Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University announces 700% increase in enrollment

Demand for anywhere, any time learning boosts KCVU enrollment to 1,724

FRANKFORT, KY (March 7, 2000) -

Officials of the Kentucky Commonwealth Virtual University today announced 1,724 students enrolled in courses for the current semester - an increase of more than 700 percent over the previous semester.

Dr. Mary Beth Susman, CEO for the virtual university, said KCVU has found a niche among students who appreciate the convenience and value of anywhere, any time Web-based higher education.

"KCVU places a high priority on reaching out to populations of non-traditional students who work full-time, who care for families or who may live in remote areas of the state," she said. "With KCVU, students are finding it is, indeed, possible to have a life, a job, a family and an education, too."

KCVU is successfully reaching its target audience, working people age 23-40 with women comprising just more than 56 percent of this semester's total enrollment. Enrollment statistics also reveal broad geographic representation with in-state students hailing from 116 of Kentucky's 120 counties. Non-resident students come from 18 states and seven foreign countries.

Susman said considerable credit for KCVU's success is due to the cooperation from the state's colleges and universities. "Our educational partners have done a remarkable job of meeting student needs for anytime, anywhere access to higher education," she said.

Student satisfaction is the KCVU's most powerful marketing tool, according to Susman. "In a survey of our Fall 1999 charter class, more than 87 percent said KCVU met or exceeded their expectations of online learning and 82 percent said they would like to take another course."

Susman explained that as student demand for KCVU courses and employer demand for skilled workers increases, stand-alone course offerings as well as complete degree and certificate programs will be added in response to these demands.

"We believe these first two terms are indicative of the need for and practicality of KCVU as an alternative to traditional methods of delivering higher education to the people of the Commonwealth," Susman explained. "We will continue working with institution administrators and faculty to expand and enhance KCVU's inventory of courses and degree programs to help achieve individual and statewide workforce development and higher education goals."

For more information visit the KCVU Web site at www.kcvu.org or phone the KCVU Call Center toll-free at 1-877-740-4357.

Contact:
Sue Patrick, KYVU
(502) 573-1555
sue.patrick@kyvu.org

Contact Us/Help | Privacy Policy  | Security Policy

                   

Questions? Comments? Please send feedback to the KYVC Call Center
or call toll-free 1-877-740-4357