Fire Departments are Hot for Online Education

Online University Offers Firefighters a Realistic Route to Higher Education

Online fire science degree programs are becoming increasingly popular with fire departments and organizations all over the United States. Columbia Southern University, a nationally accredited and completely online university, holds partnerships with more than 45 fire organizations and has most recently added the Alabama Daphne Fire Department to the rapidly growing list.

One of the nation’s first completely online universities, Columbia Southern University was developed to meet the demand for alternatives to the traditional university experience. Degree programs were designed to fit around the work schedules of firefighters, police, and others with demanding and unpredictable occupations.

“At Columbia Southern University, we believe that everyone deserves access to a quality education,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President. “Especially the firefighters who sacrifice their own safety to preserve ours.”

Partner fire organizations receive a 10 percent tuition discount and an application fee waiver. Spouses and children of firefighters are also eligible for these benefits.

Other advantages of partnering with Columbia Southern University include promotion of the fire organization on the university website, marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements. This year, 40,000 to 50,000 direct mail pieces will be distributed, over 100 conferences will be attended, and the university website will receive approximately 20,000 hits per week.

“Our firefighters work around the clock to make our community a safer place to live and work,” said Chief Kenneth Hanak of the Daphne Fire Department. “Thanks to Columbia Southern University, we can now offer our staff educational opportunities that can fit around their career and family obligations.”

Comprised of 34 staff and 10 volunteers, the Daphne Fire Department covers approximately 16 square miles and responds to more than 2,000 emergency calls per year. The department offers fire suppression, advanced life support emergency medical services, technical rescue, hazardous materials response, and tactical emergency medicine. Daphne Fire Department is also part of the Baldwin County All Hazards Task Force.

Orange Beach Fire and Rescue, New York Fire Department, Iowa City Fire Department, and Tampa Fire and Rescue are just a few of the other fire organizations on the long list of Columbia Southern University partnerships. In fact, partnerships with this online university extend to organizations in nearly half of the 50 U.S. states.

Learn more about Columbia Southern University learning partnerships or contact Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development for more information

Graduates From Around The World To Attend Columbia Southern University Graduation Ceremony

More Than 100 Graduates and 400 Guests Will Travel to Orange BeachThis summer more than 500 people will travel to Orange Beach from around the world to attend the 2007 Columbia Southern University Commencement Ceremony.  Graduation begins at 2 p.m. on Friday, June 29th and will be held at Christian Life Church in Orange Beach, Alabama.

Graduates represent countries as far as Egypt, Vietnam, and Germany and cities as close as Navarre and Pensacola.  The largest number of graduates, 19, will come from Vietnam.

“Each year, we have the pleasure of seeing graduates from all over the globe walk across the stage and celebrate their accomplishment,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “Completing a degree through online learning requires the highest level of self-discipline and motivation.”

Lavern Dowdy will be traveling from Joppa, Maryland with 20 of her closest friends and family members to receive her BS in Environmental Management from Columbia Southern University.  She currently serves as a Physical Science Technician and First Responder with the U.S. Army.

“I could have marched across nearly any stage in America, some more prestigious than others, some more well known than others,” said Dowdy.  “I choose this stage because it was only CSU that has made my dream my reality.”

Dr. Denis Onieal, Superintendent of the National Fire Academy for the United States Fire Administration, is the scheduled guest speaker.  Dr. Onieal has been a firefighter since 1971, rising through the ranks to become deputy fire chief in 1991 and acting chief of a uniformed force of 600.  His entire career has been spent “in the street” as a line fire officer.

Other activities such as an open house, sunset cruise, alumni meeting and graduation reception are also scheduled for Columbia Southern University graduates and guests

Online University Partners with One of the Nation’s Top 50 Hospitals

Columbia Southern University Offers Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System Staff of 3,000 Easier Access to Distance Learning Opportunities.

Sarasota Memorial Healthcare System, repeatedly ranked as one of America’s 50 best hospitals by U.S. News and World Report, recently partnered with Columbia Southern University to take advantage of a large selection of completely online degree programs.  As the second largest acute care public hospital in Florida, Sarasota Memorial currently employs more than 3,000 people who, along with their spouses and children, will receive a 10 percent tuition discount as a result of this partnership.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance the educational opportunities for our staff,” said Sarasota Memorial President & CEO Gwen MacKenzie. “Online degree programs like those offered at Columbia Southern University make it easier for our employees to fulfill their personal and professional aspirations, and since we offer generous tuition reimbursement benefits, easier for us to support them in their efforts.”

