Free Online Courses for Hurricane Katrina Victims

I thought that the DegreeInfo community might be interested in this:

Regent University's School of Undergraduate Studies is offering tuition-free online courses, up to 15 credit hours, to all students who were scheduled to begin classes this fall at regionally accredited colleges and universities that have been closed by their governing body as a result of Hurricane Katrina. The offer is good for Regent’s B session of the fall semester, which runs from Oct. 24 to Dec. 18. The school has developed a streamlined one-page application form, waived the application fee, and will include free books and free shipping in addition to free tuition. Regent has established a toll-free number, 800-240-0115, for students and their parents to inquire about the opportunity or to apply. Information and inquires are also available at www.RegentUndergrad.com/katrina

And, in the spirit of full disclosure, I am on the faculty of Regent University in the School of Education.

Jason D. Baker
Baker's Guide to Christian Distance Education
Under Redevelopment at http://www.bakersguide.com

 

The cynic, looking for the catch, might think that Regent knew that once they have the students in one of their programs, it's statistically unlikely that most of them won't stay; and/or that once they get a taste for the convenience of distance learning, they'll keep on going.

That conjectured, it's one heck of a a nice offer/gesture, to be sure!

Thanks, Jason.

 

Re: Re: Re: Free Online Courses for Hurricane Katrina Victims

Actually, they are. Oklahoma City University, a B&M private university which does offer some DL programs, is offering a free semester to students who were enrolled at colleges "affected by Hurricane Katrina." They are even offering to find housing for the students in the homes of some of the OCU alumni. OCU is highly regarded in the area, and a semester typically costs about $8,500. The enrollment period has been extended to Sept. 9th.

http://www.okcu.edu/news/Katrina.asp

 

A whole bunch of law schools are doing this (usually, but not always, only for 2Ls and 3Ls) AND waiving tuition fees.

My source for this is, I think, volokh.com

jon
---
Butler U., my employer, has already accepted 6 or 8.

 

Yeah lots of law schools are offering visiting students status to Tulane students. I know that Harvard, UNC, UofF, Boston College, and Vanderbilt are for sure offering this. Most are pretty open about taking students except for Vanderbilt. They are requiring a previous 3.0 and a 500 dollar transer fee. I suppose I understand their requests but in comparison to other schools it seems sort of snobish.

 

The above gesture by Regent, similar gestures mentioned above by Oklahoma, et al, and as well the accomodating of students from affected areas at the University of Tampa (menitioned on another board) really gives hope, both in the general sense of these being compassionaet gestures to prevent students' studies from coming off the rails, but also yet another practical application of DL. Beautiful!

Peace,

Matt

 

Re: Re: Free Online Courses for Hurricane Katrina Victims

If that were such a good idea, they'd be offering it with or without Katrina.

Whatever the interest of the offeror, I think that the main thing is that this act is very beneficial to the prospective students.

 

I agree that this is an especially generous and relevant offer for those affected by Katrina. Travel and study in remote locations such as Boston, etc. may not be feasible for many students. Many could not, I imagine, afford the incidental costs associated with moving to and living in another city.

Especially when taken in conjunction with Tulane's President's statement that they will (a) cancel the fall semester, and (b) honor all credits earned at any other accredited institution, this strikes me as a great deal for people desperately in need of help.

Regards,
Mark