Program of education:
Avalon College is a 2-year program. Graduates of Avalon College receive an academic Associate Degree. All graduates of Avalon College have a major field of study in the Philosophy of Ancient Sciences and Superstitions.
Mission:
The mission of Avalon College is to educate and train students to excel in their knowledge and competency in the area of cosmic cybernetics. “Cosmic cybernetics” is a term coined by author Theodor Landscheidt which is the concept that celestial bodies influence or minds, emotions, and behavior in ways that cannot be explained by gravity or other known scientifically verified mechanisms. The most pervasive form of this belief is embodied in the subject of astrology. While astrology is a very controversial subject with both passionate enthusiasts and critics, extremely few people have any comprehension of the complex systems and theories of astrological analysis that have been practiced through the millennia in virtually every civilization. Many millions of dollars are spent annually by consumers throughout the world on astrological services. The founders of Avalon College believe firmly in the academic credo “the truth shall set us free”. Avalon College respects and supports all opinions regarding cosmic cybernetics. A student at Avalon College may be either a believer or non-believer in astrology. The goal of Avalon College is not to take sides in a heated debate, but rather to educate and train students to have expertise in this subject area. The faculty of Avalon College consists of individuals who do endorse and support the validity and usefulness of at least some areas of astrological study.
The mission of Avalon College is practical as well as academic. Astrology is big business! The graduate of Avalon College may go on to a career as an astrological consultant, or incorporate astrological principles within the context of another profession. Astrological columns appear in a huge number of magazines, and the graduate of Avalon College will have the expertise and credentials to contribute intelligent, pertinent, and interesting ideas to the readership of many publications. The graduate of Avalon College is fully prepared to become a Certified Astrological Consultant (C.A.P.) through the certification program for astrologers which is being developed by the International Society for Astrological Research (ISAR). The graduate of Avalon College may become an advocate, or a critic, of astrology and related fields. The faculty and staff of Avalon College fully respect the opinions of the student, as long as they are based on sound academic principles. Avalon College will provide the tools to help the student pursue a successful career, and we are confident that the honesty, integrity, high ideals, discipline, and high aspirations which we install and foster in our student body will provide a basis for the graduate of Avalon College to make worthwhile and positive contributions to our communities and the lives of others.
Avalon College is not directly involved in the question of whether astrology is science, art, or superstition. Avalon College is devoted to training and educating the student to excel in the understanding of the history, evolution, theory, and practice of astrology. The student also develops a great understanding of allied subjects such as scientific methodology, astronomy, spherical trigonometry, and psychology. The graduate of Avalon College also gains a greater understanding of the symbolism inherent in Greek myths, astrological allusions in the writings of Shakespeare, and in many other works.
Avalon College has chosen the term "cosmic cybernetics" rather than "astrology" to underscore the emphasis on academic rigor, high standards, and a strong scientific perspective, as well as the fact that Avalon College does not support or endorse the rampant use of astrology in superficial and unethical ways as is commonly done. Avalon College does support the responsible, intelligent, and a scientifically critical approach to astrology. Avalon College is dedicated to understanding and intelligently evaluating astrological theory. The curriculum and instructors at Avalon College study astrology with an interest and motivation in advancing the study of Cosmic Cybernetics and making progress in this field, but accept that Cosmic Cybernetics, although studied for millenia, is still in its infancy in regards to establishing itself as a respectable field of study. Avalon College opens its doors to both critics and supporters of astrology. Avalon College grants a degree in Philosophy with a specialization in Cosmic Cybernetics, Ancient Sciences and Superstitions. The student, through diligent study and mastery of this field, decides for himself/herself to what extent astrology is science, superstition, or perhaps an art or kind of language of the soul.
Accreditation:
We have set a goal of the first classes to be given in August 2003. The building facility has already been acquired, and we are setting up the classroom and library, and registering with the Florida Department of Education this summer. We hope to be fully accredited by a highly reputed (CHEA approved) accreditation agency by the year 2005. All of these goals are simply that: goals. They are not a guarantee. We do believe that these goals are realistic, but they are not guraranteed.
