National Association of Student Personnel Administrators, National Conference, 2005

1. Leslie Dare, Ed.D.
Amanda G. Thomas
Student Affairs
Division of
How Distance Learners will Shape
Student Affairs Practice on
Tomorrow’s Campus
NASPA Annual Conference
Tampa, Florida
March 22, 2005

2. Presentation Agenda
1. Overview of “DE & Student Affairs Survey”
• Overview of NC State & Division of Student Affairs
• Overview of Distance Education at NC State
• Survey Goals, Process & Methodology
• Respondent Demographics
• Survey Results
2. Distance Education Planning: Campus Considerations
3. Distance Education Planning: Student Affairs Considerations
4. Integrating the Distance Learning Population
5. Recommendations for Serving Distance Learners
6. Questions & Answers

3. Part 1
Overview of Survey

4. NC State University
•Established 1887: Land-Grant Institution
•29,000+ students
–50 States
–90 Countries
•6,000+ employees
•11 Colleges

5. Division of Student Affairs
•Mission: The Division of Student Affairs facilitates the total
educational growth and development of NC State students to
include personal, social, physical, cultural, leadership, and
intellectual development.
•35 Units
•600 Employees
•Motto: STUDENTS FIRST

6. Division Units & Programs
Women’s Center
University Career Center
ROTC
Upward Bound/Talent Search
University Scholars
Campus Activities
Student Health Services
University Housing
Carmichael Complex
Facilities & Operations
Music
Multicultural Student Affairs
Center State/Arts Outreach
Physical Education
Greek Life
Crafts Center
Caldwell Fellows
Student Conduct
Distance Education
& Technology Services
Gallery of Art & Design
Counseling Center
University Dining
Dance Program
University Theatre
Health Promotions
Campus Recreation
Research & Assessment
Student Leadership, Ethics
& Public Service

7. Why Distance Education and Student Affairs?
•Increasing numbers of distance learners

8. Projected Enrollment Increase:
University Total = 22%
Distance Education = 302%
Distance Education Enrollment
29,854
2,215
36,500
8,908
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
Fall 2003 2012
Total
DE

9. Why Distance Education and Student Affairs?
•Increasing numbers of distance learners
•“Students First”
•Accreditation: “Appropriate student development services
must be provided for distance learning programs as well as
on-campus programs.”
•Created leadership position

10. Distance Education & Technology Services
•Help Division units serve distance learners
•Technology Planning & Resources

11. 29,854
2,215
36,500
8,908
0
5,000
10,000
15,000
20,000
25,000
30,000
35,000
40,000
Fall 2003 2012
Total
DE
DE is 7.42% of Total
Distance Education Enrollment
DE is 24.40% of Total

12. •“Pure” DE population
-Those students taking only DE courses
•“Hybrid” DE population
-Those students taking both DE and On Campus courses
Distance Education Enrollment

13. Primary
1. Create a baseline understanding of distance learners.
2. Gauge their use, sense of importance, and satisfaction of the various
services, programs and courses emanating from our Division.
Secondary
1. Other units outside of the Division will be provided an opportunity to submit
items for the survey.
2. Develop and maintain partnerships with other service and program units.
Survey Goals
•DELTA •Registration & Records
•Adult Credit Programs •Libraries
•Orientation •Many Others

14. 1. Overall DE Experience
2. Technology Resources & Skills
3. Sense of Connection
4. Communication
5. Services and Programs
Survey Topics

15. 1. Census of “Distance Education” population
• All students enrolled in a minimum of one distance
education course during Fall 2003 semester
• N = 2,077
2. Control Group of “On Campus” population
• Students not taking any distance education courses
during Fall 2003 semester
• Matched against census group for gender & ethnicity
• N = 6,190
Methodology – Survey Sample

16. 1. Method
• Web vs. paper
• Online survey (using .asp and MySQL database)
• Paper available (about 10 requests)
2. Correspondence
• Initial invitation
• Two follow-up messages
• Bulk email used for all correspondence
• Email, phone and fax used for troubleshooting
3. Incentive
• Cash rewards via drawings
Methodology – Survey Distribution

17. 20.60%
23.60%
32.80%
29.10%
37.40%
31.60%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Initial Invitation Follow-Up #1 Follow-Up #2
DE
On Campus
*DE Students also received follow-up from faculty just prior to Follow-up #1.
Methodology – Return Rate

18. 1. Gender
2. Ethnicity
3. Age
4. Full-Time/Part-Time Status
5. Classification
Demographics

19. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
DE Hybrid DE Pure Total DE On Campus Total Campus
Female
Male
Respondent Profile - Gender

20. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
DE Hybrid DE Pure Total DE On Campus Total Campus
African American Asian
Hispanic Native American
Other White
Respondent Profile - Ethnicity

21. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
DE Hybrid DE Pure Total DE On Campus Total Campus
Under 18
18 - 22
23 and up
Respondent Profile - Age

22. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
DE Hybrid DE Pure Total DE On Campus Total Campus
Full-Time
Part-Time
Respondent Profile - Status

23. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
DE Hybrid DE Pure Total DE On Campus Total Campus
Life Long Ed Freshman Sophomore
Junior Senior Graduate
Respondent Profile - Classification

24. Survey
Results

25. 1. Purpose for today is not to make a complete report
on the survey data, but rather to set the stage for a
discussion about responding to this new population
in our practice.
2. This survey conducted in November 2003 and
population has already changed; this is just a
snapshot of that time frame. (Survey will be
repeated in November 2005.)
3. Full survey data and previous presentations
available on the website.
Reminders

26. 1. Primary Reason for Taking DE Course
2. Frequency of Campus Visits
3. Reasons for Campus Visits
Section 1: Overall DE Experience

27. 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Daily Weekly Monthly Once/Twice
a Semester
Never
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
Frequency of Campus Visits

28. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Livetoofar
W
ork
Financial
Family
Coursen/aoncampus
Oncampussectionfull
PreferDE
Other
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
Primary Reason for Taking DE Course

29. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%UseComputerResources
UseLibraries
Purchase
TextbooksSupplies
MeetAdvisorMeetInstructor
RegisterforCoursesPayforCourses
GetID
Card
AttendNC
StateEvents
TakeTestsandExams
Other
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
Reasons for Campus Visits

30. 1. Satisfaction of Overall Computer Skills
2. Type of Internet Connection at Home
3. Quality of Internet Connection at Home
Section 2: Technology

31. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Very Unsatisfied Unsatisfied Satisfied Very Satisfied
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Satisfaction of Overall Computer Skills

32. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Do not connect Telephone
modem
Highspeed Wireless Don’t know
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Type of Internet Connection at Home

33. 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
Do not
connect
Unacceptable Poor Adequate Good Excellent
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
Quality of Internet Connection at Home

34. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
Do not connect Several times a
day
Once a day Several times a
week
Once a week
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Frequency of Typical Internet Home Use

35. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Home Work NC State Campus Public Library Other
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Locations for Internet Connection

36. 1. Students in course
2. Other students in general
3. Instructor
4. Academic advisor
5. Academic department
6. Faculty in general
7. NC State in general
Section 3: Sense of Connection With…

37. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Other Students in Course

38. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Other Students in General

39. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Instructor

40. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Academic Advisor

41. 0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Academic Department

42. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: Faculty

43. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unimportant Unimportant Important Very Important
Hybrid DE
Pure DE
On Campus
Sense of Connection: NC State University

44. •Receiving Initial Communication
•Receiving Subsequent Communication
•Sending Communication
Section 4: Communication Preference

45. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Mail Email Website Chat Phone In person
Receive Initial
Receive Subsequent
Send
Communication Preference – DE Pure

46. 0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
70%
80%
90%
100%
Mail Email Website Chat Phone In person
Receive Initial
Receive Subsequent
Send
Communication Preference – On Campus

47. •Academic Advising - Credit Programs Office
•Academic Advising - Faculty Advisors
•Academic Advising - Virtual Advising Center
•All Campus Student ID Card
•Bookstores
•Career Center
•Cashier’s Office
•Center Stage
•Chaplains’ Cooperative Ministry
•Club Sports
•Computing Help Desk - College
Section 5: Services and Programs
•Rating on Importance and Satisfaction
•Computing Help Desk - University
•Counseling Center
•Crafts Center
•Dance Program
•Dining
•Financial Aid
•Fitness/Wellness
•Gallery of Art and Design
•Greek Life
•Gym Facilities
•Health Promotion

48. Section 5: Services and Programs
•Rating on Importance and Satisfaction
•Housing
•Intramural Sports
•Library Services
•Multicultural Student Affairs
•Music
•Orientation
•Online Leadership Development Series
•Outdoor Adventures
•Parents and Families Services
•Physical Education
•Registration & Records
•Student Center
•Student Conduct
•Student Government
•Student Handbook
•Student Leadership, Ethics & Public Service
•Student Health Services
•Student Legal Services
•Student Media
•Student Organizations
•Theatre Programs
•WolfCamp
•Women’s Center

49. •Club Sports
•Intramurals
•Outdoor Adventures
•Fitness/Wellness
•Gymnasium
•Counseling Center
•Student Legal Services
•Student Health Services
•Online Leadership Development Services
•Virtual Orientation
Section 5: Services and Programs
•Currently NOT Available to Distance Learners
•Rating on Importance and Likeliness

50. 55%
30%
9%
5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Club Sports - Likeliness
14% Combined

51. 53%
32%
10%
5%
0%
10%
20%
30%
40%
50%
60%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Intramurals - Likeliness
15% Combined

