UofL Online News & Updates | University of Louisville

Online Educator Honored Among UofL Faculty Favorites

By admin | July 2, 2015

There is no denying that the professional rapport formed between college educators and their students is of paramount importance both to learning and to the attainment of educational goals. The acclaimed and diverse online degree programs at the University of Louisville allow students to both learn and interact with their professors and classmates, regardless of geographic location. These online classrooms utilize cutting-edge software, allowing maximum levels of interaction and a strong sense of campus community to be built amongst online students. With current technology, online educators at UofL are able to inspire their students in much the same way as their traditional counterparts, leading to students nominating their online educators for the annual campus “Faculty Favorites” list.

Assistant professor Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, who teaches computer science courses at the Speed School of Engineering, and has had his research widely published, has now been recognized by his online students as both a Professor of the Year as well as a Faculty Favorite for several years running. Yampolskiy himself strives to bring the very best in tools and educational experiences to his online students. He recognizes the value in his online classroom and makes sure to treat his students as human beings, not just as names on a screen.

According to one of the students who nominated Yampolskiy for his Top Four placement among the Faulty Favorites, Yampolskiy was “very available to students with questions.” Other students commended his approachability, intelligence, passion for education, open-mindedness and his ability to inject humor into some of the more ‘dry’ subject matters. One thing is abundantly clear from all of the student nominations – Dr. Yampolskiy knows his students, and his students know and respect him, regardless of the fact that many have never met him face to face.

The quality of online instruction from the award-winning faculty at the University of Louisville truly speaks to the level of education being offered. When online students are able to feel as passionately about their professors as traditional students do, the online campus community is clearly not just existing, but thriving. With the diverse and nationally ranked online programs available to choose from, prospective students can rest easy in their decision to pursue degrees online. The quality of an online education from UofL shines through the dedicated faculty and staff, like Dr. Yampolskiy, who tirelessly work to build and solidify a sense of true community via the virtual classroom.

To read more on the talented Dr. Roman Yampolskiy, please click the following link – http://uoflonline.com/2014/09/roman-yampolskiy/. For further information on exploring the many benefits and flexibilities of an online education at the University of Louisville, please visit us online.

Classroom Reading Endorsement (P-12) now offered 100% online!

By Laura Dorman | April 10, 2015

The University of Louisville and the College of Education and Human Development are excited to announce the addition of the Classroom Reading Endorsement (P-12) to their repertoire of online programs. This endorsement prepares teachers to become the literacy leaders of today and tomorrow and create dynamic learning environments that are both intellectually challenging and empowering for students with varied abilities.

The inquiry-centric and research-driven curriculum makes this program unique as it engages teachers to connect pedagogic approaches and concepts with real-world classroom settings to maximize students’ potential.

The online CRE (P-12) program is designed to develop and support teachers as researchers in their own classroom where they can uncover how to effectively help every student in finding his or her own unique pathway to literacy. Educators with a CRE (P-12) can gain increased marketability and advancement within the field. Additionally, completion of this program brings opportunity for leadership roles, career focus transitioning, and increased salaries. Endorsement students have the opportunity to grow professionally while expanding their credentials to excel in the creation and implementation of cutting edge P-12 literacy based learning methods.

The CRE (P-12) curriculum is aligned with the standards and requirements of the International Literacy Association (ILA) and the National Council of Teachers of English (NCTE).

Speaking to the tremendous value of this program, for both teachers and students, Lori Norton-Meier, Ph.D., Literacy Program Coordinator at UofL, said: “The word ‘inquiry’ is central to our mission and program design. We don’t just lecture on best practices – we create opportunities for teachers to be inquirers in their own classrooms – that’s what makes us different from other programs which are more prescribed and rigid. We build on teachers’ expertise and empower teachers to be researchers in their own classroom. It is the only way we are going to make a real difference for every reader and writer in our classrooms! We have to keep questioning, keep wondering and keep studying our practice. We believe that the teaching and learning are found in each teacher’s classroom – that is why we are so excited about this online program – it moves the learning out of a university classroom and into realistic settings.”

The Classroom Reading Endorsement (P-12) 18 credit hours program is now being offered in a 100% online format, providing great ease and flexibility in accommodating the schedules of current teaching professionals. Utilizing a proven applied-knowledge method to enhance various personal learning styles, students will have the freedom to access their course content from any location, while selecting a predetermined time of day for their online sessions.

To be considered for admission, CRE (P-12) online program applicants must hold a bachelor’s degree as well as a valid initial teacher certification. The endorsement can be completed as a standalone online program, or in conjunction with the University of Louisville’s Master of Education in Teacher Leadership or Master of Education in Literacy, as well as a Rank I program.

The University of Louisville continues its commitment to advance the knowledge of educators through endorsement and extension programs. The online P-12 Classroom Reading Endorsement program is another great example of such program that allows them to truly stand out in their profession and lead the efforts of improving literacy in their classroom, community and the nation.

