Principles of Turfgrass Management This correspondence turfgrass management course was developed in a cooperative effort with the UGA Georgia Center for Continuing Education and the Professional Lawn Care Association of America. It includes a comprehensive text that includes 14 chapters consisting of 425 pages and more than 150 drawings, diagrams, charts, and tables, as well as 44 color plates. The course contains more than 900 questions arranged into review sections, self tests, and monitored exams. Successful completion of the course earns the student a certification status termed "Certification Turfgrass Professional." Currently there are more than 3400 individuals from all 50 states and 30 countries who have enrolled in the program. The topics covered include: Turfgrass Growth, Development and Physiology, Turfgrass Identification and adaptation, Soils, Establishment, Fertilization, Mowing, Irrigation, Weeds, Insects, Turfgrass Diseases, Pesticides, Turfgrass and the Environment, Turfgrass Troubleshooting, and Customer Relations. For more information call 800-325-2090 or visit www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/turf. A comparison of this CEU program with the college credit certification program below can be found at: www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/about/turf/. Note: This course will be available in spanish summer 2005. Certification in Turfgrass Management This program was specifically designed for those who are unable to attend a college or university to pursue a degree or certificate in turfgrass management. The program's primary feature is the opportunity to earn college credits while completing the requirements for certification while not having to attend a college university campus. However, the credits earned can be used toward associate or bachelor degrees at most accredited colleges and universities throughout the country. Certification is achieved by completing 28 hours of college course work. The core courses of the program include: introduction to turfgrass management, intermediate turfgrass management, advanced turfgrass science, turfgrass pest control, turf soils, landscape management, etc. The student is also asked to select two elective type courses from areas such as business management, accounting , ecology, Spanish, etc. Each of the core courses address both cool and warm season adaptation zones. It's not necessary to sign-up for the entire program, many individuals prefer to simply take the courses that are of greatest interest to them. Of course, for the certification to be awarded all the courses must be completed. In some cases, students having existing college courses can substitute them for like courses in the program. A special faculty advisory committee reviews these requests and makes a recommendation to the Distance Learning Department. Flexibility is the foundation of this program. All courses are available in the traditional correspondence or "print" format as well as being available on the Web. Depending on the course, CDs and/or video tapes are used to illustrate specific points. Perhaps the greatest advantage of this program is the fact that students can move at their own pace. Registration for any course can be done throughout the year. The student has up to a full year to complete the course and a 3 month extension is available if needed. There are no admission tests or transcripts required and the student may enroll in several courses simultaneously is desired. Currently, tuition is $141.00 per credit hour. Courses range from 1 credit hour to 3. Of course, books and materials are purchased separately. Finally, the program is recognized by GCSAA as a 1-year certificate program. For more information, call 800-877-3243 or visit www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/usgis/special_programs/turfgrass.phtml. A comparison of this college credit certification program with the CEU based certification program described above can be found at www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/about/turf/. Sports Turfgrass Management Certificate Course This certificate course offers up-to-date information on the establishment and care of sports fields. The principles covered are applicable to all levels of sports field management, from big league fields to little league fields. In addition to explaining the fundamentals of turfgrass management that apply to all turfgrass areas, the course focuses on how these practices are specifically adapted to sports fields. http://www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/is/stm/index.phtml Independent Study Turf Courses All four turfgrass management courses CRSS 2830, 3270, 3270L and 4090 are available through independent study. These courses are essentially the same courses taught on campus. In addition to working at ones own pace in the comfort of their home, independent study allows on campus students more flexibility in their schedules. For example, all UGA turfgrass management courses are offered either in the fall or spring semesters. There are no summer offerings on campus. Independent study allows the student to sign up at anytime throughout the year and have up to 12 months to complete the course. For the student needing to complete requirements for graduation in a short period of time, certain courses can be completed in as little as 6 weeks (CRSS 2830). For more information call 800-542-3243 or visit www.georgiacenter.uga.edu/idl/. Using Wetting Agents on the Golf Course This is an online course sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). This course is being offered since wetting agents have become a common and important tool for the golf course superintendent. This online course will examine the various ways wetting agents are being used on the golf course. Emphasis is placed on answering questions most often asked by superintendents. For example: "Do wetting agents improve soil drainage?, Will they help move insecticides into the soil?, What effect does thatch have on wetting agents performance?, Will they aid in water management?, What is the real difference between 'soaps' and 'wetting agents'?, Will they control LDS caused by fairy ring?, Will doubling the rate of application increase effectiveness?, How does a penetrant differ from a wetting agent?, Should I aerify before applying a wetting agent?, How can phytotoxicity be avoided?, Can they help move salts out of the root zone?, Which wetting agent is really the best?" The results from the GCSAA/USGA wetting agent comparison study will be discussed. This course should be available in the spring 2005. For More Information: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 1421 Research Park Drive Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 Tel. (800) 472-7878 or (785) 841-2240 www.gcsaa.org Managing Localized Dry Spots www.gcsaa.org/learn/online/lds.asp This is an online course sponsored by the Golf Course Superintendents Association of America (GCSAA). The course teaches how to identify, treat, and manage LDS caused by water repellent soil. Discover the causes of LDS and the factors contributing to it. The student will learn methods to determine if your soil is water repellent and compare management strategies for alleviating LDS caused by these soils. Discover the influence of seasonal variations and soil texture on water repellent soils. In addition, students will learn about the primary management practices for improving root growth and how wetting agents can be used most effectively to reduce LDS. With a better understanding and management of LDS caused by water repellent soil, the turfgrass area can expect improved playing conditions, increased savings on chemicals and increased water savings through improved irrigation efficiency. This course features interactive learning reviews to provide instant feedback and reinforce learning. High quality images and illustrations are used to explain complex subject matter. Video clips are also incorporated to give you a more thorough illustration of specific topics. To make the most of this learning experience, students should use a computer with a sound card and speakers (or headphones). Course Modules There are two chapters in this course, each containing a chapter online, learning objectives, reading materials, interactive reviews and top-quality photos and illustrations. Chapter 1: Background Information on LDS and Water Repellent Soils Chapter 2: Cultural Practices and Wetting Agents for Managing Water Repellent Soils Target Audience Who should take this course: golf course superintendents, technicians, agronomy and horticulture students, ground managers, turf industry professionals or anyone who desires a better understanding of, or whose job responsibilites include, weed management. Cost: GCSAA Members - $50, Non-members - $75 For More Information: Golf Course Superintendents Association of America 1421 Research Park Drive Lawrence, KS 66049-3859 Tel. (800) 472-7878 or (785) 841-2240 www.gcsaa.org/learn/online/lds.asp