Posts Tagged ‘college advisers’

How to avoid a diploma mill

Monday, December 28th, 2009

You’ve heard the warnings about online diploma mills, scholarship scams and other dangerous “educational” offerings lurking on the Web.

But how’s a busy adult learner supposed to tell the difference between reputable online universities and those they should avoid?

Western Governors University offers these questions to ask to pick an online school that will advance your knowledge—not just take from your pocketbook.

1. Does the school offers the degree program you need to advance your education and career? For example, if you’re considering a teaching degree, will it prepare you to be licensed as a teacher?

2. Are the programs challenging and rigorous enough to be worth your time and expense?

3. Is the school accredited?

4. Are employers willing to hire graduates of this online university?

5. How does the degree program work? Will you attend classes via webinar, study independently, be required to visit a physical campus?

6. How much will it cost?

7. What type of help and support does the school offer its students?

How will I know if a college is equipped to advise adult learners?

Tuesday, December 15th, 2009

Even if you choose to attend college online, you still want to be advised and cared for as if you were a traditional student living in the dorms.

Western Governors University suggests asking these questions before enrolling to make sure you’ll be connected on campus—whether you’re on campus or online.

- Is each student assigned an advisor or mentor?

- How often will the student be able to communicate with an advisor, and who will be available to provide extra help and support if needed?

- Is there an online student community?

- Are there learning communities for specific degree programs?

- Are online study groups available?

Use the college’s advisers

Wednesday, August 26th, 2009

Shelly Scheffe

When Shelly Scheffe enrolled in the University of Phoenix, she was assigned both academic and financial advisers.

“My enrollment counselor called almost every weekday for the first several weeks to make sure I was adjusting to going back to school,” she says. They now touch base monthly.

“This support gave me the encouragement I needed to go back to school and succeed,” she says.

Scheffe originally planned to earn a bachelor’s degree in business, but switched to business/IS because of the job opportunities and her previous work experience with computers and software.

“I was at a point in my career [where] I had to get more education if I wanted to be eligible for future promotions,” Scheffe says. “Plus I was leaning toward a career change since my options were limited without six to eight more years in school at my

Scheffe recommends using your college’s resources and advisers to be successful.

“Success begins with believing in yourself, even when things all seem to go wrong as life does sometimes,” she says. “…Help is available, but you have to ask for it. No one knows if you are struggling with a particular assignment if you don’t let someone know. Tutors, classmates (even online classmates) and online tutorials are tools that are available to help anyone succeed in school.”

We wrote the book on going back to learn, literally.

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