University’s fourth class graduates

With an approach to higher education that merges online classes with brick-and-mortar student services, the University of Phoenix’s Eastern Washington Campus in Spokane Valley graduated its fourth class this month, with 107 degrees; 38 associate’s, 46 bachelor’s and 23 master’s.

The private university, based in Phoenix, offers more than 100 degree programs from associate to doctoral level and has more than 350,000 enrolled students. But its model of education includes a local presence and the university remodeled the Spokane Valley campus this fall with the goal of supporting local students.

Most students are working professionals, though they come from all paths of life, said Paul Green, campus director. He noted the university’s online studies backed by local, on-campus support makes a good blend for the modern college student who wants flexibility around work and family. “They can do homework where it best fits busy lifestyles … and come (to campus) to get away from family and focus on work.”

Green gestured at the dueling PC and Mac computers, where students can study, research or interact with each other, explaining that while students can complete their studies online without ever setting foot on campus, the student center provides extra resources to help them achieve their goals.

When open the campus has one to three faculty members available for additional help or tutoring as well as “success coaches” to provide financial and academic counseling.

Along with that personal approach, the campus remodeling was designed to attract students. The computer stations, glass partitions, trendy colors and kitchen and eating space make it feel more modern workplace than learning institution, and large-screen televisions provide a ready distraction for students needing study breaks. The approach is paying off with increased student use.

“We have about 1,300 students here and 528 came to our center in April,” Green said, noting that before the remodel an average of 75 students came on campus each month.

For Kakela Hall, who graduated this month with a master’s degree in business administration, the onsite services, like tutoring in her statistics class, were an added benefit.

Shortly into her studies she got a job working at the Spokane Valley campus as an enrollment adviser so between work and school, Hall spent a lot of time on campus. “I used the campus before work or after work,” she said, adding that she did most of her coursework at home. But it was the flexibility of online learning that made her choose the university.

“My husband is in the Air Force and with the possibility of him being relocated, I needed flexibility,” said Hall, who recently took a position as enrollment manager at the university’s new campus in the Tri-Cities.

The same is true for Robert Wiese, who just earned an associate degree in criminal justice and will start pursuing his bachelor’s degree this summer, also through the University of Phoenix. A disabled resident in Newport, Wash., Wiese said he looked into traditional colleges but chose the University of Phoenix because he could study from home and not miss out on family life, like preschool drop-off and track meets.

“I have three kids at home. My wife works for a local hospital. We always have so much going on with sports activities for kids, it felt like there was no way I could commit to a traditional school and have time for school and family,” Wiese said.

Besides flexibility, he said, one of the biggest benefits for him was learning from professors who are working in their respective fields.

One professor, for example, is a practicing criminal defense attorney in Colorado. “She is active in what she is teaching you,” he said. “You are dealing with people who are dealing with these issues in their own profession.

“With the knowledge and excitement they put into me being in college and getting my degree and learning what I want to learn, I have been able to take that to the people I work with in the community, not only the kids, but the adults,” Wiese said. “I’m more passionate and outspoken because of what I’ve learned and what I know. … It has really helped me to kick my goals and desires up a notch to what I want to do.”