52. 46%
34%
15%
5%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Outdoor Adventures - Likeliness
20% Combined

53. 36%
26%
25%
13%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Fitness/Wellness - Likeliness
38% Combined

54. 31%
25%
21%
23%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Gymnasium - Likeliness
44% Combined

55. 37% 34%
22%
8%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Counseling Center - Likeliness
30% Combined

56. 33%
39%
21%
7%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Student Legal Services - Likeliness
28% Combined

57. 35%
33%
16% 16%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Student Health Services - Likeliness
32% Combined

58. 33% 35%
25%
6%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Online Leadership Development Series - Likeliness
31% Combined

59. 34% 36%
23%
7%
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
Very Unlikely Unlikely Likely Very Likely
Virtual Orientation - Likeliness
30% Combined

60. Highlights from Survey
•Accurate profile of distance learners
•Success with online survey and bulk email
•Good skills, good connections
•Importance is slippery
•If we build it, they will come

61. Part 2
DE Planning:
Campus Considerations

62. DE Planning: Campus Considerations
Enrollment Conundrum
• DE is the supposed solution to already
growing enrollment;
• At the same time, we are actively recruiting
new DE audiences
• military, community colleges, corporate
• “OneCampus” campaign
• Result of straining our resources

63. DE Planning: Campus Considerations
Projected Enrollment
• 9% per year student headcount
(both “pure” and “hybrid”)
• 15% per year student credit hours
(both “pure” and “hybrid”)

64. DE Planning: Campus Considerations
Growth of Degree Programs
1. 1999 (Designation of DE funding)
• 3 Master’s programs
2. 2004-2005
• 10 Graduate programs
• 10 Certificate programs
3. 2005-2006
• 14 Graduate programs
• 10+ Certificate programs
4. 2006-2008
• 19 Graduate programs
• 10+ Certificate programs
• Undergraduate degree completion programs

65. Administration
1. Deliberate inclusion of courses taught via DE
as part of the tenure review process.
2. Integration of admissions, billing, registration
for courses, registration windows.
3. Integration of tuition and fees model.
DE Planning: Campus Considerations

66. Part 3
DE Planning:
Student Affairs Considerations

67. Services & Programs
1. Allocation of funds to Student Affairs (2000)
from DE budget
2. Funds used to create a full-time position
(2001); “Distance Education Coordinator”
now is “Director, DE & Technology Services”
3. Creation of “Distance Education/Technology
Advisory Group” (2002)
DE Planning: Student Affairs Considerations

68. Services & Programs
4. Administration of “DE & Student Affairs
Survey” (2003)
5. Dissemination of Results; Decisions
• Division-wide presentation
• Unit presentations
• Special Requests
• Repeat in 2005
• “Likeliness” groups involved in fee
discussion
DE Planning: Student Affairs Considerations

69. Services & Programs
6. Integration of Fees Model
• Possible new model: per credit hour
• Concern of suddenly serving significantly
larger population
• Concern of managing expectations
• Concern of providing appropriate services
DE Planning: Student Affairs Considerations

70. Part 4
Integrating the
DE Population

71. Perceptions of Distance Learners by…
1. Student Affairs literature: multi-dimensional
learners whose non-curricular needs are likely met
through existing life circumstances
2. Student Affairs practitioners: confusion
3. Student Affairs graduate students: not “real”
students as compared to traditional
4. Distance Learners: in some cases, don’t need
anything beyond basic administrative services;
unaware of potential services not currently
available and/or advertised.
Integrating the DE Population

72. Summary: This is the “invisible” population.
1. Not physically on campus
2. Currently most are not in degree programs (though
that will shift in several years)
3. Not often considered in events, budgeting, planning
(especially in Student Affairs)
4. Separate/not-available services
5. Somewhat analogous to other populations who
were small and marginalized, but are now more
mainstreamed.
Integrating the DE Population

73. Suggestions
•Investigate campus resources
•Figure out how distance education is administered and funded
•Not everybody understands “Distance Education”
•Be aware of the politics
•Be aware that not everyone is committed to serving this population
•Look for data already collected at your institution

74. Questions
& Answers

75. Assessing the Co-Curricular Needs of Distance Learners:
A Student Affairs Perspective
Leslie A. Dare, Ed.D.
Amanda G. Thomas
Division of Student Affairs
NC State University
Campus Box 7301
Raleigh, NC 27695-7301
919.515.1329
leslie_dare@ncsu.edu
amanda_thomas@ncsu.edu
•This Presentation
http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/naspa05/
•This Project
http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/survey/de.html
•Distance Education & Technology Services (Student Affairs, NC State)
http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/dets/
•Research & Assessment (Student Affairs, NC State)
http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/sara/
•Division of Student Affairs (NC State)
http://www.ncsu.edu/student_affairs/