PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE via COLLEGIATE PRESSWIRE)--Mar 17, 2003--Serving 84,300 adults on campuses throughout the U.S. and another 57,000 online, the University of Phoenix is a growing force in adult higher education.
A recently released two-issue report in the monthly newsletter Nontraditional Students Report analyzed how the for-profit institution has affected higher education adult programs, uncovered why Phoenix has been so successful, and detailed what other programs can learn from the institution.
''Many in higher ed believe that the University of Phoenix has hurt other schools` enrollment; but our survey of program directors in areas where Phoenix has opened shows otherwise,'' said Dr. Paula Willits, editor of Nontraditional Students Report and author of the report. Eight out of the ten institutions queried said Phoenix`s move into their area had no impact on their adult enrollment.
The report also broke down keys to Phoenix`s success - many practices not employed at traditional colleges and universities, including:
-- Assigning student service teams of an admissions counselor, academic counselor and financial adviser to each online student.
-- Capping the online class size at 13, and 15 for on-campus classes.
-- Requiring faculty to respond to students the same day.
-- Having administrative offices at each site.
-- Offering online registration, books, class materials and library services.
The special report also includes facts about Phoenix`s parent company, Apollo, feedback on why students choose the institution and their opinion of the programs, and how Phoenix works with traditional colleges through corporate educational fairs.
For a free copy of the two-issue report, ''The Phoenix Effect'' in the February and March issues of Nontraditional Students Report, call 561-622-6520, ext. 8715, or e-mail [email protected].
Nontraditional Students Report provides guidance for higher education professionals on recruiting, retaining and educating adults and other nontraditional learners. The monthly newsletter is part of LRP Publications` (www.lrp.com) library of higher education resources.
Editor`s Note: For a free media-review copy of ''The Phoenix Effect'' special report, or to speak with Editor Paula Willits, call Gary Bagin at 561-622-6520, ext. 370, or e-mail [email protected]
