Bridges to a Bachelors Program
Frequently Asked Questions
#1 How do I pay for this program?
The tuition for the Bridges program is paid for through your tuition reimbursement
benefit.
#2 When will this program be offered again?
We anticipate starting a new cohort (group) every summer. The next cohort will
begin in June of 2010.
#3 Will I be promoted when I finish the classes?
This program will not guarantee you a promotion. The classes will enhance your
personal and professional development and could be used as a consideration as it
relates to job advancement and promotions. The classes also serve as a building block
for the pursuit of a college degree.
#4 What if I drop a class or do not receive a grade of “C” or better? Will I have to pay for
it?
Yes, BJC Tuition Reimbursement will only pay for successfully completed
courses. By definition, employees taking undergraduate courses must get a letter grade
of “C” or better in order to be eligible for tuition reimbursement.
#5 What college will I be going to?
The BJC Center for LifeLong Learning partner for the Bridges program is Saint
Louis University.
#6 What if I already have college credits?
Saint Louis University will give consideration to the acceptance of college credits
from other accredited colleges and universities that are comparable to their course
curriculum.
#7 How long are course terms?
Each course term is 8 weeks long.
#8 How often do classes meet?
Classes meet one evening a week. The June 2010 cohort will meet on Tuesday
evenings.
#9 What are the class hours each week?
Class hours are 5:30-9:30 p.m. each week.
#10 Where are the classes being held?
Classes are held at the BJC Learning Institute. Directions are available on our
website at www.bjclearn.com.
#11 How long does the entire program take to complete.
It will take about 2 ½ years to complete the program and the associated 40 hours
of college credit.
#12 What pre-assessments will students be required to complete?
Students will be required to complete the 3-step assessment process through the
Center for LifeLong Learning prior to beginning the Bridges program. Once in the
program students will be required to complete the COMPASS test for placement in math
and English courses.
#13 What is the LifeLong Learning Account? How do I get started? Who do I contact?
BJC Healthcare will match employee learning account contributions up to $500
per year. Employees participating in the Bridges program can start a Life Long Learning
account with a minimum of $5 per pay period deduction. This will provide a resource to
pay for books. Contact your Human Resources tuition reimbursement coordinator.
#14 How do I enroll in the Bridges program?
Both the application and enrollment processes are conducted by the admissions
counselor from Saint Louis University. Contact information is available on the Bridges
webpage at www.bjclearn.com.
#15 Will I have homework and tests?
The Bridges program consists of actual Saint Louis University courses taught by
Saint Louis University instructors. Homework and tests are considered to be a regular
part of the requirements needed to be successful.
#16 What if I can’t make it to a class?
Attendance and participation are a part of taking college classes. Attendance at
each class is expected. BJC employees and students who are unable to attend class
should contact their instructor.
The information session locations, dates, and times are indicated below for the June
2010 Bridges cohort:
Tuesday, March 9
BJC Learning Institute
Room 2J
5:00-6:30p.m.
Tuesday, March 16
Telephone
Conference*
CNI Room 127
CAB Room J/K
CAB Room J/K
3:00-4:00p.m.
Thursday, March 18
Tuesday, March 23
Monday, March 29
9:00-10:30a.m.
5:00-6:30p.m.
5:00-6:30p.m.
*To participate in the telephone conference information session, dial 866-215-5505
and use the pass code 9674266 to participate.