Two weeks ago, I asked students to share with me what was
working for you as a Charter Oak student – and what was not working. I was
extremely pleased by the large turnout of responses I received. Your feedback
is integral in shaping future plans for the College, and I thank you very much
for taking the time to write such thoughtful and honest responses. I plan to
share your thoughts with my staff as we work towards making your experience as
a Charter Oak student the best it can possibly be. Below, I share with you a
small sampling of the emails I received.
***
I tell
everyone I meet that's considering on online school to check out COSC. I am
proud to be graduating from COSC.
I spoke with Allison the first time I
called. She was very pleasant and helpful. The best was when she
called me back to let me know she had the paperwork needed and I didn't have to
do anything. She took an extra step and the time to look through my file,
which I believe she didn't have to do. That effort made such an
impression on me that I just had to share. Going back to school as an adult can
be somewhat intimidating. It’s reassuring to know that there are people
available to help with guidance and understanding.
It is a
significant drawback that COSC does not, at least, offer master's programs in
Education, Political Science and some other fields. I have several friends that
are interested in graduate studies at COSC based on my positive experience, but
they were disappointed to learn that the school does not offer any master's programs.
am finishing my Bachelor’s soon, and I would have liked to pursue my education
here at COSC, had the school offered master's programs.
If it weren't for my advisor at COSC, I would have continued to
take college courses, but would never have obtained a degree in anything. I started taking classes at MCC many years
ago, but never really knew anything about matriculation. In 2009 when I first started inquiring at
COSC, it was an advisor that told me about matriculation, transferred credits
that were transferrable and I received my Associates degree with 100
credits! I can't say enough about my
advisor, Karen Schultz. She has changed my life.
I understand the difficulties inherent in the online experience – I’m an IT
professional. But the challenges at COSC are daunting. Some classes
work well apart from classmates and instructor, but other require that you be
able to communicate with them in more immediate ways than email. I didn’t
mind registering for my own conference line, but a student who was not aware of
that option would be trapped.
2013 will hopefully be my last year as I plan to graduate. I
actually am so proud of myself that I am going to put on a cap and gown. I have
two classes, and two capstones to complete. I have not dropped out or given up
partly due to my counselor, Doris Cassiday. When frustrated that I would never
get done, she told me that I have gone too far to turn back now.
I never would
have finished up my degree if I'd had to attend traditional classes. I really enjoyed the pace of learning and
doing assignments at any time of day, or while away on business or vacation.
***
I will be reaching out to you again in the fall to see how things
are going for you, and I hope you will consider sharing your thoughts again.
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