Resources and Guides for the Online Student

Use Blackboard Ultra as a Tool to Facilitate Your Academic Success

By Conner Mackowiak | September 4, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

For many, Blackboard is a familiar resource and tool used by many colleges and universities around the country to help students manage their assignments, locate a syllabus, communicate with professors and so much more. While beneficial for in-person students, Blackboard is particularly helpful for online students, who don’t always have the opportunity of being able to check in with professors in-person.

Starting with the fall 2024 semester, UofL has transitioned to Blackboard Ultra! Blackboard Ultra provides users with a more modernized view and better accessibility for mobile users.

For those who have been away from school for some time, managing and navigating this software can certainly be intimidating. That’s why we took the time to prepare two quick resources to help you learn how to navigate this platform with ease, simplifying your academic pursuits!

Click here to watch a quick video from Blackboard Ultra that can help you better understand where to find common features, like where your grades and assignments are located.

Additionally, you can click here for a full Blackboard orientation! This can be especially helpful for first time users, or for those who have been away from higher education for an extended time.

The start of the semester can be a challenging and overwhelming time, with new software, due dates, expectations and so much more getting thrown at you all at once. Let us be the first to say, we believe in you! You’ve made the exciting and honorable choice to advance your life and your education, and we’re here to support your journey however we can. Check out the links above to learn more about Blackboard Ultra, and best of luck with the start of your new semester! Go Cards!

UofL Online Certificate in Accounting Program Graduate Shares Story

By Conner Mackowiak | August 7, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Meet Kelly Casey! Kelly recently completed the accounting certificate, one of UofL’s fully online accountancy programs (check out our nationally recognized Bachelor of Science in Business Administration (BSBA) in Accountancy here!). In the following video she details her experience with the online accounting certificate, and shares what students can expect during their time in online courses.

UofL’s online accounting certificate delivers knowledge that can help you to pursue or grow a successful career in the accounting field, especially for those looking to gain new skills and tools. The nine-course certificate covers key areas including financial accounting, managerial accounting, taxation, information systems and auditing. All these courses are offered online with no set class times, so you can complete this certificate from home whenever it works for you and your schedule!

Thank you to Kelly for sharing her story! You can learn more about our Online Certificate in Accounting in the link below.

Learn more!

Nurturing Hope: The Role of Social Workers on Healthcare Teams

By Caitlin Horsley | July 11, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Cancer is a word we all fear because at some level we understand its inherent magnitude—when an individual receives a cancer diagnosis their world changes completely. Cancer not only affects the physical health of individuals but also deeply influences their emotional and social well-being. Coping with a cancer diagnosis involves navigating a complex web of challenges. Within the realm of social work, a concentration in psychosocial oncology can equip practitioners with the tools and knowledge to provide comprehensive support to individuals and families facing cancer.

What is Psychosocial Oncology?

Psychosocial oncology is a specialized field within social work that addresses the biological, psychological, social, spiritual, sexual, and cultural aspects of care needed for managing any chronic or life-limiting disease. Professionals in this field understand that cancer and other life-limiting conditions affect more than just the body; it touches every aspect of a person’s life. From diagnosis through survivorship or end-of-life care, oncology social workers offer support to help individuals and families cope with the challenges these diagnoses can present. Here are some crucial roles psychosocial oncology practitioners may play on the healthcare team:

Help weighing decisions regarding treatment and advocating for patients’ rights
Assistance with non-medical, practical issues such as housing, transportation, childcare, and food insecurity
Offer support for emotional issues that can arise such as anxiety, depression, sadness, and worry
Advise and guide individuals on navigating the complexities of interpersonal relationships with their spouse/partner, families, and coworkers
Aid in navigating spiritual concerns like changes in faith or beliefs, ritual or dietary needs, conflicts between beliefs and treatment plans, death, dying, or the afterlife

Is Psychosocial Oncology the Right Career Path for Me?

The psychosocial oncology concentration would be an ideal fit for you if you are passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of those facing cancer and are eager to specialize in an area where compassion, empathy and expertise converge to offer comprehensive, psychosocial care. The psychosocial oncology concentration available within the online Master of Science in Social Work (MSSW) program at the University of Louisville (UofL) has existed for 14 years and is the only program of its kind nationally. The courses for the psychosocial oncology concentration at UofL are taught through the lens of cancer treatment, but the knowledge and expertise are transferable to any chronic or life-limiting disease. This concentration focuses on the holistic needs of individuals and families affected by terminal or chronic diseases. Our graduates play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life and promoting resilience in the face of adversity. In the healthcare journey, psychosocial oncology social workers are beacons of support, compassion, and hope.

