REGIONAL PROGRAMS #EKUENGAGES IN STUDENT SUCCESS
EKU IMPROVES COLLEGE ACCESS AND SUCCESS THROUGH TECHNOLOGY
Staples’ EKU professors, managers in the Regional Stewardship Office and staff in EKU’s Information Technology Department were quick to put her worries to rest. Using a newly expanded distance education technology called E-Presence, staff and faculty kept Staples on track toward graduation. E-Presence is an internet-based telepresence system that delivers “synchronous instruction,” which means that courses taught at EKU’s main campus in Richmond can simultaneously be taught at other locations, or professors can teach classes from home. This allows the University to expand programming to meet the educational needs of more diverse students with greatly reduced travel costs for both faculty and students. EKU worked toward this technological expansion for two years. The system was fully implemented in the 20162017 academic year, primarily to deliver courses to regional campuses. An added bonus is that it allows place-bound students to join the class with their laptop, tablet or phone.
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It was almost like I was seated in the classroom. The staff was extremely caring and would always make sure I would be able to connect to each class, so I was able to keep up with all my classes and never felt like I missed a thing.
RACHEL STAPLES
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In fall 2016, when her infant was diagnosed with bacterial meningitis and admitted to the University of Kentucky Medical Center, Eastern Kentucky University senior Rachel Staples knew she had to be there for her daughter. However, she worried that taking time away from her classes would negatively impact her studies in the fitness and wellness management program.
Working with staff from EKU’s Information Technology, Staples logged onto the nternet through the hospital’s guest wireless connection and attended every class. IT Associate Amy Graham even made the 27-mile trek from the Richmond campus to the hospital to serve as proctor for one of Staples’ exams. “It was almost like I was seated in the classroom,” Staples said. “The staff was extremely caring and would always make sure I would be able to connect to each class, so I was able to keep up with all my classes and never felt like I missed a thing.” Learn more at epresence.eku.edu
EASTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
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