Category: News

Get Involved Virtually at UofL

Get Involved Virtually at UofL

Getting involved at the University of Louisville as an online student can be a rewarding experience that allows you to connect with your peers, faculty and the campus community. Whether you are taking classes completely online or via a hybrid structure (partly in-person and partly online), there are no shortages of ways to get involved; after all we are all part of one Cardinal family! 

While some of the clubs and organizations offer in-person meetings, many allow students to join in the fun virtually. Check out this list of the top 9 ways to get involved as a UofL Online student: 

  1. Clubs and Registered Student Organizations (RSOs) – UofL hosts over 400 organizations that cover a wide variety of student interests.  The lists of clubs vary greatly from the African American Female Initiative to the Biomedical Engineering Society to the Louisville Cinema Society. While some of the clubs meet regularly on campus, many offer students a virtual option for involvement.  For a complete list of student organizations and ways to join, click here.  
  2. Cultural Center – The vision of the Cultural Center is to offer an inclusive and accepting campus climate free of bias and hate where students, faculty, staff, and alumni work together to create positive change in the community.  The Cultural Center offers both in-person and virtual programs to help our students work together to create a positive change in the community. Some events offered by the Cultural Center include: 
    • September -Celebrating Latinidad 
    • October – Celebrating Pride
    • November – Celebrating Indigenous Heritage
    • January – Celebrating Martin Luther King Jr.
    • February – Celebrating Black History Month
    • March – Celebrating Women, Femmes and Non-Binary People
    • April – Celebrating AAPI History
  3. Disability Resource Center– In recognition of disability as an important part of the diversity of our community, the Disability Resource Center fosters an inclusive campus climate through education, service, collaboration, and outreach to the University of Louisville community.  The center provides support for students with documented disabilities by promoting equal access to all programs and services. Some of the online programs available to virtual and in-person students include the Disability Advocacy Online Training, Disability Awareness Panel as well as a list of a list of Disability Allies whom students can reach out to.  For a complete list of students and staff who participate in the Disability Ally Program, click here.  
  4. International Center – The mission of the International Center is to promote and enhance the University’s goals by creating a community that appreciates global interdependence. The overarching goal of the International Center is to increase the number of international students at all academic levels; expand the number of students participating in study abroad programs; facilitate graduate student and faculty international research and travel; and provide quality services in support of these and other international initiatives. If you are interested in studying abroad, even while being an online student, the International Center is a great place to start to learn about the various programs and offerings.  For a list of FAQs and information on how to start the study abroad process, click here.  
  5. LGBT Center  – The University of Louisville LGBT Center is committed to dismantling CIS-heteropatriarchy and other systems of oppression. The Center strives to affirm LGBTQ+ students, staff and faculty through an anti-racist lens, rooted in social justice and intersectionality. Some of the programs and groups for students interested in joining include the Aros and Aces group, the Cardinal Drag Haus, the Fellowship of Christian Queers and much more.  To learn more about the LGBT Center and their various offerings for involvement, click here.  
  6. Women’s Center – Established in 1991, the Women’s Center serves as a resource on women’s issues and works to promote an atmosphere of diversity for students, faculty, staff, and the community. The Women’s Center assists the University in achieving its goals by implementing programs that enhance, support, and empower women on campus and online.  The Center and its programs are open to all students without regard to gender.   
  7. Career Service Centers – The University of Louisville offers a broad array of career services through several offices on campus.  Whether you are a current student, alumni, or staff member, the Career Services Center offers resources to enhance career opportunities and programs designed to prepare everyone to make the transition from college to their careers.  The four Career Centers to help our students find employment post-graduation include: 

While the Career Service Center offices are housed on campus, they also offer virtual workshops, virtual interview prep videos, resume writing seminars, cover letter critique virtual sessions and much more. For a complete list of all online workshops and offerings, click here.  

8. Office of Student Involvement – The Office of Student Involvement at the University of Louisville provides activities and services for the campus community. Through various boards, committees, cultural, social, and recreational programs, aiming to make the out-of-class experience a part of the total educational process while advancing the institutional mission. While some of the programs offered by the Office of Student Involvement happen on campus, there is a wide variety of options for the virtual student. These include: 

  • Virtual volunteering – volunteering virtually is a great way to give back to the campus community, even if you are not living on campus.  A great resource for students  Virtual classes – the Office of Student Involvement offers several virtual classes for students to watch from anywhere in the world.  These classes include Lunch Doodles with Mo Willems, Planet Fitness Classes, Mindful Meditation classes, and even virtual cooking classes. For more information on the virtual class offerings, click here.  
  • Virtual travel opportunities – do you have the travel bug, but lack the means to take the plunge? The Office of Student Involvement offers several virtual travel opportunities including a trip to Ellis Island, Colonial Williamsburg and even the Great Wall of China. For more information on the virtual travel offerings, click here.

9. Can’t seem to find what you are looking for in the list above? Create something yourself! UofL provides all students, staff, and faculty free access to video conferencing with Microsoft Teams. This tool is used as a great way to “meet” up with friends and classmates virtually. For tips and more information on using teams for the first time, click here.  

No matter where you are on the journey to complete your degree, the University of Louisville wants to make sure you never feel alone. Our resources are available to all students in the hopes that you get involved – whether you are on-campus or remote. We can’t wait to see what you get involved with!  

The Undergraduate Communication Degree: Bridging Soft Skills, Real-World Application and Easy Learning

The Undergraduate Communication Degree: Bridging Soft Skills, Real-World Application and Easy Learning

In today’s fast-paced and ever-evolving job market, employers are increasingly seeking candidates with a well-rounded skill set. A bachelor’s degree in communication, especially when earned online, offers a unique blend of soft skills development, real-world application, and the ease of online learning. UofL offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Science (what’s the difference?) in Communication. 

