October 30, 2007

LIVINGSTON, Ala.--In response to the dramatic growth of the University of West Alabama’s online enrollment and course offerings, UWA has announced the creation of its Division of Online Programs.

Under the direction of Dean Louis Smith, the Division is responsible for overseeing all aspects of the University’s online degree programs, including course scheduling and staffing, planning and assessment and responding to student questions and concerns. Previously, online programs were housed in the School of Graduate Studies.

The University began its online program in 2002, with only 13 students enrolled. The popularity of the program, which now offers 14 master’s degrees and two bachelor’s degrees, is evidenced by the tremendous growth in enrollment in only five years. UWA’s online enrollment is up nearly 40 percent from only a year ago, with more than 2,000 students currently taking advantage of the more flexible schedules offered by this type of coursework.

“Because of the rapid growth of the University’s online program, we knew we had to become more proactive when dealing with these opportunities,” said Smith. “Our graduates and current students are our best recruiters, so we listened to them and created our online advising center to field questions and advise the students.

“Although we offer many classes online, UWA still provides the same personal service for which the University is known,” he added.

The Division, which includes online program advisors, works in close coordination with financial aid, information systems, admission services and the registrar, as well as all academic units, to ensure the effective and efficient operation of all online programs.

For more information about UWA’s new Division of Online Programs, please call toll-free 1-877-UWA-1835 or visit www.online.uwa.edu.