For 45 years, Temple University Center City (TUCC) has had a simple answer for adult students wondering if they can return to the classroom and fulfill their educational goals — “Yes you can!”
TUCC provides a one-stop shop of programs and services necessary for students who often have several other life priorities to attend to — work, family, community.
“Temple University Center City gears its programs and services to the needs of working adults. Most classes are held on weekday evenings or on Saturdays,” said William Parshall, Director of Temple University Center City. “Many classes contain a mix of face-to-face and online meetings. Temple’s general education requirements can be met at TUCC — the flexible Bachelor of Arts in Liberal Studies also offers courses at the Center City campus.
For re-entry students seeking to finish what they started or adults seeking to start an undergraduate degree, Temple Center City will host a Returning to School Fair for Working Adults on Wednesday, October 24, from 12 to 2 p.m. in TUCC Room 320. The event will provide prospective students an opportunity to learn more about returning to the classroom. Representatives from Temple’s undergraduate programs, non-credit programs, admissions, and more will be on hand to answer questions and provide insight. Registration may be completed online, but walk-ins are also welcome.
“Temple Center City was opened in 1973 by the late President Marvin Wachman and was originally designed to serve the educational needs of residents and employees of center city businesses,” said Parshall. “Today, the campus offers graduate degrees and a variety of undergraduate courses in business, communications and liberal arts. The campus also hosts continuing education programs, professional development and personal enrichment courses for adults seeking to expand their knowledge and interests.”
For individuals interested in graduate programs, TUCC offers the Professional Masters of Business Administration (PMBA), the Masters of Public Policy, the Masters of Social Work, Masters in Adult and Organizational Development, Masters in Health Informatics, Masters of Liberal Arts, Doctorate in Music Therapy, and the Executive Masters and Doctorate in Urban Education. The Fox School of Business also offers a Master’s of Science in specific majors.
“Academic advising is offered on-site by the academic programs located at the campus,” Parshall said. “An academic advisor is additionally available to meet with non-degree and transfer students to discuss how to access Temple University’s many undergraduate degree offerings.”
Located across the street from Philadelphia’s City Hall, the campus sits at the locus of the region’s transportation network. All regional rail lines, the Broad Street subway, Market-Frankford El, and 25 percent of all SEPTA bus routes are within one block of the campus. Discounted parking is available in the late afternoon, evening and weekends for Temple students and faculty.
“TUCC is truly at the center of it all. In addition to the convenience to parking and public transportation, the campus is within easy walking distance to the Shops at Liberty Place, the Comcast Center, City Hall, and many shops and restaurants,” Parshall said. “Dilworth Park, located across the street, also offers outdoor fitness classes, ice skating during the winter months, music and refreshments in an outdoor setting during warm weather.”
According to Parshall, Temple University has made significant investments in technology at TUCC, installing WiFi, digital projectors, new computers and high-speed internet. Students may grab a cup of coffee or a snack from the Café/Bookstore or access the internet from the TUCC Technology Center. In 2018, the public areas and administrative offices have been repainted, re-carpeted and renovated, he added.
Temple University Center City is also committed to the goal of lifelong learning, Parshall said.
“The Real Estate Institute at TUCC offers courses to prepare students for taking the Pennsylvania Real Estate Sales exam. Ongoing continuing education courses are offered to professionals in human resources, social work, education and financial planning,” he said. “The campus also hosts one of the oldest and largest lifelong learning programs for retired persons in the United States. The Osher Lifelong Learning Institute at Temple University has over 1,350 active members and offers almost 100 courses during the fall and spring semesters.”
From early childhood music courses to lifelong learning, Temple University Center City is committed to helping students fulfill their educational goals. For more information visit www.temple.edu/tucc.