Online Programs from the U of I
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News
January 2, 2008
Global Campus Launches its First Courses in Nursing and E-Learning
At 12:01 a.m., a new doorway to a University of Illinois education opened. The inaugural Global Campus online courses were officially opened when enrolled students were provided access to their class materials through Connect, a secure student and instructor Web portal.
Courses for the Nursing and E-Learning programs were launched overnight, and by 6:30 a.m., students had already begun logging in to start their coursework. Each student was personally welcomed to class by his academic advisor, and each received her first communication from the course instructor.
With the establishment of The Global Campus by the Board of Trustees in March 2007, the University's newest initiative in online education has seen tremendous support and growth in a remarkably short time. In just under nine months, the Global Campus staff, led by Chester Gardner, special assistant to the president of the University, has developed its initial academic programs and recruited and enrolled students.
With its partner academic units from Chicago and Urbana-Champaign, The Global Campus now offers a Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree Completion Program, a Master of Education with a concentration in E-Learning, and two graduate certificates in the Foundations and Management of E-Learning.
As expected, Global Campus students break the mold of the traditional 18- to 22-year-old college student, as many as many Global Campus students work full-time and are returning to to school continue their education. In addition to Illinois, applications have come from students around the globe, including the United Kingdom. One student, currently in the United States military, applied for the nursing program while on a ship overseas.
The Global Campus is already working on a graduate level Patient Safety Leadership program, Bachelor's in Business Administration Degree Completion Program, and a Master's of Science in Recreation, Sport, and Tourism.
More news and information:
- Champaign-Urbana News-Gazette: "UI's Global Campus program readies for launch" (January 1, 2008)