Here are some of the roles you may be qualified for as a graduate of the online MSSW program with a concentration in psychosocial oncology:

Oncology social worker
Social worker in behavioral health
Counselor
Patient navigator
Palliative care social worker
Hospice social worker

Earn Your MSSW at UofL

UofL’s online master’s in social work focuses on expanding students’ application of methods and decision-making practices that promote social justice and build stronger communities. The psychosocial oncology concentration is one of six concentrations students can pursue when completing our Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited, highly ranked MSSW. The other options are Alcohol and Drug Counseling, Gerontology, Mental Health, Military Social Work, Psychosocial Oncology or School Social Work*. Students who choose the psychosocial concentration can expect to take courses like:

MSSW 647 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology I Social Work Practice with Individuals and Families in Healthcare**
MSSW 648 Psychosocial Practice in Oncology II: Social Work Practice to Promote Health Equity**
MSSW 633 Social Work and Human Sexuality
MSSW 636 Advanced Death and Grief
MSSW 684 Spirituality and Social Work

All social work programs at UofL are offered through the Raymond A. Kent School of Social Work and Family Science (Kent School). Since its founding in 1936, the Kent School has been a catalyst for change with a mission to empower and transform lives. After nearly a decade of preparing students to work in a society with complex social problems and needs, the Kent School has earned its place among the top social work programs. The MSSW is ranked as one of the top programs in the state of Kentucky and is nationally ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Through rigorous academic programs, hands-on practicum experiences, and a supportive learning environment, the Kent School curriculum has been expertly designed to prepare students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence to become compassionate and capable practitioners.

If psychosocial oncology, or any of the MSSW concentrations, sounds like the right fit for you, request more information on our website to be contacted by a member of our enrollment team.
Are you looking for an undergraduate program? There is a nationally ranked online Bachelor of Social Work (BSW) available from the Kent School, and you can read more on our website.

* The school social work concentration is available to Kentucky residents only.

** Required coursework toward the Psychosocial Oncology concentration.

Uncharted Territory: The Impact of New Technology on the U.S. Legal System

By Caitlin Horsley | June 14, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Whether it’s discourse over banning potentially harmful social media applications or how artificial intelligence (AI) begins to redefine how our society is safeguarded, the landscape of criminal justice and law enforcement is certainly changing.

If you want to be part of impactful discussions surrounding the U.S. legal system, UofL offers nationally ranked bachelor’s and master’s degree programs in criminal justice 100% online.

“AI has the potential to improve decision making but its implementation must be carefully considered and evaluated. This requires a strong understanding of our system and its goals as well as an appreciation of its deficits.”

Tom "Tad" Hughes, JD, PhD

Professor & Chair, Department of Criminal Justice

Embracing the AI Era in Criminal Justice

In recent years, AI has sparked excitement and concern with its integration into various sectors and criminal justice is no exception. From predictive policing to risk assessment tools and courtroom decision-making aids, this technology is being diversly leveraged to enhance efficiency and effectiveness within the legal system. We find ourselves at the start of a transformative era where AI and human intellect can work synergistically because it is evident that the future will be led by those who can harness its revolutionary potential.

As AI continues to permeate society, its implications for the criminal justice system are both promising and perilous. While this technology has the potential to improve efficiency, transparency and fairness, it also poses significant risks if not utilized and regulated thoughtfully. In February 2024, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) named its first official focused solely on AI, highlighting the profound impact it is poised to have on law enforcement and the criminal justice system. Additionally, this hiring underscores the need for professionals who can engage in informed discussions about harnessing the benefits of AI while mitigating its potential harms (Reuters).

How Can AI be Used in Criminal Justice?

AI is already being used in several new ways within the field of criminal justice. Some of the ways AI is already being used include:

AI in policing (a.k.a. predictive policing): This concept uses algorithms to forecast where crime is likely to occur based on data from crime reports, demographics, and even weather patterns.
Risk assessment: AI-driven risk assessment tools aim to assist judges and parole boards by predicting the likelihood of an individual reoffending or failing to appear in court.
Courtroom transcription: AI-powered tools for transcription and translation are streamlining court proceedings, making them more accessible and efficient.

Where Do We Go from Here: New Frontiers

In April, the DOJ announced that its research, development and evaluation arm (the National Institute of Justice or “NIJ”) would be researching and later issuing a report on the use of AI in the criminal system. The NIJ’s report will address the use of AI throughout the criminal justice system and identify areas where the technology could benefit law enforcement, outline recommended best practices and make recommendations to the White House on additional actions (FedScoop.com).

According to FedScoop, the NTI’s report was included (among additional actions intended to strengthen civil rights) in President Biden’s October 2023 executive order on the technology. President Biden’s order aims to “promote the equitable treatment of individuals and adhere to the Federal Government’s fundamental obligation to ensure fair and impartial justice for all.”

As the DOJ takes its first decisive steps towards embracing and regulating AI, those working in criminal justice are preparing for a paradigm shift. You can be at the forefront of change as a criminal justice practitioner with an online criminal justice degree from UofL. Our fully online bachelor’s program can provide foundational knowledge for aspiring professionals including a comprehensive understanding of criminology, law enforcement and criminal procedure. In our master’s, you can further your understanding and delve deeper into the complexities of the criminal legal system through advanced coursework. Confront the complex challenges of tomorrow head-on, armed with the knowledge, skills and ethical framework to effect meaningful transformation in society—enroll in one of our online criminal justice degrees today!

Category: Online Student Resources