Location, Facilities, Classroom Size, Number of Students:
Avalon College is located in Gainesville, Florida. The college building consists of about 1,800 square feet, with one classroom, a library, offices for instructors, kitchen, and meeting room for students. There are a maximum of 15 students in any class. In the first year of operation there will be a maximum of 15 students. In each of the successive 3 years, a maximum of 15 additional students will be added so that at the end of 4 years of operation, the maximum number of students will be 60. (These numbers are based on all students being full-time students. The actual number of students may be more; for example, 2 half-time students is equivalent to one full-time student.) The library will contain at least 600 volumes (500 books and 100 journals), at least half of which are in the area of cosmic cybernetics. We hope to have at least 2,000 volumes by 2005. In Gainesville there is also a public library and libraries at the University of Florida and at Santa Fe Community College, but students will be able to withdraw books only from the public library and the Avalon College library.
Tuition:
Tuition is $200 per credit hour, which equals $6000 per year for a full time student (30 credits). At the current time, Avalon College is not providing any scholarships, but does hope to attract interest in private donations for scholarships. The long-range goal is to receive accreditation, which would qualify Avalon College for additional loans, grants, and scholarships. There are also additional costs of about $350 per year for books and other supplies.
Avalon College does not provide room and board so all students live off campus.
Faculty and Staff:
All faculty of Avalon College will have a minimum of a B.A. or B.S. degree, and be experts in the subject area that they teach. The faculty has not yet been selected. There will also be staff members (faculty or other staff members) to assist in research and use of the library, career counseling, guidance and advise, and other concerns. The founder of Avalon College is David Cochrane, B.A, C.A.P, nationally recognized lead developer of the Kepler astrology software, author of the astrology book “Astrology for the 21st Century”, President of ISAR (International Society for Astrological Research), and developer of much of the Avalon College curriculum.
Curriculum:
Currently there are no electives at Avalon College, and the courses taken are the same for all students. Approximately one half of the courses are devoted directly to the theory, philosophy, and practice of cosmic cybernetics. The other half of the courses are in general requirement areas that supplement and enhance the student’s education, and ensure that the graduate of Avalon College has a sufficiently well-rounded education to be able to use the knowledge in cosmic cybernetics effectively. The following 5 courses full the 15 credits of General Education requirements: English Composition I and II, Software Design and Computer Programming, Communication and Business Skills, and Ancient and Medieval History. The other 45 credits fulfill the requirements for specialization in the Philosophy of Ancient Sciences and Superstitions major. Note that an education in astronomy was, and still is, considered by many ancient astrologers as critically important. Also, in order to relate ancient methods to modern methods, attention is also given to modern approaches. Also, the ethical and practical application of these ancient theories is also included in the curriculum via the requirements in psychology. All details of the curriculum have not yet been established, but the approximate curriculum is as follows:
Year 1, Semester 1: Astrology 1, Astrology 2, Astronomy 1 (Cosmology), Psychology: Personality Theory, English Composition 1
Year 1, Semester 2: Astrology 3, Astrology 4, Astronomy and Spherical Trigonometry, Ethics and Counseling Skills, English Composition 2
Year 2, Semester 1: Astrology 5, Astrology 6, Scientific Method and Basic Statistics, Psychology: Advanced Counseling Skills, Software Design and Computer Programming
Year 2, Semester 2: Astrology 7, Astrology 8, Research Project and Advanced Statistics, Ancient and Medieval History, Communication Skills and Business Administration(Business letters, Customer support, Small business operation, keys to success, issues in corporate and international business)
The astrology classes (Astrology 1 to Astrology 8) are based on 120 lessons in the Avalon College feature of the Kepler software program (in Version 5 of Kepler there are 47 lessons; this will be expanded to 120 lessons by autumn, 2003). If you own the Kepler program, you can study the material in these lessons. The material contained in the first 2 Avalon College lessons is available free online at www.AstroSoftware.com. Given below is a brief summary of the other classes.
