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Ashford's 'Classline' Courses Offer Combination of Online and On-Campus Experience

Ashford University’s new “ClassLineSM” programs will offer students an innovative combination of classroom and online instruction.

Students in AU’s ClassLine programs will meet at the Clinton campus for their first and last class sessions for each course. The remaining class sessions will be held online with students able to interact through the Internet with their classmates and instructor. ClassLine is the only program of its type in the area.

“This offers the best of both worlds – online and on-campus,” said Dr. Hope Gardina, Ashford’s Vice President of Academic Affairs. “Students will come together for the first session to meet each other and the instructor and receive an introduction to the course. Then, they meet online for the rest of the sessions, before returning to the classroom for the final class to help summarize their learning experience.”

The first two programs using the ClassLine format will be the M.B.A. and the Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management, two of the University’s most popular programs. Courses in both programs are accelerated: six weeks long in the master’s degree program and five weeks in the bachelor’s degree program. Classroom sessions last four hours one night each week, and are only held during the first and last weeks of each course. During the remaining weeks, students can log on online at their convenience, rather than at a pre-set time.

Both programs are designed for adults currently active in the workforce who need to improve their professional skills in order to reach career goals.

“We are maximizing convenience and minimizing the time required for degree completion in these programs,” said Waunita Sullivan, Director of Admissions. “Many students who enjoy classroom interaction, but can’t go to class every week will like this format. We have had a lot of interest from employers and students in the Quad Cities area, who wouldn’t normally enroll in a program based in Clinton, but who don’t mind driving to Clinton twice a month.”

The first ClassLine programs will begin in January 2006. Applications are being accepted now. An information session is scheduled for Tuesday, Nov. 8 at 5 p.m. at The Lodge, 900 Spruce Hills Drive, Bettendorf. Interested individuals can RSVP at 1-800-242-4153 or email admissions@ashford.edu.

Ashford University also offers both classroom-only and online-only programs for working adults. Employer tuition reimbursement and financial aid are available for all programs. Ashford programs for working adults are considered highly affordable, with accelerated formats that allow students to earn their degree quickly.

Persons interested in Ashford University programs should contact the Admissions Office at 800-511-6774.

Founded in 1918 as Mount St. Clare College in Clinton, Iowa, Ashford University is a coeducational, liberal arts institution regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, with programs in education, business, computer animation and graphic design and other areas.  The University offers undergraduate and graduate degrees, as well as a range of student activities and athletics, at its Clinton campus.  Online degree programs are available in education, organizational management, business administration, and psychology.   For more information, please visit www.ashford.edu.