Category: Feature Stories

Read UofL Online feature stories highlighting university achievements, faculty excellence, and the dedication of military students and partners in online learning.

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville
Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

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Exploring Competency-Based Education at University of Louisville

Returning to school and earning your degree can open new doors in your career. For students balancing family, work and school, though, the time commitment can seem daunting. Fortunately, UofL’s Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor of Science in Organization Leadership and Learning degree program is offered 100% online, allowing students to fit the classroom into their own busy lives.

The healthcare track also incorporates a Competency-Based Education model (CBE) which can help speed your path to graduation in three important ways.

How Does Competency-Based Education Work?

The driving force behind the Competency-Based Education model is to award credit for what students have already learned inside and outside the classroom. The aim is to make finishing your bachelor’s degree as easy as 1-2-3.

1) CBE rewards your previous college work

Whether you have started or even completed your associate’s degree, or have earned credit at a four-year college, applicants to the Healthcare Leadership program are eligible to transfer over 36 credit hours towards the general education requirements of your degree.

2) CBE gives credit for on-the-job knowledge

The Healthcare Leadership track of the Bachelor’s in Organizational Leadership and Learning degree begins with a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) that allows students to demonstrate their professional knowledge and earn up to 48 credit hours tuition-free.

3) CBE allows you to set the pace

After transferring credits and completing the PLA, students may take the core curriculum of the Healthcare Leadership (36 credit hours) track in a competency-based model. There are also two enrollment paths available, offering varying degrees of flexibility:

  • Flex Pace: Students have 32 weeks to move through the program materials at their own pace, providing more flexibility and self-direction.
  • Set Pace: Students enroll in 8-week courses and complete each course within a pre-determined time frame, offering the benefits of accelerated courses within a more traditional university structure.

Your Degree is Nearer Than You Think

Between transfer credits, on-the-job knowledge and competency-based coursework, the Healthcare Leadership bachelor’s program is designed to bring your career and education goals within reach.

The Healthcare Leadership program at University of Louisville starts the first Tuesday of every month except December, so you can begin the next chapter of your career right away. Visit the online program’s homepage to learn more and apply today!

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

5 Tips for Staying Organized During the College Application Process
5 Tips for Staying Organized During the College Application Process

5 Tips for Staying Organized During the College Application Process

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5 Tips for Staying Organized During the College Application Process

Whether it’s keeping track of deadlines, requesting recommendation letters and transcripts, or writing thank you notes to admissions officers, there is always something to remember to do when completing your college applications. Staying organized is key to keeping the process moving forward and making sure you don’t miss any deadlines.

Stay On Track: Applying to the University of Louisville

We sat down with University of Louisville’s Senior Enrollment Counselor for Online Learning for a few tips about how to stay on track with the college application process.

1) Request Official Transcripts

Transcripts from any previous schools you’ve attended are one of the most important documents you’ll need when applying for admission. Generally, there are a few steps for obtaining your transcripts.

  • Call or email the school’s Office of the Registrar
  • Ask if they require written consent to release your transcript and, if so, ask if you can provide consent electronically
  • Send written consent to the school by email or through their preferred process

Note that many universities and colleges charge a small processing fee for providing transcripts.

2) Monitor ULink After Applying

ULink is UofL’s student web portal through which you can review where you stand in the application process. After you’ve applied, log in to ULink and navigate to the Student Services tab, then select View my application status.

Here you’ll be notified if you have missing documents preventing your application from being accepted, and you’ll be able to see the overall status of your application.

3) Complete the FAFSA

When applying, it’s important to complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) as quickly as possible to maximize financial aid opportunities. Specifically in Kentucky, funding for the Kentucky College Access Program Grant is awarded to undergraduate students on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted.

If you need any assistance completing the FAFSA, contact UofL’s Student Financial Aid Office.

4) Submit Supplemental Documents

Depending on what program you’re applying for, you may be required to submit supplemental documents as part of the application process. These include resumes, personal statements, and letters of recommendation.

If required, you can email these documents directly to UofL Admissions at the undergraduate and graduate levels.

5) Track Deadlines

It goes without saying, but deadlines, deadlines, deadlines. Many steps of the application process have deadlines, and they vary slightly depending on what program your applying to. Application deadlines can be viewed on the Admissions website.

Also, keep in mind the FAFSA has its own deadlines, which can be viewed on their website.

The best things you can do are note the deadlines in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone ahead of time, and always complete the application process as early as possible.

About UofL Online Learning

The University of Louisville currently offers online programs in various areas of study for adult learners who are not able to come to a physical campus, but want to earn a college degree or certificate and advance their career.