Average savings come to around $1,000 for a bachelors or masters degree compared to the already affordable tuition rates.  With a total price tag of approximately $15,000 for a bachelors degree and $8,000 for a masters, the cost of finishing an accredited program with Columbia Southern University is competitively priced.

“Columbia Southern University was founded on the principal that a quality education should be affordable and realistic for working adults,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “We keep our tuition low and online offerings high because we feel that everyone has a right to a quality education.”

Another advantage of the agreement includes promotion of the hospital on the university website, marketing materials, and at conferences and speaking engagements.  The Columbia Southern University website alone attracts visitors from all over the world and receives approximately 20,000 hits per week, giving the hospital global publicity opportunities.

Sarasota Memorial Hospital is an 806-bed regional medical center located just south of Tampa on Florida’s Gulf Coast.  Founded in 1925, it is a full-service facility with specialized expertise in heart, cancer and neuroscience services.  A Level Three Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, clinical research center, outpatient services, home health and long-term care are among its many programs.

Columbia Southern University also holds learning partnerships with 12 other corporations including Delta Air Lines, Boeing, Airtrek Air Ambulance and the Federal Protective Service.

All Columbia Southern University degree programs are accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency with the U.S. Department of Education.

Find out more about CSU’s Online Healthcare Administration Degrees

James H. Schindler Earns Certifcation as a Professional In Human Resources

James H. Schindler, Assistant Dean of Academic Affairs for Columbia Southern University, recently earned certification as a Professional in Human Resources (PHR).The certification, awarded by the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI), signifies that Schindler possesses the theoretical knowledge and practical experience in human resource management necessary to pass a rigorous examination demonstrating a mastery of the body of knowledge in the field.

“Certification as a human resource professional clearly demonstrates a commitment to personal excellence and to the human resource profession,” said Susan Meisinger, SPHR President and CEO of the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  HRCI awards two levels of certification: Professional in Human Resources (PHR) and Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR).

To become certified, an applicant must pass a comprehensive examination and demonstrate a strong background of professional human resource experience.
HRCI is the credentialing body for human resource professionals and is affiliated with the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM), the world’s largest organization dedicated exclusively to the human resource profession.  The Institute’s purpose is to promote the establishment of professional standards and to recognize professionals who meet those standards.

Online University Helps Police Officers Advance Through The Ranks

Columbia Southern University Offers Hemet Police Department Staff of 192 Easier Access to Distance Learning Opportunities Columbia Southern University has developed more than 10 learning partnerships with police departments across the nation.  Last week, the California Hemet Police Department joined this online university’s list of partners to offer their staff of 192 easier access to distance learning opportunities.

“We are committed to helping our nation’s law enforcement accomplish their dreams of higher education,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “Our partnerships offer law enforcement the unique benefits that make achieving a quality, online education more affordable.”

Hemet Police Department staff will receive a 10 percent tuition discount to encourage them to earn their degree and help them advance through the ranks.  This benefit will also be extended to spouses and children of employees.

“Many Hemet Police Department employees are currently enrolled at Columbia Southern University,” said Corporal Dustin Murray with Hemet Police Department.  “We also have quite a few Columbia Southern University graduates who have used their degrees to advance to supervisory and management positions within our agency.”

Columbia Southern University offers completely online associates, bachelors and masters degree programs for criminal justice professionals interested in taking their career to the next level.  All Columbia Southern University degree programs are accredited through the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), a nationally recognized accrediting agency with the U.S. Department of Education.

Police departments in Franklin Township, New Jersey, Aberdeen, Maryland and Carrollton, Georgia are among the other 12 police departments that have partnered with Columbia Southern University.  Organizations such as the International Union of Police Associations and National Sheriffs’ Association are also learning partners.

For more information about this partnership or to request information about registering your organization as a Columbia Southern University learning partner, please contact Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development, at chantell@columbiasouthern.edu or visit www.columbiasouthern.edu.

Online University Attracts Worldwide Attention for Learning Partnerships

New Zealand Based High Tech Manufacturer Partners with Columbia Southern University

Companies all over the globe are taking advantage of the completely online, accredited degree programs offered at Columbia Southern University.  Commtest, one of the word’s most respected producers of condition monitoring equipment, is the most recent addition to this university’s list of learning partners.

“One of the greatest benefits an organization can give their employees is access to educational opportunities,” said Chantell Cooley, Vice President of Partnership Development for Columbia Southern University.  “National and even companies with a worldwide reach like Commtest, understand that a more knowledgeable, qualified workforce is essential for the future growth of their business.”

