Vincennes University’s Project EXCEL is the recipient of national accreditation, according to action taken Oct. 1, 2005 by Board of Directors of the National Alliance of Concurrent Enrollment Partnerships (NACEP) in St. Louis, Mo. VU’s Project EXCEL is a dual credit/concurrent enrollment program offered with 90 participating partner high schools throughout Indiana. VU’s program is one of only sixteen NACEP accredited programs in the nation.

NACEP standards require that concurrent enrollment courses utilize the same course outline/syllabi, textbooks, grading standard, laboratory equipment and assignments, and evaluation instruments as the courses taught on the college campus. Faculty who teach concurrent enrollment courses must also meet the same academic standards that are established for adjunct faculty status at the offering institution. Extensive research and documentation was completed, compiled, and submitted to validate that Project EXCEL met the various criteria established for accreditation.

FIRST IN INDIANA

VU's Project EXCEL Program is Indiana’s first dual credit/concurrent enrollment program. Established in 1975, the program has grown from a first-year enrollment of 13 students to more than 2,000 students per semester in 2007-08.

There are multiple benefits that Project EXCEL provides. Some of these benefits include:

•  Students earn college credit while still in high school and receive added intellectual challenge.
•  Families save money by paying a reduced fee for college courses ($25 per credit hour).
•  High schools are able to provide a motivational vehicle for college-bound juniors and seniors.
•  Teachers have the opportunity to network with other high school and college faculty.
•  Administrators can provide professional development opportunities at little or no cost.
•  VU can respond to community educational needs and enhance relationships with high schools.

For more information about Project EXCEL, contact Heather Marchino, Director at 812-888-4337 or toll-free at 1-800-670-1230.