Off-campus programs: both rigorous and warm
Strong academics and nonstop student service. These are two qualities that make CMU’s off-campus programs shine, according to Merodie Hancock, vice president and executive director.
She says students, who are mainly working professionals, are pleased to find relevant courses that they’re able to apply immediately in their jobs.
Off-campus faculty are a mix of academicians who present a theoretical approach and practitioners whose strengths are real-world experience.
“It’s not necessarily the cheapest model, but we really believe in what we’re doing,” Hancock says.
Students find off-campus and online courses academically rigorous, for which Hancock says she’s proud.
“We will not apologize for difficult programs,” she says. “We won’t compete with other institutions by making an easier program.”
And the nonstop student service begins even before a student is enrolled, when staff members painstakingly match students with the programs to fit their needs.
“We do a tremendous amount of education on the front end,” Hancock says. “It’s really about getting the right students in the right programs.”
Academic advisors have students write their educational goals on postcards before their first class. Then CMU mails the postcards to the students after they’ve taken a few classes as a reminder to keep their goals in sight.
It’s part of CMU’s personal touch.
Nationwide, the business of off-campus education programs is growing in numbers and competitiveness. And now the university that was a pioneer in off-campus programs must remain open to change.
Some recent programs of growth for CMU include a new SAP certification program; an undergraduate transfer program that works with community colleges around the state; online charter schools; and a vehicle design program.
Hancock says the faculty and staff are always looking at what could be done differently or better.
“The pace of change in adult education is huge right now,” she says. “It’s a very dynamic mix, and you just have to stay in touch with it. We’re just not allowed to sit around and rest. We’re very nimble.” •
