By UNIVERSITY RELATIONS
Fort
Hays State University announced today that its online learning program, the
FHSU Virtual College, has earned certification from the United States Distance
Learning Association, a nonprofit distance learning association whose work
focuses on supporting distance learning research, development, and praxis
across the complete arena of education, training, and communications.
In announcing the
coveted certification, the chair of the Quality Standards Certification
Committee, Dr. Arletha McSwain, said, “USDLA is proud to welcome the FHSU
Virtual College to an elite group of institutions that have earned national
recognition for providing exemplary online degree programs and certificates.”
The USDLA’s
certification report pointed to the Virtual College’s visionary quality
standards program as a driver in ensuring the university’s ability to remain on
a path to continuous innovation and improvement in online education.
“Since the Virtual
College was established in 1997, the online learning enterprise at Fort Hays State
has grown thoughtfully and steadily to the point where today it is the single
largest source of enrolled students at the university,” said FHSU President
Tisa Mason.
“This phenomenal
growth is the direct result of our consistent focus on delivering a
high-quality, affordable and distinctly FHSU online experience,” she said.
The rigorous USDLA
certification recognizes the commitment that Fort Hays State has made in
following best industry practices for its Virtual College. The university is
one of only five certified distance education providers in the country to
successfully complete the comprehensive, 120-point quality review of all levels
of distance education and training.
“This certification
is a testament to the dedication everyone, past and present, put forth in
creating an exceptional worldwide online operation,” said Dr. Dennis King,
associate vice president for enrollment management. “All of the faculty,
students, staff and alumni should be very proud of what they have created.”
The USDLA team that
conducted the certification review was impressed with the Virtual College.
“Fort Hays State is
making online learning a priority, and it shows,” said Dr. Chuck Sengstock, a
USDLA Quality Standards Certification Committee Member.
“We were impressed
with the initiative and dedication of the online faculty, staff, and
administrators. We were equally impressed with the collective results of the
online student interviews.”
About
the FHSU Virtual College
Fort Hays State,
founded in 1902, entered into distance education in 1911 when faculty voted to
offer courses free by mail so that one-room school teachers across western
Kansas could afford to pursue the continuing education required to teach. The
distance education department created then evolved continuously with changing
technology and culture until, in 1997, the Department of Continuing Education
and Instructional Technology became the FHSU Virtual College.