UF Distance Learning

[Exfactor]

Some 3,100 students accepted as freshman by the University of Florida for the fall got a big surprise along with their congratulations notices: They were told that the acceptance was contingent on their agreement to spend their first year taking classes online as part of a new program designed to attract more freshmen to the flagship public university.

The 3,118 applicants accepted this way to the university — above and beyond the approximately 12,000 students offered traditional freshman slots — did not apply to the online program. Nor were they told that there was a chance that they would be accepted with the online caveat. They wound up as part of an admissions experiment.

The new program, begun in 2015, is called the Pathway to Campus Enrollment, or PaCE, and according to Steve Orlando, senior director of the university’s media relations, it “allows us to offer admission to additional qualified applicants with academic potential and demonstrated success.”

“The market for freshman is by no means clear anywhere in the country,” UF Provost Joe Glover said in an interview. “We are trying different things to identify that market. That is one of the motivations.”

It also allows the school the chance to expand enrollment in its new online undergraduate program, which was created by the state legislature in 2013 with $15 million for start-up and initial operational costs, and which began serving students in 2014. State legislators are eager to expand online learning at state universities as well as in the K-12 sphere. The Florida Virtual School opened with state funding in 1997 as the first online public high school in the country, and in 2000, it was declared an independent educational entity by the state legislature.

University of Florida admits 3,000 students — then tells them it is only for online program - The Washington Post

Very interesting, it will be unique to see if many other schools follow this format. So much for online learning being such a taboo...

[UptonSinclair]

For the average 18 year old, online college is a poor solution. They would be better off at their local community college than paying UF tuition for online learning.

[TwoZero]

I enjoy online, but it doesn't seem to make sense for 18 year olds. Also, kind of a back door way of positioning it.

[Prloko]

It seems like a big win for the University. Increase enrollment without having to fill another 400 seat lecture hall for LLs. In addition, they don't have to deal with the 18 year olds, being away from Dad and Mom for the first time running around the campus. They can get a "matured" student without all the infrastructure support and the costs that go with it.

I'm surprised they said the program began in 2013. I remember seriously considering their online program years earlier. I decided against it because at the time exams were required to be proctored on campus in Fl. I believe they were also a CLEP friendly school.

[TheCommuter]

Hopefully these 3,118 applicants submitted applications to one or more backup schools if they are seeking a traditional campus-based college experience.

As mentioned previously, paying UF tuition and fees for online lower division general education coursework is nonsensical when the community college system offers a cheaper alternative.

[Exfactor]

Hopefully these 3,118 applicants submitted applications to one or more backup schools if they are seeking a traditional campus-based college experience.

As mentioned previously, paying UF tuition and fees for online lower division general education coursework is nonsensical when the community college system offers a cheaper alternative.

True; however, many will do it just for name sake.