Astronomy I: Structure of our solar system, our galaxy, nearby galaxies, etc. Types of stars, history of astronomy, Kepler’s laws of motion, etc.
Personality Theory: Freud, Jung, Adler, etc. Theories of marriage and family therapists, statistical studies of correlations of behavior such as crime with family upbringing. Research studies on effect of other environmental factors such as diet, drugs, etc. on behavior. Studies on genetic influences.
English Composition I: Rules of grammar, expanding one’s vocabulary, tests for spelling. How to organize and present thoughts clearly and coherently.
Ethics and Counseling Skills: Techniques and methods used by therapists to ensure that the client’s rights are protected and the best interests of the client are served. Ethical dilemmas and issues. Communication and counseling techniques.
Astronomy and Spherical Trigonometry: Solve problems like converting right ascension and declination to longitude and latitude, or detemining distance between 2 objects in their own great circle. Detailed understanding of coordinate systems, the astronomical basis of different astrological house systems.
English Composition II: Further develop skills in writing exciting and interesting papers and articles. Fine points of grammar, and greater mastery of the English language. Students must demonstrate excellent command of the English language to graduate from this course.
Scientific Method and Basic Statistics: Scientific method, how to write a research paper, how to search journals, basic statistical methods like chi square and T-test, sampling methods, qualitative research, etc.
Psychology: Advanced Counseling Skills: Training in counseling. In addition to lecture time, students must give 2 consultations and attend 2 consultations given by other students on Saturdays.
Software Design and Computer Programming: Basics of computer hardware and operation (terms like RAM memory, CPU, etc.), understanding file formats (ASCII, MS Access, etc.), different development tools such as graphic programs, languages, html editors, etc. Students will learn how web sites are created, and will write a simple program in Windows. Understanding what an operating system is and some differences between various ones such as Windows, Mac OS, Unix, etc.
Ancient and Medieval History: Overview of the rise and fall of Western and Asian civilizations, theories of historical cycles, and critical points in the development of art, science, religion, and governments starting from the earliest traces of human civilization. Emphasis is also given to how these events and traditions affect our lives today.
Research Project and Advanced Statistics, Communication Skills and Business (Business letters, Customer support, Small business operation, keys to success, issues in corporate and international business). Students will learn many aspects of how to communicate and function effectively in a small business as well as in the context of large businesses. Issues as simple and clear as how an amortization schedule works to ways to adapt and succeed in different cultural environments are covered.
Quality of Education:
All courses are taught by instructors with expertise in the subject matter that they teach. The student at Avalon College does not sit in an auditorium or get lectured to by graduate students! The learning environment is supportive and friendly, but also rigorous and highly challenging. Avalon College believes in communication among all participants. Students provide valuable feedback and input into the process, and evaluate our instructors, facilities and overall program, just as the instructors evaluate the progress of the students. When you become part of Avalon College, you become part of a team that works together with one main mission: to produce graduates of the college whose education prepares them to be very effective and successful in whatever endeavor they choose to undertake, and to have the character and integrity to be a force for good will and real progress in the world. The atmosphere is friendly and personal, but also professional and respectful. The primary concern of our instructors and staff is our students. Research and other professional activities of our instructors and staff helps to enhance their capabilities as educators, rather than distract them from their teaching responsibilities. Avalon College does not condone mediocrity from students or from instructors, and administrators of Avalon College review the performance and feedback from both teachers and students to ensure that all goals are being achieved, and that everyone involved is learning, growing, challenged, and inspired through their experiences at Avalon College.
