Texas Tech University Center at Junction

Texas Tech University Center at Junction is an official off campus teaching site of Texas Tech University in Junction, Texas. It hosts undergraduate and graduate courses in an intensive three-week period format from May through July. Additionally, an "Intersession" is held in May; this allows students to earn up to three hours of credit between the spring the summer sessions. These courses are taught by Texas Tech University faculty members who either travel to Junction or teach via videoconferencing. [ [http://media.www.dailytoreador.com/media/storage/paper870/news/2007/08/27/News/Branching.Out.Techs.Roots.Stretch.Across.Lone.Star.State-2935716.shtml?reffeature=htmlemailedition Branching out: Tech's roots stretch across Lone Star State - News ] ]

History

The land where the campus is located was given by Kimble County, Texas to the State of Texas in order to establish an institution of higher education. In 1951, Texas A&M University opened an adjunct campus at Junction. The site was used for summer training of the Aggie football team under coach Bear Bryant.

For several years, the site was used as a college preparatory and research center. In 1971, the campus was given to Texas Tech University by the state legistlature. Since then, Texas Tech has offered intensive academic courses between May and August at the Center. Traditionally, the majority of courses have related to field science and art, but many other courses have been taught.

Since 2000, year-round academic programs for the Texas Hill Country have been offered by Texas Tech, using the Center at Junction as a base of operations. University and community college partnerships were established, and local academic teaching sites were founded in donated or leased space in the Fredericksburg and Marble Falls. These teaching sites host year round academic programs, with videoconferencing courses often meeting simultaneously at the three sites.

Academic programs

Texas Tech University Center at Junction hosts both graduate and undergraduate degrees through on-site and distance education. Most classes meet simultaneously at TTU Center at Junction, TTU at Fredericksburg, and TTU at Highland Lakes.

Undergraduate degrees hosted include Bachelor of General Studies and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (through a partnership with the Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center's School of Nursing). Graduate degrees hosted include education-related programs (Master of Education in Educational Leadership (providing training in mid-level management and school principal certification), post-baccalaureate teacher certification, Master of Education in Language Literacy Education, Master of Education in Instructional Technology, and Master of Education in Special Education) and a Master of Science degree.

Additionally, a Master of Art Education is available at the Texas Tech University Center at Junction.

Academic partners

In addition to its obvious partnership with Texas Tech University, Texas Tech University Center at Junction also has partner academic programs with Austin Community College, Central Texas College, and Howard College.

Facility usage

Aside from regular academic credit courses, TTU Center at Junction is used for special activities such as workshops and retreats. The campus is available for use by student organizations, faculty groups, and researchers from Texas Tech and other institutions, including state and federal agencies.

Annually, the Center sponsors an International Kite Retreat and a Spring Retreat for Art Educators.

Red Raider Camp

In the summer of 2001, Texas Tech began offering Red Raider Camp at the Junction campus. Red Raider Camp is a three-day and two-night event that is intended to prepare incoming Texas Tech students for college life. The Camp includes lessons in Texas Tech history traditions.

Field Research Station

The Field Research Station at the Texas Tech University Center at Junction was established in June 2002. It was designed to provide laboratory and classroom environments for undergraduate and graduate students from universities, institutes, and public schools. It focuses on plant and animal biology research.

Outdoor School

The Texas Tech University Center at Junction offers an Outdoor School program for K-12 students that focuses on preparation for the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) examination.

References

External links

* [http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hillcountry/junction/ Texas Tech University Center at Junction Official Site]
* [http://redraidercamp.ttu.edu/ Red Raider Camp site]
* [http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hillcountry/research/index.htm TTU Center at Junction Field Research Station Site]
* [http://www.depts.ttu.edu/hillcountry/OLC/ TTU Center at Junction Outdoor School Site]