ASU dramatically expands online degree programs
<p>Arizona State University has launched a new initiative to dramatically increase access to higher education over the next decade.</p><separator></separator><p>ASU Online and Extended Campus (ASU Online), ASU's 5th campus, plans to enroll and graduate tens of thousands of new students both within the state of Arizona, nationwide and globally in a variety of undergraduate and graduate online degree programs.</p><separator></separator><p>Led by Vice President and Executive Vice Provost Mernoy Harrison, ASU Online will provide the infrastructure for all ASU colleges and schools to grow existing programs and develop new programs for meeting the needs of students and employers. Programs will be offered online and in selected off-campus sites throughout the Phoenix Metropolitan region.</p><separator></separator><p>"We are creating another avenue for access to ASU for time and place bound students, underserved populations, and those seeking a more convenient way for a higher education," Harrison says. " Our goal is to create a more educated and productive workforce in our state and nation. The demand for online education continues to increase, and as the New American University, we are committed to contributing to the growth and guidance of additional avenues to provide access, excellence and quality."</p><separator></separator><p>Currently, the new campus lists a total of twenty-eight online degree programs offered by ASU on its Web site at <a href="http://asuonline.asu.edu">http://asuonline.asu.edu</a>.</p><separator><… recently completed an agreement with Innovation Ads, a strategic enrollment marketing and management firm to assist its efforts in dramatically increasing enrollment in ASU online degree programs. The firm will assist with the retention of the students it recruits to ASU.</p><separator></separator><p>Patrick Sutton, vice president for enrollment management at Innovation Ads states that "ASU has an opportunity to become the non-profit market leader in online education, and we are excited to have been chosen to play a key strategic role."</p><separator></separator><p>Innovation Ads has established a recruitment and student support center to support ASU Online. The company focus is on both driving enrollments and increasing retention and graduation rates.</p>