July 6, 2010
WVU Parkersburg to develop on-line virtual campus for state's community and technical colleges.
CONTACT: Dr. Rhonda Richards, senior vice president for Academic Affairs, 304-424-8242.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASEWest Virginia University at Parkersburg has been selected to develop an on-line virtual campus for the state's community and technical colleges.
The West Virginia Community and Technical College Council has approved WVU Parkersburg as the state coordinator in the development of on-line courses for the system's 10 community colleges.
"The goal is to increase the capacity of the CTC system to offer additional courses via a virtual campus," Dr. Rhonda Richards, senior vice president for academic affairs, said.
WVU Parkersburg has expertise in the delivery of on-line offerings, she noted. College officials cite growth in the institution's on-line courses as contributing significantly to WVU Parkersburg's recent record enrollment increases.
"We lead the state's community colleges in the number of courses and students enrolled in both on-line courses and programs," she added.
The CTC Council is partnering with WVU Parkersburg to coordinate the development of the community college system's virtual campus. The Council will provide funding for a half-time position to oversee its daily operations.
The website will list on-line courses and corresponding registration information for each of the community colleges participating in the on-line portal, Dr. Richards noted.
Among WVU Parkersburg's administrative responsibilities for the virtual campus will be establishing a protocol for the system's on-line courses, and assessing the on-line delivery.
"We will monitor the enrollment in the on-line courses and make recommendations for courses that are needed for subsequent semesters based on trend data and demonstrated needs," Dr. Richards said.
Currently, WVU Parkersburg offers more than 100 on-line courses and four associate degrees which can be completed on-line.
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For additional information, contact:
Connie Dziagwa
WVU Parkersburg
Executive Director
Institutional Advancement
(304-424-8203 - Office)
