CSM, Harry Lundeberg School Work Together
The Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship and the College of Southern Maryland mark a new partnership. From left are CSM Vice President Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Dan Mosser, CSM President Dr. Bradley Gottfried, Seafarers Plans Administrator Margaret Bowen, and SHLSS Vice President Tom Orzechowski.
Through a partnership with the Seafarers Harry Lundeberg School of Seamanship in Piney Point, the College of Southern Maryland has established a new associate degree in maritime operations technology.
Representatives from both schools signed a memorandum of understanding about the new partnership June 5.
SHLSS students who are in the one-year apprenticeship program train for entry-level positions in the US Merchant Marine. Starting with the fall 2017 semester, the new program at CSM will enable those students to also earn college credit and work toward an associate of applied science degree in maritime operations technology. They will have the option of a degree in either nautical science or marine engineering. Through this new partnership, the college will provide general education courses and SHLSS will provide technical courses.
“I thank CSM for providing the opportunity for our members and your prospective students. This program is going to be a benefit for our membership,” said SHLSS Vice President Tom Orzechowski. “It will enhance their ability to work toward their degree.”
CSM President Dr. Bradley Gottfried agreed. “It’s all about workforce development … working with the community,” Dr. Gottfried said. “This is such an important facility in Southern Maryland, and for us to be able to work with you on this partnership means so much for our students.” The partnership will expand the college’s student population and establish a valued community connection. In the first semester, the CSM faculty will teach Composition and Rhetoric (ENG 1010) for three credits and Math for Technologies (MTH 1011) for four credits at the Piney Point facility. Tutoring also will be offered to help students in those classes.
This partnership has been in the works for about 18 months. “They were very interested in having more options for the students,” said CSM Vice President/Leonardtown Campus Dean Dr. Tracy Harris. “It’s developed into a customer-friendly, student-friendly program. I think it will be something very special. … It’s a wonderful opportunity for both them and us.”
Dr. Harris said the partnership will help residents in the region be more aware of programs offered at SHLSS. “It will open eyes,” he said.
The SHLSS is affiliated with the Seafarers International Union of North America, Atlantic, Gulf, Lakes and Inland Waters, AFL-CIO (SIU). For 50 years the vocational school has been dedicated to preparing students for careers at sea. The school provides entry-level training for individuals who wish to begin a seafaring career as well as classes for experienced seafarers to help them to upgrade their skills.
SHLSS is on the campus of the Paul Hall Center for Maritime Training and Education, which consists of more than 60 acres on the waterfront in Piney Point.
For information about CSM’s associate of applied science degree in maritime operations technology, visit CSM’s website.
For more about the College of Southern Maryland, visit its Leader member page.
