from VESi is sent out. Refund amounts for VESi courses are based on the following schedule:
- First week from date registration email is sent – 75% of tuition refunded
- Second week from date registration email is sent – 50% of tuition refunded
- Third week from date registration email is sent – 0% of tuition refunded
Extensions may be granted upon written request submitted to Quincy University. Work completed during an approved extension period will receive a one-letter-grade deduction. Courses that are not completed will be assigned a grade of “F.”
VESi recommends that you check with your school district and/or state licensing agency to verify these course offerings will meet your district and/or state requirements for salary advancement and/or state certificate re-licensure. VESi also offers courses for 30 or 45 contact hours.
Email Quincy University’s Professional Development Coordinator for more information.
Onsite Professional Learning Courses
Onsite professional learning courses include seminar/classroom style courses and offer topics that are relevant for today’s educator. All onsite professional learning courses count for graduate credit.
Onsite professional learning courses will take place at the location listed from 9 am – 5 pm.
Grades are due from the instructors three (3) weeks after the course date. Please allow 3 weeks after completion and material submission for grades to be posted.
Onsite Professional Learning Courses are $195 per credit hour. For onsite professional learning courses, a minimum of 5 paid registrants are needed by noon seven (7) days before the course date. If a course is canceled due to low enrollment, registrants will receive an email from the Professional Development Coordinator at least five (5) days prior to the course date.
If a course is canceled by Quincy University’s PDE Office, the full tuition paid by students will be refunded. This refund does not include online payment convenience fees. If a student does not notify the Professional Development Coordinator of his/her intent not to attend an onsite professional learning course by noon seven (7) days before the course date, there will be no tuition refund.
Email Quincy University’s Professional Development Coordinator for more information
Planned School District In-Service
Would your school district like to design your own graduate coursework based on your district’s needs, while choosing your own instructors, location and time that works best for your district? Through Quincy University’s PDE program, you can offer In-Service courses at an affordable price of $115 per credit hour.
Instructors must hold a Master’s Degree or higher. Courses need to be developed to meet state learning standards, and need to be approved by Quincy University’s Professional Development Committee. Graduate credits are recorded through Quincy University, and can be provided on an official transcript.
Email Quincy University’s Professional Development Coordinator for more information on getting started with professional development within your own district.
Contact
For additional information on Professional Development in Education, contact Shari Mulch.
217-228-5420
pde@quincy.edu