East Carolina University…Tomorrow starts here.

2005 General Assembly Priority 1

 

Issue:  Enrollment Funding

 

Desired Outcomes:  Meet the UNC mission of providing access to higher education, help meet the critical need for teachers and nurses in North Carolina, address other workforce development needs, and provide quality education through advanced applications of technology and best use of resource development.

 

Background: 

 

North Carolina has critical needs in

  • Education - 10,000 teachers each year with the rural areas hardest hit
  • Healthcare - 3,800 nurses each year
  • Economic Development – business and technology graduates needed
  • Access to higher education for citizens who are place-bound by work and family obligations

Distance Education (DE) at ECU provides access to programs that meet state and regional needs

  • 45% in teacher ed,  25% in economic development, 18% in health care
  • DE students: 36 years old, 68% women, 86% have 2 or more children at home, employed
  • 55% are in college for work related reasons &  78% choose DE for accessibility
  • 66% of DE students are east of I-95 & only 4% of DE students are out of state
  • 4000+ DE students in 37 programs enrolled in 700 course sections
  • 1300 DE students receiving financial aid – up from 900 last year
  • Many modes of delivery from the Internet to satellite location programs

ECU provides quality distance education

  • DE programs are the same on-campus programs delivered online. 
  • DE programs are accredited just as our on-campus programs – graduates achieve the same certifications.
  • DE programs are delivered by regular, full time faculty
  • On-campus and DE faculty have same profile – 34% fixed term & 65% tenured/track
  • Distance education is part of the campus culture at ECU

ECU works with community colleges in degree completion

  • 68% of ECU undergrad DE students come from community colleges
  • ECU DE programs provide advanced degrees for community college teachers and administrators
  • ECU is actively working with OP and NCCC on the master articulation agreement
  • ECU’s Partnership East is a model that works hand in hand with 6 regional ‘hub’ CC’s

Military Outreach

  • The military is a major employer in the East
  • DE is ideal for mobile troops on overseas assignments
  • ECU is actively bidding DE programs to Fort Bragg and other military bases
  • ECU works with the Office of the President to develop system-wide offerings

Distance Education at ECU

  • Largest producer of DE in the UNC system
  • Leader in quality, technology, and student services