The University of Louisville is a nationally-recognized, metropolitan research university, with a commitment to the liberal arts and sciences, as well as the intellectual, cultural, and economic development of our diverse community of learners.

University of Louisville Online Winter Session
No Hibernation: UofL Launches Online Winter Session

No Hibernation: UofL Launches Online Winter Session

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University of Louisville Online Winter Session

Even though Fall has only just started, we can already feel that proverbial chill in the air. That’s because we’re excited to announce UofL’s inaugural 100% online Winter Session coming this December.

“What is Winter Session,” you ask?

Here are the five Ws to bring you up to speed!

What Is Winter Session?

Winter Session is a three-week accelerated session offering over 30 undergraduate and graduate courses delivered 100% online. It is the perfect opportunity to exchange hibernation for knowledge.

When Is Winter Session?

Registration opens October 16. Classes start December 13. You’re finished by January 4.

Who Can Take Courses?

The online Winter Session is open to all current UofL students, as well as new, transfer and visiting students. Current students should meet with their advisors prior to registration. New, transfer and visiting students should apply for admission.

Why Jump Into a Winter Session Course?

Whether you’ve been waitlisted for another term, need to catch up or want to get ahead, knocking out a Winter Session course in three weeks is the best way to get where you want to go in a flurry.

That’s a snow pun. Enjoy!

Where Do Winter Session Classes Meet?

All Winter Session courses are 100% online, so you can literally attend from anywhere with WiFi.

That’s Winter Session in a nutshell. Space is limited, so get in touch with your advisor or apply for admission if you want to take the plunge.

If you want more information about course offerings, financial aid, registration or tech support and all that jazz, check out the Winter Session website.

We hope you’ll join us. It’ll fly right by.
A Family Tradition: Dr. Shawnise Miller Tells Her Social Work Story

A Family Tradition: Dr. Shawnise Miller Tells Her Social Work Story

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Shawnise Miller - Director of Online Master's in Social Work at University of LouisvilleAn inspirational story of a family tradition helped shape a young leader—Dr. Shawnise Miller, the new Program Director for the online Master of Science in Social Work from the Kent School of Social Work at the University of Louisville.

When asked what drew her to the field of social work, Dr. Miller immediately thinks back to her childhood.

“My grandmother was the director of a local social service agency and from an early age, I spent time at her office. I didn’t go to daycare, I went to work with my grandmother. And even after starting school, I would spend my summer breaks at her office. Watching her help people and their families shaped me greatly.”

It was there that she learned that help can come in a variety of forms. “It could be providing direct services like food or financial assistance for rent…or it could be advocating for social justice on behalf of individuals or even whole groups of people.”

Entering the Family Business

When it came time to chart her own career course, Dr. Miller followed the passion for helping others in which she was raised and pursued her bachelor’s in psychology at the University of Louisville. Once she got started, she just couldn’t stop and pursued her master’s and her Ph.D. in social work.

“Growing up, my father always told me that school was my job, so I took it seriously. I developed a true love and appreciation for learning…And now, one of the most rewarding parts of teaching for me is being able to fulfill my own passion for learning as I challenge myself to explore new teaching techniques and technologies and develop new curriculum to then challenge my students.”

In addition to being the program director, Dr. Miller is also a professor, teaching Diversity, Oppression, and Social Justice Practice, a foundation course in the MSSW program. It’s there that she gets to help students bridge the gap between the theoretical concepts presented in social work literature and concrete examples of people and communities in need.

“I love seeing the lighMaster's in Social Work Course at University of Louisvillet bulb moments for my students…watching them make connections between course materials and real-life situations.”

In her course, students will also learn how to collaborate with peers, an essential skill in social work where so much of the work is spent building relationships and connecting clients with the right people who can offer the best assistance.

“Collaborative work is something my students will engage in throughout their careers so I integrate it throughout my curriculum. I give a group assignment and then I work with each group to help them work effectively and efficiently as a team. I have to be intentional about teaching them to collaborate…I can’t make the assumption they already know how.”

Dr. Miller’s experience in the online classroom and her dedication to staying on the cutting edge of online learning techniques promise good things in the online social work program at U of L’s Kent School. We on the Online Learning team are excited about her appointment and look forward to working with her.

About UofL’s Master’s in Social Work

If you have considered pursuing your master’s in social work, please take a moment and visit our site to learn more about UofL’s social work program. We offer a 30- and a 60-hour program depending on your background and experience, and we would love the opportunity to help you pursue your education goals.

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