As a Columbia Southern University learning partner, companies receive a range of benefits including a 10 percent tuition discount for employees, their spouses, and children.  Partners are also promoted on the university’s website, marketing materials, and at speaking engagements.

“We are very excited to partner with Columbia Southern University,” said Blaine Loomer, Director of Sales, North America for the Commtest Inc. headquartered in Knoxville, TN.  “Commtest continues to experience phenomenal growth on a global level.  One of the ways we can ensure we maintain a leading edge and continue to grow is to provide our employees with opportunities to pursue higher education through respected institutions such as Columbia Southern University.”

Based in Christchurch, the engineering hub of New Zealand, Commtest is a global company that provides vibration analysis and data acquisition products such as vibration data collectors and online machinery surveillance systems.  Known for it premier engineering capabilities, the company’s in-house engineering skills include:  software and firmware development; circuit-level hardware design, prototype and assembly; mechanical design; sensor and transducer development; and custom fabrication.

Columbia Southern University also holds learning partnerships with 12 other corporations including Delta Air Lines, Boeing, Airtrek Air Ambulance and the Federal Protective Service.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member o

Learning Partner – Kaplan University

Alliance Offers CSU Graduates a Larger Selection of Degree ProgramsKaplan University and Columbia Southern University (CSU) recently partnered to maximize transfer credit awarded for CSU alumni.  According to this agreement, CSU graduates will be eligible to transfer up to 90 undergraduate quarter credits (or equivalent) into a Kaplan bachelor’s degree program.  Kaplan is also extending a 10 percent tuition discount to all CSU alumni, faculty and staff.

“Columbia Southern University was established to support the educational needs of the adult learner,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “Our partnership with Kaplan University provides our students with one more option to take their education to the next level.”

Alumni must be in good standing with CSU and complete all Kaplan admission requirements to take advantage of this partnership.  Kaplan will complete a course-by-course review of all transfer credits submitted on official transcripts from CSU.

This is one of nine academic partnerships CSU has established to offer students and alumni a larger selection of degree programs to choose from.  CSU also holds partnerships with Capella University, University of North Alabama, University of West Alabama, University of West Florida, Alabama Fire College, Eastern Iowa Community College District, Northcentral University, South Central College and Trinidad State Junior College.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

New Bachelor’s Degree Program in Psychology Launched

Completely Online Program Gives Students Opportunity to Learn From Experts around the NationColumbia Southern University has launched a new bachelor of science degree in psychology aimed at providing knowledge to individuals in entry and staff level positions in mental health facilities and social service agencies.  Offered completely online, students have the opportunity to learn from psychology experts from around the nation.

Interdisciplinary by design, the curriculum provides a comprehensive survey of psychology and builds on an integrated foundation of general and applied science, research methods and technical writing, health care management, and human relations and development.

“The general nature of our new psychology degree provides a comprehensive knowledge of the mental health and social service industries,” said Dr. Karen Smith, Dean for Academic Affairs for Columbia Southern University.  “Professionals desiring to enhance their skills and abilities will find that the program complements their existing work experience.”

All applicants receive a comprehensive evaluation of prior academic credit, training experiences and relevant professional licenses and certifications.  If accepted, a detailed evaluation report outlining transfer credit accepted and courses required for degree completion will be provided.

Tuition Assistance is available to all Active Duty, Active Guard/Reserve, and Military and Civilian personnel of the Army National Guard through the Defense Activity for Nontraditional Education Support (DANTES).  Eligible participants may apply for benefits by calling the VA Office at (850) 452-1111.

CSU is licensed by the Alabama Department of Postsecondary Education and is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) to offer associate, bachelor, master and doctorate degrees. DETC is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency.  As an accredited, degree-granting member of the DETC, CSU is also an institutional member of the Council of Higher Education Accreditation.

Columbia Southern University Invests Millions in Baldwin County

Local Residents, Businesses and Charities Benefit from National and International RevenueWith nearly 8,000 students, one of the nation’s fastest growing online universities is located in Orange Beach on Canal Road.  Columbia Southern University has invested millions of dollars in Baldwin County since the university was established 13 years ago.  Revenue generated from students throughout the country – and even the world – is giving a major boost to the local economy.

Last year, more than two million dollars were spent on salaries for the 64 individuals Columbia Southern University employs from Baldwin County.  In fact, 69 percent of the workforce consists of Baldwin County residents.  Plans to hire an additional 50 employees in the next three years open up the doors for other locals searching for new and better jobs.

