public institution founded in 1971. A nontraditional college headquartered in Saratoga Springs, N.Y., it does not have a fixed campus but rather conducts courses at sites throughout the state. It is a member of the State University of New York (SUNY) system. Enrollment consists of approximately 7,200 students, most of whom are older students with jobs who attend on a part-time basis. Women outnumber men. About two thirds of the full-time faculty hold doctorates. The college employs a large number of part-time instructors. Empire State operates year-round and awards associate, bachelor's, and master's degrees. With the help of faculty advisers, students design an individualized program in a broad area of study, such as the arts or educational studies. To complete their degree, they may utilize diverse learning methods such as independent study, internships, traditional classes, study groups, correspondence work using electronic or regular mail, and one-to-one meetings with faculty. Credit may be given for life experience. All students have access to the libraries of various SUNY institutions, and interested students have opportunities to study abroad. |