For the ninth time, the United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA) honored Western Governors University (WGU), the parent university of WGU Missouri, with a 21st Century Distance Learning Award for its leadership in distance education. The award was presented May 22 at USDLA’s 2019 National Conference in Nashville. In addition, the university’s new Take a Break program received the organization’s Non-Profit Innovation Award for its unique ability to combine a high level of student service with assessment security and integrity.
These prestigious International Awards are presented annually to organizations and individuals engaged in the development and delivery of distance learning programs. They were created to acknowledge major accomplishments in distance learning and to highlight those distance learning instructors, programs and professionals who have achieved and demonstrated extraordinary results through the use of online, videoconferencing, satellite and blended learning delivery technologies.
“As a premier organization for the entire distance learning profession, we are honoring Western Governors University as a leader in the industry,” said Dr. Reggie Smith III, Executive Director of USDLA. “WGU has raised the bar of excellence, and we are truly honored by WGU’s contributions within all distance learning constituencies.”
WGU has won the 21st Century Distance Learning Award nine times, and USDLA has previously recognized four WGU leaders with awards as well. This year’s Non-Profit Innovation Award adds to the university’s slate of USDLA recognitions. Take a Break was designed to give students taking secure, proctored assessments online from their home or other sites the option to take one 10-minute break per assessment hour, without compromising security. When a student needs to pause their exam, they click a button that alerts the proctor. The student then agrees to a series of conditions for the break and a timer begins. The exam screen is greyed out and blocks any access to the exam during the break. In addition, when a student returns, any questions that have been previously viewed or answered are inaccessible. All other questions remain open and can be completed.
Take a Break is one of several innovations WGU has implemented that combines the university’s focus on students’ experiences, their successes and the quality and integrity of their education.
WGU Missouri is a competency-based, online university created to expand access to higher education for Missouri residents. The university offers more than 60 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in the fields of business, K-12 teacher education, information technology, and health professions, including nursing. WGU Missouri faculty members serve as mentors, working one-on-one with students, offering guidance, support, and individualized instruction.
Established in 2013 through a partnership with nationally recognized Western Governors University, WGU Missouri is open to all qualified Missouri residents. The university is nonprofit and self-sustaining on flat-rate tuition of about $7,000 per year for most programs.
Degrees are granted under the accreditation of Western Governors University, which is accredited through the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities (NWCCU). Nursing College programs are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE*), and the Health Informatics program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
More information is available at missouri.wgu.edu or by calling 855.948.8493.
*Western Governors University offers nursing programs that are accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (One Dupont Circle, NW, Suite 5380, Washington DC 20036, 202-877-6791).
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For more information, contact:
Pamela Powell
(314) 436-9090
pam@hausergrouppr.com