Category: Feature Stories

WCET Recognizes UofL Online’s Excellence with SANsational AWARD 2023

WCET Recognizes UofL Online’s Excellence with SANsational AWARD 2023

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WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies and the State Authorization Network (SAN) division have announced the recipients of the 2023 State Authorization Network SANsational awards, and the University of Louisville’s Jennifer Hurwitz, Distance Education Compliance Manager, is the winner of the “Compliance Innovations” category.A critical aspect of distance education compliance is raising awareness about the existing regulations and coordinating compliance solutions, and that is exactly what Delphi’s Distance Education Compliance Manager, Jennifer Hurwitz, strives to do. She was recognized for her innovative approach to a compliance challenge that many struggle with – a multitude of conflicting priorities and calendars that are overbooked. Instead of scheduling another meeting, Jennifer identified where key stakeholders already were and leveraged two existing university leadership meetings to build trust and maintain awareness of academic compliance issues, essentially carving out space for academic compliance awareness to spread throughout the campus community.

At first glance, academic compliance may seem purely administrative in nature, but Jennifer’s role and her commitment to distance education compliance touch faculty as well, especially those teaching online. Faculty who are new to teaching online courses may not be aware that regular and substantive interactions between faculty and students are required by federal regulation in order to differentiate distance education from correspondence courses. Consequently, University of Louisville faculty teaching online courses are required to submit the Regular and Substantive Interaction (RSI) attestation form once every academic year; this process was established in an effort to document our compliance.

Of course, seasoned faculty teaching online courses understand the importance of engaging with students on a regular basis and how these interactions enhance the online learning experience. It is not news to them that effective teaching in the online environment requires a different approach than the “sage on the stage” method that used to be the norm in face-to-face courses. However, faculty teaching online courses may not fully understand the importance of completing their RSI attestation every academic year, which is why Jennifer continues to highlight academic compliance issues and meet members of our campus community where they already are.

Congratulations to Jennifer for the national recognition and outstanding strategic compliance work that helps our teaching community excel!

About WCET
The WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies (WCET) is the leader in the practice, policy, and advocacy of technology-enhanced higher education. WCET’s State Authorization Network (SAN) assists each member institution, system, or consortium through access to experts and networking among others seeking to comply with state regulations.

Future UofL students who live outside of the state of Kentucky can look up the state authorization for the program of their choice on the Online Learning website at http://louisville.edu/online/About-Us/state-authorization-regulations. For more information, contact Kristen Brown, kristen.brown@louisville.edu, 502.852.8565.

To view all online programs at UofL visit http://louisville.edu/online/programs

 
Navigating the Healthcare Maze by Earning a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

Navigating the Healthcare Maze by Earning a Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management

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The University of Louisville in conjunction with the School of Public Health and Information Sciences is thrilled to announce the launch of our newest online certificate , the Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management. This certificate is ideal for current and future healthcare professionals including nurses, clinical workers and allied health administrators who want to enhance their skills and advance to leadership and management positions. The online Graduate Certificate in Healthcare Management is a 14-credit hour, 5-course program with each course delivered in an 8-week course format, 100% online. 

Healthcare management is the practice of overseeing the business aspects of healthcare organizations, ensuring the institutions operate efficiently and effectively. These organizations can include hospitals, clinics, pharmaceutical companies, insurance providers, and more. Healthcare managers play a crucial role in making strategic decisions, improving patient care, and optimizing resources. In today’s complex and ever-evolving healthcare landscape, the need for skilled professionals who can effectively manage healthcare organizations has never been greater. Whether you’re a healthcare practitioner looking to transition into a managerial role or a business professional seeking a career in the healthcare industry, earning a graduate certificate in healthcare management can be a smart strategic move.  

One of the primary reasons to pursue a graduate certificate in healthcare management is career advancement. This certificate can open doors to leadership positions within healthcare organizations, allowing you to make a meaningful impact on patient care and the overall healthcare system. Once enrolled in this program you’ll learn applicable and transferable healthcare industry knowledge through courses in Health Policy and Analysis, Foundations of Public Health in Health Management, Population Health Management and more.  

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical and health service managers is projected to grow by 28% in the next ten years, which is much faster than the average growth for all occupations.  The median annual wage for medical and health service managers was $101,340 in May of 2021 (bls.gov). A Graduate Certificate in Health Management can provide you with the expertise needed to advance into leadership roles within most healthcare organizations. Graduates are well suited to apply their credentials toward positions like Care Coordinators, Clinical Managers, Health Administrators, Medical Managers, Policy Analysts, and so much more. Students can also apply the credits earned in the Graduate Certificate of Healthcare Management towards UofL’s online Master of Science in Health Administration degree – saving the student both time and money while using their credits to further their educational journey.  

The healthcare industry is constantly evolving, and healthcare management professionals need to adapt to new challenges and technologies. Earning a graduate certificate demonstrates your commitment to staying current in the field and a smart investment in your future. It equips you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in a dynamic and critical industry while opening doors to a wide range of career opportunities. As healthcare continues to evolve, healthcare managers play an essential role in shaping the future of patient care and healthcare delivery. To learn more about the certificate at UofL, or our other online programs, click here.   
Get Involved Virtually at UofL

Get Involved Virtually at UofL

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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

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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. 

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