Spalding University has a history of innovation and flexibility in providing academic educational programs to adults in the workforce. These programs are geared toward educating working adults and other non-traditional students through accelerated evening and weekend classes. We define an "adult student" as a person who: has an earned Associate’s degree, currently serves in the military, is a military veteran, who has at least two years of full-time, professional employment, responsibility for dependents, and/or holds credit for prior learning experience (military, portfolio, CLEP/DSST).

FLEX is ideal for students who are starting or returning to college. In most cases, our students juggle the competing responsibilities of full-time employment with family, community, religious and other obligations. These courses are not designed, nor are they appropriate, for students who come to Spalding directly from high school.

Spalding University will conduct a comprehensive and individualized review of every adult candidate's credentials for admission and eligibility for financial aid. In addition, employment experience, volunteer work, vocational or professional training, and life experience will be considered in the admissions process.

A student in FLEX integrates study and work in a unique way. The program offers adults an opportunity to earn a degree from Spalding University by enrolling in classes specifically designed for successful adult learning. Classes offer opportunities for improving career capabilities, as well as for gaining personal and cultural enrichment. Students who do not plan to work toward a degree, such as those wanting to take a course for professional or personal development, are also welcome to enroll.

Benefits of the Accelerated Format
FLEX classes are offered in the evening and on weekends. A typical class meets once a week for four hours for six weeks (one session). This schedule allows working adults to attend as full-time students, eligible for all benefits such as financial aid, while focusing on one or two courses at a time. Courses are scheduled in such a way that new students may enter the program at the beginning of any one of the seven sessions offered throughout the year. Once enrolled, students proceed at their own pace, taking as few or as many credits as possible in any given term (the seven sessions are offered in three terms year-round), even stopping out for a term or two if they find it necessary to do so. The academic quality in FLEX, in both teaching and content, is identical to that of the University's day classes.

Policies and Procedures
All policies, procedures and degree requirements of the University apply to the FLEX except as indicated in the FLEX-specific policy sections of this catalog.

Instructional Format
FLEX classes offer intense learning experiences. Subjects are covered as thoroughly as in traditional courses but allow for diverse teaching methods and require fewer contact hours. As stated earlier, weekend and evening classes meet four hours per class meeting six times a session. The last class is restricted to two hours for final exams. It is not meant to be for instructional teaching or covering new material. The minimum time may be extended as needed for exam purposes.

Schedule and Pace
There are seven sessions per academic year. Students carrying 12 credit hours per term are classified as full-time. A term is classified as Fall (Sessions 1, 2, and 3); Spring (Sessions 4, 5, and 6); or Summer (Session 7). FLEX students are advised to carefully weigh job, family, and other life obligations before committing to the heavy time investment required for a full-time class load. Students may prefer to begin with one course per session until they establish a rhythm of study.

In addition to the 4 hours students spend in class each week, they should expect to spend a minimum of 10-15 hours per week per FLEX course working on such class-related activities as reading, studying, conducting research, performing group work, and completing assignments.

Class Meeting Time Options