WINTER 2018 EDITION
WKU ONLINE & WKU ON DEMAND A UNIT OF THE DIVISION OF EXTENDED LEARNING & OUTREACHÂ
WHAT'S NEW
Providing flexible learning opportunities, pathways to degree attainment, and nationally recognized student support for adult learners across the globe
New WKU On Demand Courses Distance Learning Testing Centers Hybrid Online Courses Ranking from U.S. News & World Report Resources for Online Learners
MEET OUR STAFF
NEW WKU ON DEMAND COURSES WKU On Demand is very pleased to announce that we have added two exciting and newly redesigned Foundations courses to our catalog for Spring 2018: MAT 109C (General Math), newly redesigned by Mr. Zachary Bettersworth, is a Math course for non-science majors, suggested for the student who has satisfactorily completed the minimum high school math requirements and needs no further work in algebra. MAT 109C satisfies the Foundations Quantitative Reasoning requirement. Topics include sets, introduction to probability and statistics, geometry, and consumer mathematics. MAT 109C fulfills the D.2. (Mathematics) general education requirement here at WKU. The course will help the student to understand and apply mathematical skills and concepts. Students complete their work in MyMathLab and there are two proctored exams in the course.
Dr. Marko Dumancic has developed HIST 102 for WKU On Demand. HIST 102 (WORLD HISTORY SINCE 1500) satisfies the Foundations World History requirement. HIST 102 provides an introduction to the global past since 1500. It helps students to understand the diversity of and the connections between the world’s cultures and ideologies and to become acquainted with global political, social, and economic history. It uses readings, exams, and “history labs” to introduce students to major historical developments and consequences as well as key achievements, turning points and individuals impacting world history. This course also encourages students to think analytically about how people have created and adapted societies and institutions in response to the challenges and opportunities that have confronted them. In addition to the essay and lab work required for this course, there are three proctored exams. History 102 aims to prepare students for life by emphasizing: Critical thinking, informed citizenship, historical perspective, and social engagement. Both of these courses are currently open and available for registration. If you know a student who may be interested, they can register for our self-paced, online courses anytime by phone (270-745-4158) or online (www.wku.edu/ondemand.) Payment is required at the time of registration, and Financial Aid is accepted.
DISTANCE LEARNING TESTING CENTERS
A testimonial from a fellow faculty member about their experience with the Distance Learning Testing Center: “The [DLTC] are such a valuable resource for WKU. Tabatha Phillips and her team accommodate so many student needs effectively and in such a professional manner. There seems to be no task or issue too difficult for them to troubleshoot. I have worked for over ten years with DL and have found the testing centers, all locations, to be an excellent resource. WKU is very lucky to have such a talented group of people who are dedicated to student success and committed to getting the job done.� - Dr. Dawn Hall, Director, School of University Studies
HYBRID ONLINE COURSES This past fall, the University approved a hybrid online definition to describe an additional course option available to students. Hybrid online courses integrate technology with classroom instruction to promote a blended learning environment at WKU. Hybrid online sections are defined as courses that require some face-to-face instructional meetings, but most of the course activities are delivered and completed online. This definition will allow departments to align course delivery to match the needs of students enrolling in their courses and programs. Further, the hybrid online designation will accurately communicate course meeting times and technology requirements to students. Hybrid online designations will be available for fall 2018 offerings. The official policy can be found by visiting the following link: https://www.wku.edu/policies/docs/261.pdf
WKU ONLINE PROGRAMS EARN NATIONAL RANKING FROM U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT In its annual ranking of the best online degree programs, U.S. News & World Report has named WKU among the top schools nationwide in five areas. WKU ranked twelfth in nation in the category of Best Online Bachelor Degree Programs. WKU was also named among the top 15 online graduate degree programs in the category of Best Online Criminal Justice Programs, receiving a ranking of 12th in the nation. “There are numerous online programs available throughout the nation, and WKU stands out year after year,” said Beth Laves, associate vice president, Extended Learning & Outreach at WKU. “A significant part of this success is due to the dedicated WKU faculty and staff who continually provide a high-quality, supporting learning environment for online learners.” Other WKU programs were ranked among the top 100 online graduate programs in the nation include: Best Online Graduate Nursing Programs for the M.S.N., which ranked 23rd in the nation, Best Online Graduate