College students are technologically savvy these days. They use home computers to research and write, make purchases and to communicate with friends and family, coworkers, fellow students, and college professors.
America’s universities are jumping on the technology bandwagon, too. Many universities now offer online admission applications and Web access to course materials. But "they aren’t necessarily on the cutting edge," said Lisa Wheeler, vice president of advising and academic support at Capella University.
Capella, an accredited online university, delivers education to working adults in an interactive online format that makes it possible for busy professionals to pursue their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees, without the logistical hassles students typically experience with traditional higher education.
"In addition to a quality education, we offer all the services a student needs from start to finish online. From the application process all the way through signing up to attend commencement. You won’t find that kind of experience anywhere else," said Wheeler.
Guerin Moorman, 35, of Spokane, Wash., says he was initially drawn to Capella for its convenience. He is the IT coordinator for Spokane’s branch of the Federal Transportation Security Administration, a job that isn’t always 9 to 5. Moorman represents Capella’s largest demographic type: he is balancing work with family and education. Moorman is married and has two teenage daughters and a three-year-old son.
"I like the online experience because it offers a lot of flexibility. I can order my books online, check my financial status online and use e-mail if I need to get in touch with my advisors or professors," said Moorman. Survey results from Capella’s 6,500-member student body show that students value service quality almost as much as they value educational quality.
"At brick-and-mortar institutions, students have to spend a lot of time going from place to place to get their business done. At Capella, it’s one-stop shopping. Through the unique Internet portal that we call i-Guide, students will find the admissions office, financial aid office, writing center, book store, library and more all in one place," said Wheeler. "These are the logistical barriers that traditional schools haven’t entirely addressed, while we’ve had ten years to aggregate and refine our services online."
"There’s no way I’d be able to finally pursue my bachelor’s if I had to do it the conventional way," said Moorman. "There just wouldn’t be time."
Vickie Cook, 46, of Greenville, Ill., says that in addition to convenience, she likes the fact that support is close at hand. "When I had a problem getting Adobe Acrobat to install, I turned to Capella’s online technical support folks. Within two e-mails, they were able to solve a compatibility problem with a work-around so I could open the documents I needed to look at to complete an assignment," said Cook.
Cook completed her master’s in education at Capella four years ago. It wasn’t long before she landed a job as dean at Kaskasia College, a community college in Centralia, Ill. She is now pursuing a doctorate in education at Capella, a degree she expects to complete by 2004.
Kate Whitteker, 44, of Amma, W.Va., also turned to Capella to advance her career. She is pursuing a master’s degree in human services with a specialization in the management of non-profit agencies.
"Believe me when I say I do not have time to sit in a classroom," said Whitteker. In addition to her job as executive director of a nonprofit agency that offers aid for families in need, she also has five young children at home. "I do everything with Capella online. It’s easy to access what you want. While this is high tech it’s not complicated tech," said Whitteker.
For more information about Capella University log on to www.capellauniversity.edu/ara.
Editor's Notes:
Founded in 1993, Capella University offers degree programs and certificates in business, technology, education, human services and psychology. Capella University is affiliated with the for-profit Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, visit Capella University at www.capellauniversity.com or call (888) CAPELLA.
America’s universities are jumping on the technology bandwagon, too. Many universities now offer online admission applications and Web access to course materials. But "they aren’t necessarily on the cutting edge," said Lisa Wheeler, vice president of advising and academic support at Capella University.
Capella, an accredited online university, delivers education to working adults in an interactive online format that makes it possible for busy professionals to pursue their bachelor’s, master’s or doctoral degrees, without the logistical hassles students typically experience with traditional higher education.
"In addition to a quality education, we offer all the services a student needs from start to finish online. From the application process all the way through signing up to attend commencement. You won’t find that kind of experience anywhere else," said Wheeler.
Guerin Moorman, 35, of Spokane, Wash., says he was initially drawn to Capella for its convenience. He is the IT coordinator for Spokane’s branch of the Federal Transportation Security Administration, a job that isn’t always 9 to 5. Moorman represents Capella’s largest demographic type: he is balancing work with family and education. Moorman is married and has two teenage daughters and a three-year-old son.
"I like the online experience because it offers a lot of flexibility. I can order my books online, check my financial status online and use e-mail if I need to get in touch with my advisors or professors," said Moorman. Survey results from Capella’s 6,500-member student body show that students value service quality almost as much as they value educational quality.
"At brick-and-mortar institutions, students have to spend a lot of time going from place to place to get their business done. At Capella, it’s one-stop shopping. Through the unique Internet portal that we call i-Guide, students will find the admissions office, financial aid office, writing center, book store, library and more all in one place," said Wheeler. "These are the logistical barriers that traditional schools haven’t entirely addressed, while we’ve had ten years to aggregate and refine our services online."
"There’s no way I’d be able to finally pursue my bachelor’s if I had to do it the conventional way," said Moorman. "There just wouldn’t be time."
Vickie Cook, 46, of Greenville, Ill., says that in addition to convenience, she likes the fact that support is close at hand. "When I had a problem getting Adobe Acrobat to install, I turned to Capella’s online technical support folks. Within two e-mails, they were able to solve a compatibility problem with a work-around so I could open the documents I needed to look at to complete an assignment," said Cook.
Cook completed her master’s in education at Capella four years ago. It wasn’t long before she landed a job as dean at Kaskasia College, a community college in Centralia, Ill. She is now pursuing a doctorate in education at Capella, a degree she expects to complete by 2004.
Kate Whitteker, 44, of Amma, W.Va., also turned to Capella to advance her career. She is pursuing a master’s degree in human services with a specialization in the management of non-profit agencies.
"Believe me when I say I do not have time to sit in a classroom," said Whitteker. In addition to her job as executive director of a nonprofit agency that offers aid for families in need, she also has five young children at home. "I do everything with Capella online. It’s easy to access what you want. While this is high tech it’s not complicated tech," said Whitteker.
For more information about Capella University log on to www.capellauniversity.edu/ara.
Editor's Notes:
Founded in 1993, Capella University offers degree programs and certificates in business, technology, education, human services and psychology. Capella University is affiliated with the for-profit Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, visit Capella University at www.capellauniversity.com or call (888) CAPELLA.
By ARA Content
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