University News
School of Extended Studies Renamed School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach
June 3, 2010
MACOMB, IL – To better reflect its commitment to distance education and its services to nontraditional students, Western Illinois University's School of Extended Studies has been renamed the School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach, according to Provost Jack Thomas. Current Director Richard Carter continues to serve as the director.
In addition, with the start of the Fall 2010 semester, the name of Western's Board of Trustees/Bachelor of Arts (BOT/BA) Degree Program will be changed to Bachelor of Arts in General Studies (BGS). The degree program will remain under the direction of Carter.
"The name change to School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach better reflects the nature of the programs this school administers. We are continually enhancing our distance learning efforts, which led us to begin the process of changing the name to reflect the University's commitment to this learning option, as well as our commitment to outreach programs such as the BGS, non-credit programs and international studies," Thomas added.
While Western Illinois University has been offering courses via distance learning since the 1970s, the University is continuing to expand its online and distance learning offerings to reach more individuals who may be placebound, according to Carter. This summer, 950 more students enrolled in WIU courses offered via distance learning than in Summer 2009. The university currently offers more than 160 courses via distance learning.
"During the Spring 2009 semester, online enrollment nearly doubled at Western and this led us to add even more courses for the Fall 2009 and Spring and Summer 2010 semesters," Carter explained. "By adding more online courses within the past year, we are extending the walls of WIU beyond our Macomb and Quad Cities campuses."
The name change for the BOT/BA degree stems from feedback and suggestions from current BOT/BA students and alumni, Carter added. After a thorough review of the proposed name change, Western's administration, including the Board of Trustees, felt that the Bachelor of Arts in General Studies was more self-explanatory than the current BOT/BA designation.
The BOT/BA program (originally called Board of Governors Bachelor of Arts degree) was created in 1972 to serve adult students who are unable to attend a traditional college program due to family, work or community obligations. Rather than requiring a specific major, the program allows the student to design her or his program to meet individual educational goals. Students may also be eligible for academic credit for college-level learning that was done in a non-collegiate setting, such as the military or on-the-job training.
Enrollment in the BOT/BA (Bachelor of Arts in General Studies) program has risen 20 percent in the past three years, Carter said.
"It is important to accommodate the needs of all of our students, whether they are traditional students at our Macomb and Quad Cities campuses, at an off-site location in Illinois or taking classes from the comfort of their home in Texas," Carter explained. "By providing a degree program that fits their needs and offering courses in a variety of formats, including online, we are able to provide educational opportunities to those individuals who may not be able to attend a class on campus."
Western's School of Distance Learning, International Studies and Outreach will continue as a unit under the direction of the Provost and Academic Vice President. Western's Non-Credit Programs will be housed within the school and continue to be led by Director Molly Paccione.
For more information about online and distance courses at Western Illinois University, contact Carter at (309) 298-1929 or R-Carter@wiu.edu.
Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
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