Education Programs, which includes online M.A.E. programs for teachers, Best Online MBA Programs. U.S. News defines online programs as those with 80 percent or more required coursework available online. The ranking was released on January 12 and included online bachelor’s degree programs combining data from all undergraduate level disciplines. U.S. News ranked seven disciplines at the master’s degree level: business (MBA), business (non-MBA), computer information technology, criminal justice, education, engineering and nursing. Within each graduate degree program there are five indicator rankings: Student Engagement, Student Services & Technology, Faculty Credentials & Training, Admissions Selectivity, and Peer Reputation. Within the undergraduate ranking, there are four indicator rankings: Student Engagement, Student Services & Technology, Faculty Credentials & Training, and Peer Reputation. “These 2018 rankings are a testament to the hard work and dedication of countless faculty and staff across campus, including those who provide a variety of support for online learners,” said Cindy Troutman, program manager, WKU Online. Troutman says that online learners receive support from Information Technology, WKU Libraries, academic departments, such as English and Math, as well as the Academic Advising & Retention Center, and faculty who teach online work to ensure that students receive quality instruction and support. For information about online degree programs at WKU, contact WKU Online at 270-745-5173. The methodology used in these rankings can be found online. WKU Online is a unit of DELO, offering students high-quality instruction, flexibility and access to award-winning student support.
Looking for Resources to Help Your Online Learners? We can help! The Student Resource Portal is a one-stop shop, connecting students to resources ranging from writing and research assistance to tech support and student success coaching. Best of all, the Portal is in Blackboard by default, making it easy for students to access the support they need, when they need it! Click HERE to visit the Student Resource Portal. The Portal includes information on financial support, tutoring, research, tech support, and numerous other resources to support the success of WKU students.
S U P P O R T I N G S T A F F
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F A C U L T Y , S T U D E N T S
our team click here to access full DELO Organizational Chart
As Program Manager for Online Program Development, Tanja Bibbs focuses on program development and marketing for online degrees, course development contracts, and state authorization compliance. Tanja is pursuing her Ph.D. at University of Kentucky.
As WKU On Demand Specialist, Donna Kasznel provides direct support for WKU On Demand students. She's also involved in outreach efforts throughout the region, and manages social media for WKU Online and WKU On Demand.
As Office Associate, Kathleen Doughty coordinates proctored exams for WKU On Demand students, including exam eligibility and verification, assists with course registration, and quarterly publications.
As coordinator, Tabatha Phillips oversees the staff and operations of the DL Testing Centers. She works closely with the WKU faculty to coordinate course exams at WKU’s campuses, as well as, off-site testing locations.
As WKU On Demand Specialist, Ashton Henderson provides direct support for WKU On Demand students, including the coordination of financial aid processes for On Demand courses.
As Director of Academic Outreach, Laura Ricke leads University initiatives for Online Program Services (WKU Online), Online Program Development, WKU On Demand, Summer and Winter Sessions, DL Testing Center, Dual Credit, and Cohort Programs
As WKU Online Specialist, Nikki Roof provides direct support to prospective online learners, manages the CRM recruitment process, and tracks ROI for marketing efforts. Nikki is pursuing an MA in organizational leadership.
As Program Coordinator, Tanya Vincent oversees day-to-day operations of WKU On Demand. She is the primary contact for On Demand faculty, works closely with other WKU offices to improve and maintain On Demand procedures, and analyzes various On Demand reports and trends.
As a student worker in WKU Online & WKU On Demand, Morgan Skaggs assists with supporting prospective students, and provides general office support. Morgan is sophomore at WKU. This past fall and spring, she was named on the President's List for her academic standing.
As WKU Online Specialist, Holly Young provides Success Coaching for online learners. Holly also assists with events, orientation processes, and recruitment. She is currently pursuing an MA in organizational leadership.
As Program Manager for Online Program Services, Cindy Troutman leads student recruitment, success, and retention initiatives, including development of student support services for WKU Online & WKU On Demand. Cindy is pursuing her Ed.D. at University of Kentucky.
Dedicated to providing flexible learning opportunities, pathways to degree attainment, and nationally recognized student support for adult learners across the globe
WKU Online & WKU On Demand Garrett Conference Center 101 www.wku.edu/study/online WKU Online: 270-745-5173 WKU On Demand: 270-745-4158