How does pursuing an online communication degree can position you as an asset in the job market? 

Effective communication isn’t just about what you say; it’s about how you say it. Online communication bachelor’s degree programs focus on nurturing a range of soft skills that are highly sought after in the workforce.  

  • Oral and Written Communication: Online communication programs emphasize the development of articulate and persuasive communication skills—invaluable for delivering impactful presentations, drafting persuasive reports, and effectively conveying ideas to diverse audiences. 
  • Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving: Students are encouraged to think critically, analyze complex issues, and propose innovative solutions. These problem-solving abilities are assets in any professional setting. 
  • Interpersonal Skills: Learning online often involves working in virtual teams, enhancing your ability to collaborate, negotiate, and resolve conflicts in a digital environment. These types of interpersonal skills are increasingly relevant in the era of remote work and globalized business. 

One of the strengths of a communication degree program is its practicality; rather than teaching theoretical concepts; it equips you with skills that can be directly applied in real-world scenarios. 

I’ve heard the demand isn’t there, is that true? 

That is not true. The national demand for “communications jobs” is average. On average, there are upwards of 68k job posts every month seeking qualified communications professionals. Industry projections are that job demand will increase by 15% through 2033. 

What’s the benefit of doing my communication degree online? 

Online communication bachelor’s degree programs are designed with the modern learner in mind, offering a level of flexibility and accessibility that traditional on-campus programs can’t match. 

  • Flexibility: Online programs allow you to study at your own pace and on your schedule. 
  • Accessibility: You can access coursework and resources from anywhere with an internet connection, eliminating the need for commuting or relocating. 
  • Technology Integration: Online learning often leverages cutting-edge technology, preparing you for a tech-driven job market.  

Earning an online communication bachelor’s degree isn’t just about acquiring theoretical knowledge; it’s about developing practical skills, enhancing your soft skills, and preparing for the real world. Employers are increasingly recognizing the value of these skills, making communication graduates highly sought after in a variety of industries. Additionally, the convenience and accessibility of online learning make pursuing this degree more attainable than ever before. So, if you’re looking to differentiate yourself in the job market and embark on a path to success, consider the numerous advantages of an online communication degree program. It’s a powerful investment in your future career. 

UofL MBA Students Travel Around the World in 2023

UofL MBA Students Travel Around the World in 2023

An MBA degree can take you all over the world. In the case of our 100% online MBA program, we mean that literally.  

This past spring, members of both our online and seated MBA programs were able to travel throughout the world, learning more about different cultures and business opportunities. This experience enriched the educational outcomes of our students while also providing once-in-a-lifetime opportunities for memories and fellowship with their cohort.  

Watch the video below and learn more about where our students visited in 2023!  

 

Our online MBA program offers students an optional 10-day study trip built into the cost of tuition. Our students gain exposure to different business cultures, companies, and business practices through in-person business visits and enrichment activities. This experience also allows our online students an opportunity to travel together and bond with their cohort members, many of which they will meet in person for the first time. This provides a beautiful experience prior to graduating from the online MBA program.  

You can learn how you can enjoy the adventure of a lifetime with a degree that will pay off for the rest of your life here! 

Special UofL Benefits for Military or FAA Online Students

Special UofL Benefits for Military or FAA Online Students

The University of Louisville (UofL) is committed to providing the finest online education possible to all our students, regardless of their background or circumstances. That especially includes our military-connected or Federal Academic Alliance students! In this post we’ll talk about some of the benefits available to students from these two populations specifically, and how these benefits can help students to accomplish their goals. Keep reading to learn more!  

Benefits for military and military-connected students 

UofL has been consistently recognized as a top Military-Friendly® school that understands many of the unique challenges and circumstances that our military students face. We offer several benefits that are specifically designed to optimize the military student experience. These benefits include:  

  • Waived application fees and priority registration for personnel currently serving in the Armed Forces of the United States 
  • Reduced military tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for active-duty members and qualifying members of the Reserves and National Guard for all undergraduate and most graduate programs 
  • Ability to return to the program after deployment assignments without penalty 
  • The opportunity to earn credit toward your degree for military experience and leadership training 
  • Access to the same faculty as our on-campus students 
  • …and more!  
 

Benefits for Federal Academic Alliance students 

UofL is a proud member of the U.S. Federal Government’s Federal Academic Alliance, and we offer a number of benefits designed to optimize the experience of government or federal employees.* These benefits are offered to enrolled students in our 60+ online programs which can help government or federal employees as they look to advance their careers and skillsets. Some of these benefits include:  

  • 10% scholarship applied to standard tuition rates, for U.S. Federal Government employees, for all UofL online programs each academic semester** 
  • This scholarship can be applied to all of UofL’s online programs*** 
  • Flexible coursework, completed fully online, on your time 
  • Curriculum that reflects the university’s strong commitment to applied research 
  • Quality education delivered right to your preferred internet-connected device 
  • …and more! 
 

Get started today!  

If you’re ready to take advantage of these special benefits at UofL, click one of the links below and learn which online program might be best for you!  

Click here to learn more about benefits for our military-connected students or click here for more information for FAA students!  

* Excludes uniform members of the Department of Defense. Government Contractors are not eligible. 

** Federal employees remain eligible for the duration of their academic program as long as they remain employed by the federal government. 

*** Discount applies to UofL’s online bachelor’s, graduate and certificate programs and does not apply to traditional UofL on-site programs. 

*** Discount applies to UofL’s online programs and does not apply to traditional UofL on-site programs. 

*** Discount applies to UofL’s online undergraduate and graduate degree programs, and undergraduate and graduate certificate programs. It does not apply to traditional UofL on-site programs.