School Schedule:
A full-time student takes five 3-credit classes per semester, for a total of 15 credits. Each class is 3 hours in length, so there are a total of 15 hours of classroom time each week. Each semester consists of 15 weeks of classes. Because of holidays, a semester may be 16 or 17 weeks in length to allow for weeks in which classes are not held. Two semesters of classes equals one year of study. Two years of study (60 credits) are required to fulfill the requirements for the B.A. degree.
Classes are held Monday through Friday at the following times:
Freshman level classes: 8:00 AM to 11:10 AM (10 minute break about half-way through class),
Sophomore level classes: 11:20 AM to 2:50 PM (30 minute break about half-way through class)
Junior level classes: 3:00 PM to 6:10 PM (10 minute break about half-way through class)
Senior level classes: 6:30 PM to 9:40 PM (10 minute break about half-way through class)
Classes rarely end early, and may extend up to 5 minutes past the closing time of the class, so students and faculty should allow for this in scheduling other activities.
The Fall Term begins in late August and ends in December. The Winter Term begins in January and ends in May. In the summer a limited number of classes and/or guest speakers and other activities may be available, depending on interest. A graduation ceremony takes place every May.
The library is open from 9 AM to 5 PM Monday through Saturday. The library is closed on Sunday.
All students are expected to attend class regularly, and more than 3 absences per semester can disqualify a student from passing a class. Classes are intensive and a student can expect to study and work on assignments approximately 2 hours for each hour of classroom study. A full-time student therefore can expect to be attending classes for 15 hours per week, plus 30 hours per week of study.
Student Requirements and Policies:
Students attending Avalon College must have a high school diploma, and preferably have taken an academic curriculum with a high level of achievement. Writing skills, including excellent vocabulary and grammar, as well as general knowledge of history, is important in order to graduate from Avalon College and in order to pass some of the classes. Specific requirements such as grade point average or score on standardized tests such as minimum SAT scores have not yet been determined.
In addition to demonstrating competency in the specific subject areas, graduates of Avalon College must also demonstrate a high level of competency in grammar, spelling, penmanship, and writing skills. Graduates of Avalon College are effective and accomplished in the area of communication and language skills. The graduate must be able to speak clearly and correctly, and be able to organize thoughts in an effective manner. Students who do not meet these requirements will be required to take remedial classes, until the student is able to pass the examinations administered by Avalon College. Foreign or regional accents are acceptable. Poor grammar, incorrect spelling, inability to organize and present thoughts, and incorrect pronunciation will disqualify a person from being able to graduate.
Avalon College does not base acceptance of students, or evaluation of students on nationality, religion, age, or gender. Avalon College is firmly committed to equal opportunity to all, and, except as required by law, will evaluate applicants and students strictly on the basis of performance. Avalon College is dediated to the American dream of equal opportunity for all.
Avalon College is a small and specialized school. It is not a school for everyone, nor does it attempt to meet the needs of all people. Students and faculty at Avalon College become a close-knit group of individuals that support one another. We share some basic values and principles, as follows: Students are expected to attend Avalon College because they are interested, for whatever reason, in the subject material, and wish to master the concepts. Instructors are expected to take a real interest and concern in the progress and well-being of their students. Cigarette smoking, weapons, and illegal drugs, are not permitted on the campus premises. Students should not be intoxicated or impaired in their mental functioning while on campus. Illegal behavior off the college campus, if brought to the attention of Avalon College instructors or administrators will be investigated, and students alleged to be involved in such activities will be advised by a counselor, administrator, or instructor at Avalon College. Students who cause serious harm to themselves or others may be expelled from the school. Fighting and aggression on campus is not tolerated. All people (students, faculty, administrators, etc.) at Avalon College are expected at all times to behave with respect and appreciation towards others, and to be tolerant of different points of view. Avalon College provides a loving, supportive atmosphere where students feel protected and supported. We provide the very best facilities and environment for students, and students are expected to fully take advantage of this opportunity and apply themselves to their studies. Sexual harassment or any other form of harassment or disparagement is not tolerated. Avalon College is well-suited only for productive and aspiring students and faculty who wish to advance themselves and apply their talents to make a positive contribution to society. Avalon College is a place where students and faculty can be inspired by the intelligence, dedication, talents, high ideals, and strong character of others, and thereby accelerate their growth and thereby become more accomplished individuals with important tangible contributions to make to their communities. Students and faculty at Avalon College understand that gifts of talent, dedication, and good will are bestowed on people regardless of religion, ethnic background, age, income, and gender, and work together to benefit themselves, their colleagues, and their communities. The academic program at Avalon College is rigorous, and students accustomed to getting A grades very easily may find that they must work hard to get a B grade at Avalon College. Although very loving and supportive, Avalon College is also a training ground for those seeking excellence, and standards are very high. Students who do not have sufficient time to dedicate to studies may therefore find that part-time attendance will be more suitable.
