To Whom Should I Write?

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by JoAnnP38, Sep 28, 2005.

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  1. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Here in the Tampa Bay area we have a very large and capable state university named The University of South Florida. They have few DL programs; however, I feel for the most part, this institution is ignoring the needs of community by offering almost NO evening classes or part-time programs. Is there anything the little person could do to perhaps inspire some interest in addressing this short-comming? Would a letter help? I know this probably wouldn't help much, but it has to start somewhere, right? A couple of years ago I spoke with the computer engineering department head and he indicated that they didn't offer much in the way of distance or evening classes because they didn't want to take anything away from the full-time students. So, either this is an excuse for the department not having any interest or perhaps there is a funding issue. So, even if I were to draft a letter, who should I send it to? The department head? The president of the University? My state senator/representative? The Governor? All of the above? Anyone have any suggestions as to what else an individual could do short of making an obscene contribution to the school?

    Thanks in advance.
     
  2. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    Initiating an effective distance learning program involves many decisions. A business case has to be made, market projections have to be developed, initial investments have to be garnered, and a commitment from the culture (faculty, administration, etc.) has to be ensured. It's not a simple thing.

    Even if/when those gates are met, the school is still faced with recruiting and/or training people involved, developing/adapting curricula, creating a marketing campaign, and many other start-up efforts. The costs could easily run into the millions of dollars.

    Will a letter help? It wouldn't hurt, of course. But even if you inspired someone to undertake this effort, the gestation period would be years--usually too long to help the concerned student.

    Finally, the location shouldn't matter. Why worry about taking DL courses from a local school? The main purpose of DL (besides providing access to those who cannot attend class) is to widely distribute the degree programs. I'm sure whatever could be offered by your local university is already being offered by one or more schools via DL.

    Now, evening/weekend classes are another matter. The case can be made rather simply, comparing the costs of executing such a program with the potential revenues to be realized. (Not to mention the use of existing infrastructural capacity, like classrooms that sit empty most evenings and weekends). But you still have to overcome the "if they're serious they'll come to class when we offer it" attitude.

    Consider the media. Instead of a letter to the school, write one to your local paper. Get your facts in order, make your case, and see what happens. I did this with the LA Times 18 years ago, decrying the lack of federal funding for computers in higher education. I compared the total spending (almost nil) with the incredible federal subsidies received by Howard University alone. The LA Times ran it. Perhaps your local media would be sensitive to a grass roots campaign. But you need to get all of your facts in place and have a case already made for it.

    Good luck!!!!!
     
  3. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Thanks Rich!

    Let's say I want to use your suggestion as a model. I would think that the first thing of import would be to research the current funding for part-time/evening programs at USF. I'm guessing that because USF is a state-funded university this information is available somewhere. However, do you have any suggestions as to where I might start? Would this sort of statistic be recorded in some document or periodical that might be accessible at the USF library?

    This sort of thing is completely outside of my realm of experience, so please forgive my lame questions.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 28, 2005
  4. Rich Douglas

    Rich Douglas Well-Known Member

    I don't know if their spending on part-time programs is (a) available or (b) even calculated.

    If you can't find that data, you could look at the number of programs offered compared to schools of similar size.

    The campus library might be a good start. Librarians are highly skilled and educated in finding this stuff. But don't settle for the person at the desk checking books in and out; he or she is likely a student. Make sure you get a trained librarian's help.

    Another possible source is the NCES www.nces.ed.gov . I don't know if they have this kind of information, but it is the largest repository of statistical information on higher education, so who knows?

    Finally, regardless of numbers, if you can make a qualitiative case (even an emotional appeal) comparing community needs with what is and isn't being done--again, comparing to another school and community might help--then you can begin bringing pressure to bear.

    I'm not really an expert at this stuff, so I'm hoping others in the DI community will chime in as well. ;)
     
  5. SteveFoerster

    SteveFoerster Resident Gadfly Staff Member

    Even if you're Wonder Woman, I expect you're going to need some help on this. Were I you, I'd try to find a constituency within USF that would benefit from the expansion, then ask them to help with research, plan drafting, and lobbying. Not sure who would be best -- perhaps faculty members would like to see the expansion? Contact the people you know there and ask around.

    -=Steve=-
     
  6. Jack Tracey

    Jack Tracey New Member

    I think Rich and Steve have both made very good points. I would suggest that you consider starting with the people who currently administer the existing DL/evening/part-time programs. They would probably be the most committed in the cause you are championing. They've probably been thinking the same things for years and would have some valuable suggestions based on past initiatives and knowledge of the institution.
    Jack
    (be careful now, you're beginning to sound/think like a Social Worker)
    ;)
     
  7. raristud

    raristud Member

    Hello Joann. I work for APEX at the USF College of Engineering. APEX administers the distance education programs for the college.
    Below is a link of contacts to whom you may speak regarding your ambitious ideas. http://apex.eng.usf.edu/contact/contact.htm
    If you want to write a letter and voice your concerns, I recommend you start with the dean of the college and associate dean dr.givens. Also, contact Marydell Joyce ( Harris ) listed on the webpage above.
    In regards to expanding the distance education programs, we were denied ( by the college itself ) a much needed production studio that would have expanded accessability to night programs. A new production studio would have made available more computer science/engineering courses through distance education.

    At Apex and the college of engineering, there is a lack of unity, leadership, and mis-management of much needed funds for advertising, technology, and staff retention.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 29, 2005
  8. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Does the school have a Dean of Continuing Education that you could write to?
     
  9. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    That is very interesting. I had spoken with Sally Szydlo in the past (for others, she is another person who works with APEX) and she basically (in not so many words) said that they would like to offer expanded DL offerings but that I should not hold my breath. Of course, I think that evening or week end classes would be easier to offer than DL classes (see Rich's post above) so I'm wondering just how much APEX would be involved. It sounds like you think they would be involved, but I would wonder why they would need a production studio for evening/weekend classes.

    I think there is so much potential at USF to better server the community; however, over the past 15 years they have only made very modest gains in that direction. Hopefully, I'll be able to add my voice to a growing demand for part-time programs and hopefully it will mean something to someone who plans such things.

    Thanks!
     
  10. Randell1234

    Randell1234 Moderator

  11. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    That's so true. But, the St. Pete campus seems to be at least a little more directed to part-time students. I know they offer an evening MBA program.
     
  12. raristud

    raristud Member

  13. raristud

    raristud Member


    The college of engineering does not need an extra production studio to hold evening/weekend classes. However, if the college of engineering is to offer more computer engineering/science courses through webcasting and live feed, we need more studios. By having an extra studio, we can expand services not available to on-campus students in traditional classrooms and facilitate distance education MSCE students who wish to take exams on-campus and participate in classes at corporate sites.

    "I had spoken with Sally Szydlo in the past (for others, she is another person who works with APEX) and she basically (in not so many words) said that they would like to offer expanded DL offerings but that I should not hold my breath"

    Thats not true. We are expanding distance education offerings. Especially in the areas of computer science, electrical engineering, chemical, and transportation. Call Marydell Joyce at 813-974-8491 for more info on what dl courses will be available in your area of study.
     
  14. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    I want to make a difference, but the realist in me tells me that I'm going to need a LOT (see Gregg -- two words) of luck!

    Don't let my mom hear you say that! She has always been perplexed that I didn't choose a more selfless profession (she's such a saint.)
     
  15. MiCroStoogE v. 2.0

    MiCroStoogE v. 2.0 New Member

    What's an MSCE?

    :p
     
  16. JoAnnP38

    JoAnnP38 Member

    Master of Science in Computer Engineering
     

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