South Suburban College (SSC) proudly announces its inaugural nationally certified Quality Matters (QM) course certification, reinforcing the institution's dedication to delivering high-quality online learning experiences. Quality Matters certification was awarded to the synchronous online course PLA 101 Introduction to Paralegalism in October 2023, marking a significant milestone in SSC's commitment to excellence in online education. The course, led by tenured professor Becky Walters—also the Program Coordinator for Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies—underwent a meticulous preparation process in collaboration with SSC’s Center for Teaching and Learning for the Quality Matters review.
According to Becky Walters, J.D., "Our Law and Paralegal Studies program is entirely online. As such, it is vital that our students have access to and benefit from well-designed, easily navigable online classrooms. We strive to make their online classroom experience positive to the point at which it is even superior to any in-person classes."
The Quality Matters review, conducted by national QM-Certified Reviewers, validates the course's quality and learner-focused design, utilizing the Quality Matters Rubric and associated Standards based on research and best practices. This certification places the course alongside other major universities and colleges on the QM directory of nationally certified courses. QM certified courses proudly display the QM Certification Mark, symbolizing a commitment to the highest standards in online education. Dr. Tasha Williams, Vice-President of Academic Services, remarked, " I am proud to witness the attainment of Quality Matters certification for our Introduction to Paralegalism course at SSC. This achievement reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering high-quality, learner-focused online education.”
In addition to obtaining QM certification for a paralegal course, SSC stands out as the exclusive community college in the South Suburban Chicago region with its Paralegal program approved by the American Bar Association (ABA). The college is also an institutional member of the American Association for Paralegal Education (AAfPE). SSC’s Paralegal program has earned recognition from the American Bar Association for its Access to Justice and Pro Bono initiatives, including the distinctive, community-based Expungement Clinic. Furthermore, it received acknowledgment from the Illinois State Bar Association in the September 2021 ISBA article, “The Problem-Solving Court Boom.”
Dr. Lynette Stokes, President of SSC, expressed her satisfaction with the accomplishment, "As President of South Suburban College, I am proud of the accomplishments of our Paralegal program, especially the Quality Matters certification achieved by our Introduction to Paralegalism course. This certification highlights the collaborative efforts between Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies, and SSC’s Center for Teaching and Learning during the Quality Matters review process."
The attainment of QM certification underscores SSC’s unwavering commitment to continuous improvement. PLA 101 Introduction to Paralegalism is now listed on the QM directory of nationally certified courses can display the QM Certification Mark on the course syllabus, within the course in the learning management system, and on the college’s website and catalog system.
The Paralegal program is excited to announce a series of virtual workshops scheduled for April 22, May 13, June 10, and August 5th. The workshops will take place from 6:00 – 7:00 pm central time. Designed to provide valuable insights into the field of paralegal studies, each workshop offers participants the opportunity to explore various aspects of the profession, including job prospects, program curriculum, and career pathways. The first workshop, scheduled for April 22nd, will serve as an open house event, allowing attendees to interact with program faculty and learn more about the program's offerings. To register for the April 22nd open house, interested individuals can visit
https://zoom.us/meeting/register/tJwvdumgqjIqGN3bs8K0xPQ2aUSW6pZ6sIrj to register.
For additional details regarding the Introduction to Paralegalism course, QM course certification, and enrollment in the August 2024 cohort, please reach out to Becky Walters, Program Coordinator for Paralegal Studies, Criminal Justice, and Legal Studies, via email at bwalters@ssc.edu ext. 2579 or call 708-596-2000 ext. 2579. SSC continues to enroll students actively. For enrollment details, please reach out to the College and Career Success Center at (708) 210-5718 or email admissions@ssc.edu. For information in Spanish, please call (708) 210-5740. The main campus of South Suburban College is situated at 15800 South State Street, South Holland, Illinois. Additionally, the Oak Forest Center, the college’s extension site, is located at 16333 South Kilbourn Avenue, Oak Forest, Illinois.