Transfer Credits and Waiving Classes:
Credits earned by successfully completing an equivalent class at a fully accredited college can be transferred to Avalon College. Avalon College determines if the course taken at another college meets all of the requirements to be equivalent. A course with a similar name at an accredited college does not necessarily qualify, so students should obtain authorization for transfer of credits to ensure that they credits will be transferred.
Avalon College Self-Learning System:
Some, but not all, of the lessons that comprise the Avalon College curriculum are provided in the Kepler software program. These self-guided lessons do not substitute for classes provided by Avalon College, but prospective students of Avalon College will find that taking the Avalon College lessons that are contained within the Kepler software program will provide them a firm foundation and head start in Avalon College, and the reduce their workload while attending Avalon College, and make it easier to excel. Of course, accomplishment in other academic areas, such as history, literature, mathematics, astronomy, and English composition will also provide a foundation for students to excel in their studies at Avalon College.
Ways to be Involved with Avalon College:
There are other ways to be involved in Avalon College other than as a student. If you have a B.A. or higher degree, and are an excellent instructor of astrology, psychology, math, astronomy, or English and if you live in the Gainesville area, or are interested in relocating to the Gainesville area, and you may be interested in being an instructor at Avalon College, please let us know. A librarian with a degree in library science or related field, and who has a knowledge of astrology, and good writing and editorial abilities is also needed. If you are interested in assisting Avalon College achieve its goals, donations of books and scholarships for future students are tremendously appreciated. We will begin setting up the classroom and library in May, 2002. Applications for admission will begin in 2003, with classes beginning in August, 2003.
Current Status:
The above description of Avalon College is current as of March 7, 2002. The building facility was just purchased, and we are in the initial stages of registering with the Florida Department of Education. The details of the program may be modified. We are hoping to begin classes in 2006 or 2007. In 2003 the Avalon School of Astrology, which offers a 6-month vocational training program, will open.
Financial Standing:
Financial stability is a concern for any institution and particularly for a very new and small college. The Avalon College building and equipment is donated to Avalon College by Cosmic Patterns Software. These assets have a value of approximately $250,000 and provide Avalon College with the stability and strength to be fully committed to its students and alumni for many generations to come. Avalon College is fortunate to not have debts, loans, mortgages, and other major financial obligations in addition to the very significant expenses of salaries for the very best instructors and other necessary expenses of any educational institution. We are confident that Avalon College will be here for you when you need it, and will be a resource that students and alumni can depend on. Students, faculty, and other participants in Avalon College are not just participating in an educational program; they are becoming part of a tradition and a closely knit group of colleagues and friends. All of the revenues received by Avalon College from tuition and other sources go directly to teacher and staff salaries, maintenance of the facilities, expansion of the library, and other important components of providing a quality educational experience to the students of Avalon College.
Contacting Avalon College:
If interested in receiving application for admission or other information about Avalon College, please send mail to or send e-mail to kepler@AstroSoftware.com (this is a temporary e-mail address). The mailing address: is Avalon College, 6212 N.W.43rd Street, Suite A, Gainesville, FL 32653