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published March 05, 2007
Judith Earley
One of the philosophies of Skagit Valley College is that students can learn much outside of the classroom through participation in activities, athletics, media and the arts, and leadership opportunities on campus and in the community. When SVC students add what they learn from other activities to what they are being taught in the classroom, their ability to relate to others increases and they enjoy their educational experience even more.
Skagit has satellite campuses in Mount Vernon, Harbor, Oak Harbor, and Clinton, WA. Some of the many advantages of attending school at SVC include the family-like atmosphere in a safer, small-town environment, the small classes and personal attention from faculty, and the peer mentor program. Advanced-level coursework helps to prepare students who wish to transfer to four-year institutions. SVC has been named number one in the country for use of technology among small community colleges.
SVC is not far from Seattle and Vancouver, British Columbia. There are 24 clubs and student organizations active on campus and year-round access to skiing, hiking, scuba diving, golfing, and kayaking.
The paralegal profession—or, as it is also known, legal assistant profession—is one of the fastest-growing career fields in the country. SVC offers an exceptional, ABA-approved program that is also a member of the American Association for Paralegal Education. Upon approval by the department chair, students can participate in supervised internships off campus.
It is recommended that paralegal students possess a minimum of a 12th-grade reading level, good computer skills (especially word-processing, email, and Internet skills), excellent writing and speaking skills, and critical-thinking and problem-solving abilities. It would also be beneficial to have a background in American government and elementary logic.
Why Skagit Valley College Stands Head and Shoulders Above the Rest
According to department chair Ted Maloney, "Located in the beautiful Skagit Valley of Western Washington, Skagit Valley College offers a comprehensive ABA-approved paralegal education program, providing both a two-year associate's degree and a one-year post-baccalaureate certificate. Faculty are qualified lawyers and paralegals experienced in the subject matter they teach and have proven teaching ability. Classes are small, allowing close student-teacher contact. Internships are required, enabling students to gain relevant work experience before graduation to help in their job search. Skagit Valley College is an active member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE), and its program director has served on AAfPE's board of directors."
Upon completion of a minimum of 90 credits with a 2.0 grade point average, a qualified student will receive an Associate in Technical Arts degree. A Certificate in Paralegal Studies is also available. Students who hold bachelor's degrees or have junior standing toward completion of bachelor's degrees may take courses toward the Certificate in Paralegal Studies (CPS), which is usually a one-year program.
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