UWP has record number of distance learning graduates in 2005
PLATTEVILLE - From its start in 1978, the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's distance learning program has grown steadily, reaching a record 110 distance graduates during the 2004-2005 academic year.
The Distance Learning Center's online students live in 49 states and 22 countries, giving UWP's distance-learning program a truly global reach. The averages student age is 39 for undergraduate students and 37 for graduate students. Approximately 15 percent of UWP's distance students are veterans or active military personnel. The majority are working adults who are juggling career and family responsibilities while they study.
UWP continues to take the lead in alternative education, with nearly one-third of the university's teaching faculty and academic staff involved with some facet of distance education. Several new projects were launched during the 2004-2005 academic year, aimed at increasing both individual student success and overall retention rates. A virtual orientation site was unveiled in fall 2004 to help new students make a successful transition to studying at a distance. A virtual open house, developed for prospective students, is scheduled to go live in fall 2005.
Recognizing that not all students are seeking a degree, the Distance Learning Center has created several innovation new programs geared towards professionals whose goal is career advancement. A six-week online Project Management Professional (PMP) test prep course was created for professionals interested in obtaining their PMP certification and a non-credit first-line supervisory training program for police officers was developed in association with the Wisconsin Department of Justice. An alternative educational licensure program was created at the request of the Wisconsin Department of Public Instruction.
In addition to these new programs, UWP offers four accredited degrees at a distance: a bachelor of science in business administration, a master of science in criminal justice, a master of engineering, and a master of science in project management. For more information, visit online at www.uwplatt.edu/disted, call 800-362-5460 or e-mail disted@uwplatt.edu.
Contact: Darla Banfi, marketing coordinator,banfi@uwplatt.edu Prepared by: Ellen McFall,mcfalle@uwplatt.edu
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