BEN 'U'
College Classes
PREREQUISITES
Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust has selected Colorado Technical University (CTU) as its provider of college prerequisite classes. These web-based classes are 5½ week sessions specifically designed to be flexible for the working professional. The classes offered (Algebra, English, Psychology, Developmental Psychology and Sociology) are the most common prerequisites for a variety of Associate and Bachelor degree programs.
Each quarter has two sessions with a mini session break. The next session starts February 19, 2012. Do not miss this wonderful learning opportunity and start planning your future!2012 Academic Calendar
| Quarter One | Quarter Three |
| Session A: Jan 8 – Feb 14 | Session A: Jul 3 – Aug 8 |
| Session B: Feb 19 – Mar 28 | Session B: Aug 19 – Sept 26 |
| Quarter Two | Quarter Four |
| Session A: Apr 8 – May 15 | Session A: Oct 7 – Nov 13 |
| Session B: May 20 – Jun 27 | Session B: Nov 18 – Dec 26 |
Eligibility requirements:
- Member of a BHMT bargaining unit
- Eligible for KP Tuition Reimbursement
- Have computer access with internet
Apply now!
- First-time student click here to complete a Colorado Technical University admission application.
- Returning CTU student please call 1-855-283-1590 to enroll in a class today.
The Ben 'U' prerequisite courses are accelerated and require consistent, serious effort. As a student you have the ability to drop a course during the first week (early drop) without any impact to later course registration. If you drop the course after the first week (late drop) or do not receive a passing grade of C or better, you must successfully complete the College Gateway class in order to retake the course or enroll in another prerequisite course. Should you opt not to take this College Gateway class, you will not be eligible to participate in any trust-sponsored program for a period of twelve months.
Prerequisite Class Descriptions
Math 140 (Elementary Algebra)
This course provides students with background knowledge in quantitative techniques. Typically it is not considered a college level math course and will probably not transfer for credit. We offer it to those who feel a need for a thorough review and preparation before taking college level math. This class focuses on applied mathematics principles with a broad scope towards business applications. Topics include solving linear systems of equations, mathematics in finance including simple and compound interest, annuities and amortization, basic probability and an introduction to the binomial distribution. If you are confident of your basic math skills, you might start at Math 150 which is described below.
Math 150 (Intermediate Algebra)
In this class, students explore an interactive and visual approach to college-level algebra. The class covers functions and inverse functions, such as linear quadratic; polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational functions along with their graphs. The class includes methods to solve systems of equations and address inequalities of real world applications.
English 125 (English A)
The class will teach students the "culture" of being solid college-level communicators and successful professionals. The class will address how to write and speak to make a point; how to use good grammar, vocabulary and logical thinking; as well as how to find a suitable topic for your writing assignments. The class will start with the basics: reviewing sentences and paragraphs, then move on to the classic five-part college essay and theme.
English 126 (English B)
This course builds upon English 125. This class is highly experiential and hands on. Students practice drafting progressively complex papers, demonstrating the capacity to do college level research and write essays that convey information, make a point or provide an opinion. They will study APA handbook, learn to do research and cite resources without plagiarizing. In addition, this course uses readings to demonstrate excellence and eloquence in speaking and writing, emphasizing the crucial synergy between learning to write and developing the practice intelligent reading of texts. This will be highly collaborative course, with students reading and critiquing others' work as a mean to create a learning community as well as develop critical capacities.
Prerequisite: English 125
Psychology 120 (General Psychology) – Psychology and Understanding Human Behavior
The human brain is quite possibly the most complex mechanism we possess – our gateway to understanding the world, interpreting reality and making sense of our own and other's behavior. Drawing on the methods, theories, and frameworks provided by psychologists, this introductory course sheds light on what it means to be the person you are. Emphasis is on the individual, providing a personal frame of reference for developing an understanding of human thoughts, emotions and actions. To make the learning experience highly relevant and of personal impact, students complete a well-used personality inventory and us the profile to gain insight into that eternal question: who am I?
Psychology 260 (Developmental Psychology) – Human Development Across the Lifespan
As human beings we are never finished products. While developmental textbooks used to emphasize early childhood and end at adulthood, the paradigm has shifted. We now understand that human development never ends: we continue to grow and learn in all stages of life, from birth through childhood, from adulthood through the life cycle. Human beings are always in development, which means that their work life, identity, and wellbeing is affected by the stage of life they are experiencing. Recognizing that this is the first time in history that more than four generations will be working side-by-side in our organizations, this course looks at generational similarities and differences; how age plays out in the business world; applying the contributions of theorists such as Piaget, Erikson, Levinson, Neugarten and Kohlberg. Students are exposed to a demographic snapshot of workplace trends, age and stage matters; as well as how to manage relationships with younger, older and peer co-workers, clients and colleagues.
