The University of the Virgin Islands will begin marketing specific online degree programs nationally under a program announced Tuesday at a meeting of the school’s board of trustees, although some members worried about UVI’s ability to provide courses for those local students who do not yet have power or consistent and stable Internet.
UVI President David Hall announced the university would start that the new online programs in February. Marketing for these new programs is slated to occur from mid-December to January.
The university got accreditation for the programs and courses in all 50 states and in the District of Columbia.
To attract a larger audience for online programs and courses, UVI has partnered with Level Playing Field Institute to help with the marketing of the online programs. Alumni are also part of the strategy of attracting more students nationally. The target of the online programs would include local students, military, and older students.
Trustee Wesley Williams voiced a question as to whether the needs of local students currently are more than what can be accomplished through an online classroom, referring to the lack of internet in the territory for many who may want to take the classes offered but which are only available online. Hall replied that the goal of UVI is “to be the access institution in the Virgin Islands” to all students who want an education in the territory. Hall also mentioned that it may eventually be possible to offer the online programs and courses in traditional classroom settings.
Hall said UVI is “trying to expand” because “our traditional market is shrinking as the population of the Virgin Islands is shrinking, especially with the hurricanes. … We have to diversity our commitment and our approach.”
The resolution to approve specific online programs and courses and to start the online marketing process immediately was approved unanimously.
Someone factual information is missing from the article. What kind of courses are offered and do Virgin Islanders get a discount?