Please contact us with any questions – our online learning counselors are happy to answers your questions and connect you with the resources you need to apply and enroll at UofL.

RN-to-BSN Program’s Revised Curriculum Results in Cost Savings

By admin | March 25, 2015

Saving future nursing students nearly $5,000 is one benefit of the University of Louisville School of Nursing’s revamped RN-to-BSN online program that reflects the evolving nature of health care. Some courses have been restructured and others, such as population health and nursing leadership and health policy, are new to the program.

“In Kentucky, only 33 percent of the nursing workforce is baccalaureate-prepared. The Institute of Medicine has recommended that 80 percent of nurses receive a bachelor’s degree by the year 2020,”said Marcia J. Hern, Ed.D., CNS, RN, dean, UofL School of Nursing. “It is well documented that baccalaureate–prepared nurses have decreased patient deaths and better outcomes in caring for patients with complex diseases.”

The online RN-to-BSN program provides a flexible, cost-effective opportunity for nurses with an associate’s degree or a nursing diploma to earn a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing at their own pace. Students can finish the program in as few as 16 months, although they may take more time if needed.

Accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE), the RN-to-BSN program requires 31 core credits plus 30 portfolio credits. The portfolio consists of a resume, goal statement, professional development documentation, and other materials to support practice as a professional nurse. These 30 tuition-free credit hours count toward graduation requirements – a value of more than $14,000 in tuition costs.

“The affordability and convenience of the online education platform combined with the strong support of award-winning faculty and access to all university support services makes the online RN-to-BSN program ideal for nurses seeking a baccalaureate degree,” Hern said.

There’s still time to apply for this summer! In addition, July 1 is the application deadline for fall classes, along with December 1 for spring classes.

Learn more about UofL’s 100% online RN-to-BSN program here.

Financial Aid: Getting Started Guide

By admin | November 12, 2014

We know the cost of education is one of the most important considerations when deciding where to pursue a degree. The University of Louisville is committed to ensuring you’re knowledgeable about all of your financial aid options. That’s why the university created Start to Finish, a collection of all the information you’ll need to simplify the financial aid process and make earning a degree affordable for your family.

The information below answers some of the basic questions about financial aid, but you can always visit our website to learn more about online tuition and financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements

General eligibility requirements for Federal Student Aid include:

Must be admitted to the college and enrolled in a degree-granting program (visiting students and students in non-degree/graduate certificate programs are not eligible)
Must be a U.S. citizen or a permanent resident
Must be enrolled at least half time (for loans and state grant aid)
Must not be in default on any prior student loan or owe a refund on a federal grant
Must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year

FAFSA Submission

The cornerstone of the financial aid process is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Complete the FAFSA online to determine your eligibility for need-based federal student aid. The UofL school code you’ll need when filing the FAFSA is 001999.

Please note that international students are not eligible for federal financial aid, with some exceptions. To learn more about eligibility for international students, visit the U.S. Department of Education website.

To complete the FAFSA, make sure to have ready all of the following:

Social Security Number
Driver’s license number (if applicable)
Alien Registration Number (if not a U.S. citizen)
W-2 forms and other 2012 records of money earned
Federal income tax return (use estimates if not yet completed)
Information on savings & investments, and records of untaxed income

Note: Dependent students must provide all information for self and parents.
Independent students must provide all information for self and spouse, if married.

Application Verification

After the FAFSA has been submitted, the Financial Aid Office may contact the student if additional information is required for verification. The FAFSA is the application for all federal and state grants. Should a student require student loans, the FAFSA is the application for the Federal Stafford Loan Program as well.

Other tuition payment options

Applying for federal aid is a great option for tuition payment. However, there are several other options for covering the cost of earning a degree:

Military benefits. Visit http://louisville.edu/veterans or contact Carissa Gentry.
Employer tuition assistance. Ask your employer if this benefit is available.
Convenient payment plans. Make several payments throughout the semester.
If you attend KCTCS or Ivy Tech Community College (Sellersburg, IN), you may qualify for the Academic Transfer Scholarship. Visit the transfer services website for details.
- Some scholarship opportunities can be found at https://louisville.edu/financialaid/scholarships. Most scholarship opportunities only apply to undergraduate students.
You might also qualify for the Go Higher Grant, a need-based grant awarded to Kentucky residents age 24 or older. Visit the Go Higher Grant web site for application details and qualifications.
- Other grant opportunities can be found at https://louisville.edu/financialaid/grants. This includes federal and state grant programs, designated to students working towards a first bachelor’s degree (eligibility based on FAFSA and school information).
Department Aid. Check with your program about additional scholarship opportunities.

UofL’s Office of Student Financial Aid is available to answer any questions you have about the financial aid process. Visit the financial aid web page or contact a financial aid counselor at 502.852.5511.

Category: News