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Marketing and University Communication UW-Green Bay, CL 815 2420 Nicolet Drive Green Bay, WI 54311-7001 (920) 465-2626 E-mail: hildebrs@uwgb.edu Last update: 10/2/07 |
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In
the News Archive - Year:
December 20, 2002 UWGB grad visits campus for first time Cherry Pfau earned her degree from UWGB without straying far from palm trees. By Sarah Riley
Pfau, a Florida resident, received her bachelor's degree in nursing from the BSN-LINC, an online degree program led by the university. The program helps nurses with associate's degrees earn their bachelor's degree.
"This is an opportunity that makes furthering your education possible," said Scott Hildebrand, a spokesperson for UWGB.
The interactive program is a collaboration of five UW nursing schools and UW Learning Innovations. The coursework can be done when it is convenient to the student, which helps nurses who already work full-time. Students complete assignments like readings and papers on assigned dates, but when they do their online lessons is up to them.
"The basic week is however they want to do it," said Jane Muhl, interim dean of professional studies and outreach. "We set it up on a semester basis. We do provide a bit of structure."
What is unique about the UW program is that it is accredited by the National League for Nursing, and that it is at the low end of the spectrum price-wise compared to similar programs, Muhl said.
The online degree program is more expensive than traditional credits because of the technical support required. An in-state credit costs less then $300, compared to about $200 for regular courses. Financial aid is available, too.
The students can speak to their instructors on the phone, can dial a toll-free number to reach their counselor and have discussions with other students through online postings. Many students never come to Green Bay but receive the same degree others receive.
Pfau enrolled in May of 2000 and is one of five graduates this semester.
The first group graduated in May. Since the program was created in 2000, enrollment has jumped to 125 students from 30 states.
"This is just a good example of the attention to online education," Hildebrand said.
Muhl said she thought the online program is even more rigorous than traditional classes because the students have to be diligent in their studies and must be thoughtful in their postings because other students will read and reply to the messages.
But the program is a good option for full-time employees that want to be able to do lessons on their own time.
The online program is a collaboration between the other UW nursing schools, but UWGB has organized the effort.
"UWGB is the one that has taken the lead," Muhl said. "It's a Wisconsin kind of thing that we have."
Pfau will arrive in Green Bay today and will tour the campus. She and other national students attending graduation will be treated to a luncheon and party Saturday on campus.
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