Full-time Columbia Southern University employees are provided with educational assistance to reach their goals of higher education.  Employee tuition fees for the university’s online degree programs are waived and the only costs assumed are for professors’ fees and textbooks.  Spouses, parents, and children of full-time employees are offered a 50 percent reduction in tuition.

Partnerships with the City of Gulf Shores, City of Orange Beach, Orange Beach Police Department, Foley Fire Department, and Orange Beach Fire and Rescue include tuition discounts to encourage area firefighters, law enforcement and city employees to achieve their educational goals.  In many cases, this benefit is also extended to spouses and children.

“Giving our employees the resources they need to advance their education is important to the City of Gulf Shores,” said Billy Duke, City of Gulf Shores Mayor.  “We are fortunate to have a hometown university like Columbia Southern that works hard to ensure that its online degree programs are affordable.”

Organizations such as the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Dolphin Athletics Club, Orange Beach Sports Association, Perdido Beach Youth Sports Association, Orange Beach Elementary School, Foley Soccer Team and the City of Orange Beach are also recipients of the national and international funds generated from this online university.  In 2006, roughly $296,000 went into charitable contributions to improve the quality of life in Baldwin County.  Besides the financial commitment Columbia Southern University makes to the community, hundreds of volunteer hours are provided for events including Relay for Life and Art for Heart.

Baldwin County businesses gained $500,000 in profits produced by Columbia Southern University in 2006.  All office supplies and printing services are supplied through local vendors such as Gulf Coast Supply Hut in Foley.  However, this total does not include money brought into Baldwin County from students who attend the summer graduation ceremony held in Orange Beach each year.

“Columbia Southern University has always been committed to supporting the communities where our employees live and work,” said Robert Mayes, Columbia Southern University President.  “Whether that means reaching out to local businesses, creating employment opportunities, donating resources, or providing volunteer hours, we work hard to fulfill our corporate responsibility.”

A leader in online education, Columbia Southern University commits resources from around the globe to enhancing the quality of life on the Gulf Coast.  These types of corporate partnerships are what Baldwin County needs to make Alabama a better place to live and work.

Students Report High Satisfaction with Online DETC Acredited Institutions

Ninety-four Percent of Online Students Achieve Their Educational Goals

Student satisfaction with online learning at Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) accredited colleges and universities is at an all-time high.  According to the 2006 DETC Outcomes Assessment, 9 out of 10 students who enroll in an online DETC accredited college or university reported a high level of satisfaction with their educational experience.

Assessment results also indicate that 9 out of 10 students achieve their learning goals through their distance learning curriculum.  In addition, more than 97 percent of non-degree seeking and 94 percent of degree seeking online students are recommending their alma mater to a friend.

“Our quality programs, excellent student service, and maximum transfer credit are the hallmarks of Columbia Southern University,” said Robert Mayes, President of Columbia Southern University, a DETC accredited private online university in Orange Beach, Alabama.  “We want our students to know that our top priority is helping them succeed in their online degree program.”

Each year, DETC accredited institutions must randomly select students to engage in this formal Outcomes Assessment process through a survey aimed at measuring student satisfaction with their educational experience.  Founded in 1926, the DETC is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and Council for Higher Education Accreditation as a “nationally recognized accrediting agency”.

“The outstanding results of this assessment document that DETC colleges and universities are delivering on their promises to students,” said Michael P. Lambert, DETC Executive Director.  “For the past four consecutive years, survey results have yielded that DETC accredited institutions of higher learning are giving value and are worthy of public confidence.”

Online education has become an increasingly popular trend in the U.S., with an online enrollment rate surpassing that of traditional universities.  According to the 2006 Sloan Consortium study, Making the Grade:  Online Education in the United States, nearly 3.2 million students were enrolled in at least one online course during the fall 2005 term – a significant increase over the 2.3 million reported the previous year.  Colleges and universities all over the world are hopping on the bandwagon and are beginning to offer more online programs to satisfy this growing demand.

The majority of students who enroll in online programs are typically older with career and family responsibilities making online education a more realistic possibility for their educational needs.  Enrollment numbers are highest for online undergraduate courses.

The Distance Education and Training Council is a non-profit educational association and nationally recognized accrediting agency located in Washington, D.C. created to promote sound educational standards and ethical business practices within the correspondence field.  For more information, please contact Jessica Brown, Coordinator of Public Relations for Columbia Southern University, at (251) 224-0561.