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Online degree seekers will pay more for classes in fall

The Regents Online Degree Program (RODP) at The University of Memphis will undergo several changes this fall, including increases in tuition and the number of course offerings from 60 to 90 courses.

In addition to the 7.5 percent tuition increase approved by the Tennessee Board of Regents for all students, online students also face a 15 percent increase in fees. The Regents voted to raise the RODP fee from 25 percent of tuition to 40 percent, according to Jane Sipes, assistant dean of distance learning.

“It’s a sort of convenience fee that takes the place of the student activity fee that students who attend class on campus pay,” Sipes said.

Despite the 15-percent increase, Sipes said she does not expect a decrease in enrollment.

“I’m dealing with more of an adult student population that uses this program for convenience because they don’t have to pay for a baby sitter, and it saves on gas,” Sipes said.

The new fee will be $52 per credit hour, comparable to the student activity fee of $50 per credit hour. Sipes said that RODP students also wishing to participate in campus activities must pay the student activity fee in addition to the RODP fee.

The Regents Online Degree Program, established last fall, offers students the opportunity to earn a four-year degree without physically attending classes. Two RODP degrees are available from The University — a bachelor’s of professional studies with majors in information technology or organizational leadership and a bachelor’s of liberal studies in interdisciplinary studies. Both degrees are awarded through the University College.

Online degree seekers interact with professors, advisors, students, library services and other student services via the Internet.

Individual students’ grades and assignments are password-protected and only accessible to professors. Although Online classes meet at scheduled times, students can access classes Online to turn in assignments and check on their grades any time and from anywhere they are connected to the Internet, said Sipes.

The U of M has 225 students enrolled in RODP classes this summer, the most of any TBR school. Registration continues through Aug. 23.


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