Sociology 215
This class brings perspectives of the social sciences to bear on understanding group dynamics and behaviors. Emphasis will be placed on learning group dynamics, to equip and empower individuals for effectively working in groups (in professional life and in personal life) by analyzing roles, status, dynamics, team-building, conflict, power, decision-making and networking. The goal of the course is for learners to understand the nature of groups and teams, as well as gain insight into their own personal ways and styles of interacting socially.
Prerequisite Classes FAQ
Who is eligible to take these classes?
Prerequisite classes are open to BHMT bargaining unit members employed at Kaiser Permanente who are eligible to receive benefits from the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust and Tuition Reimbursement benefits.
What happens if I have exhausted my tuition reimbursement benefits? Would I still be eligible to enroll in Ben 'U' classes?
The Trust will recover tuition reimbursement eligible expenses to the maximum available. Should an individual not have sufficient funds to cover the expenses or should the classes exceed the regional maximum, the Trust will bear the expense.
How much does a class cost?
Classes are $200 per unit and paid by the Trust. Your Tuition Reimbursement account will be charged once you have completed a class.
Will I earn college credits? Are these classes transferable?
Yes, these are college classes and you will earn college credits. You will receive 4 college credits per course. Credits can be counted towards a degree. CTU is accredited by Higher Learning Commission. If planning to transfer to another college, we recommend that you speak to an admission advisor of the college you are planning to attend to discuss the transferability of your credits.
How do I enroll?
First-time students must complete a CTU admission application. if you are a returning CTU student please call 1-855-283-1590 to enroll in a class.
How do I know if I've secured a spot in class?
These classes do not have a maximum capacity and will accommodate every student who registers. There will not be a "traditional cohort" which has been common for BHMT classes. You will be able to register freely on your own and take classes around your own schedule. Your registration confirmation will come from CTU.
This is an online class. What kind of computer skills do I need to be successful?
You need Internet access (preferably high speed) with a common Internet browser such as Internet Explorer. We suggest a skill level of an advanced beginner, so you are able navigate through web browsers and operate basic functions such as copy, paste and save documents. CTU has a learning tool – M.U.S.E. – which can adjust to your own learning style.
What support services are available to students?
Services include unlimited tutoring, learning labs, advising and technical support. Technical support is available 24/7.
How many hours a week should I expect to spend "in class"?
You are expected to spend 3-4 hours a day over a 5½ week period. You will be expected to participate in discussions with your instructor and fellow students about project phases and tasks topics.
Can I use my Education Leave for these classes?
Talk with your department manager and union steward about how you could best use some of your Education Leave for these classes.
What are my responsibilities?
Please sign up only if you are committed to completing the class. Completion is of high importance! Grades are given. You must receive a C or better to be eligible for other Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust training programs.
What if I need to cancel or drop out? What happens to my Tuition Reimbursement account?
Withdraws will be handled by CTU representatives. Please contact the Student Advisor (1-855-283-1590, BHMT@coloradotech.edu) or you can contact the student advisor assigned to you. Your tuition reimbursement will not be charged if you do not complete the class.
What happens if I drop or do not complete the class? Would I still be able to participate in BHMT programs?
You have the ability to drop a course during the first week (early drop) without any impact to later course registration. If you drop the course after the first week (late drop) or do not receive a passing grade of C or better, you must successfully complete the College Gateway class in order to retake the course or enroll in another prerequisite course. Should you opt not to take this College Gateway class, you will not be eligible to participate in any trust-sponsored program for a period of twelve months.
What happens after I complete the class?
CTU will send your final grade to the Trust so your Tuition Reimbursement account can be charged appropriately.
What else do I need to know?
The program and participation is governed, as applicable, by the terms of the BHMT student agreement.
Course Administration: This class has been created for Kaiser Permanente BHMT bargaining unit employees through a partnership between the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust Fund (BHMT) and and Colorado Technical University (CTU). The class is being administered by the Ben Hudnall Memorial Trust and Colorado Technical University in cooperation with KP National Tuition Reimbursement.