News release Public Information Office  SLU 10880   Hammond, LA 70402   phone: 985-549-2341   fax: 985-549-2061 publicinfo@selu.edu Spring 2004 news releases Public Information home News archive Contact: Rene Abadie  or Christina Chapple (Southeastern)               Linda E. Roan (St. Tammany Parish School Board) Date: 5/24/05   SOUTHEASTERN, ST. TAMMANY PARISH SCHOOL SYSTEM SIGN AGREEMENT TO AWARD COLLEGE COURSE CREDIT TO QUALIFIED HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS        HAMMOND --  Southeastern Louisiana University and the St. Tammany Parish School System have signed a unique agreement that allows qualified high school students to earn college credit by successfully completing certain academic courses.        Under the agreement, approved courses will be taught by St. Tammany Parish high school personnel at selected parish high schools beginning in the 2005-2006 school year. Participating teachers will be approved by their respective principals and the corresponding Southeastern academic department. Course content and proficiency requirements will be developed to ensure that university academic standards are met.        “This agreement represents another step in our efforts to develop a more seamless educational experience for students and allow qualified students to get a head start on their college careers while still in high school,” said Southeastern President Randy Moffett, who signed the agreement with St. Tammany Parish Superintendent Gayle Sloan.        Sloan believes this commitment between the St. Tammany Parish Public School System and Southeastern will be an educational bonus for students.         “We look forward to seeing meaningful benefits from the enhanced educational opportunities offered our students through this agreement with Southeastern,” she said.        Under the agreement, highly qualified students who successfully complete the courses and demonstrate college-level proficiency will be awarded college credit for their first semester of enrollment at Southeastern.         Courses already approved for the upcoming academic year include “Introduction to Education” (EDUC 201), “Freshman Composition” (ENG 101), and “College Algebra” (MATH 161). Additional courses are in development for possible offering the following year and include general biology, engineering drafting, medical terminology and introductory Spanish.         “This agreement represents an additional opportunity for highly qualified and motivated students to start college early,” Moffett said. “In some cases, students may successfully complete a semester or more of coursework, allowing them to graduate from the university in less than four years.”        Students who pursue an accelerated undergraduate program on this basis can apply the state-funded TOPS program toward graduate studies, if the student elects to stay within Louisiana.        To participate in the program, students must meet the following criteria:        · be on track to meet Southeastern’s admission standards upon high school graduation;        · be approved by the school principal to participate;        · meet any prerequisites for the course;         · complete the enrollment process and pay any fees as required by the St. Tammany Parish School System or Southeastern.        For further information about the program, contact the St. Tammany Parish Public School System at 985-898-3235 or Southeastern at 985-549-5648.