Virtual College continues to help FHSU grow

By McKenzie Cunningham

Fort Hays State University’s Virtual College is expanding every semester — with student involvement in mind.

The main focus is to include students who aren’t traditional or on campus but still let them know what is available to make them feel like they have the same exact resources online that they would if they lived in Hays or on campus.

Students in the Virtual College are encouraged to participate in everything an on-campus student would: studying abroad, joining clubs and organizations, and interaction through social media.

With the cost per credit hour at $218.67 for undergrads and $287.75 for graduate students, the price is significantly more affordable than other schools in the state of Kansas and other surrounding states. Compared to Emporia State, FHSU is $44.06 less for undergrads, and $63.11 less for graduate students.

“I think our goal is to make sure that students have an authentic experience, even though they’re online,” said Kathleen Cook, assistant director of the Virtual College.

Students from throughout the U.S even participate in Student Government Association, and some hold positions.

Adam Schibi, SGA president, provided names of students on the Senate, including six students from different states, and three with an administrative position.

“We’re working on getting more promotion out about student senators. It is a chance for Adam to get virtual student feedback, which is a great resource,” Cook said.

During the last meeting with the Senate, Cook focused on admissions letters. She wanted to know what students wanted with everything trending digital, and each person on the Senate said they wanted to get their mailed paper acceptance letter because until you get it, it doesn’t feel real.

“Getting more virtual student involvement is our goal,” Cook said. “We want to know where they’re at, what they’re interested in and just receive student insight.”

Virtual College students are given the opportunity to purchase a Tiger ID to receive student discounts, as well as access to the Writing Center online for help with course work. Students also are encouraged to work with Career Services as well.

According to Mike Michaelis, director of the Virtual College, there are 4,248 virtual students in the state of Kansas alone — with at least one student in every county.

Throughout the United States, there are multiple students in every state — and students in 25 different countries.

“Education is important to everyone, and with the Virtual College it allows anyone to earn a degree from anywhere,” Michaelis said.

For more information, contact Michaelis at mwmichaelis@fhsu.edu or Cook at kedougherty@fhsu.edu.