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2011 Year in Review at CSU »

2011 was a successful year in many ways for Colorado State University, campus-wide. As OnlinePlus students, you are connected to a university that has a lot of amazing things happening.

Posted February 9, 2012 by Zac McFarlane – Comments

Electronic Proctoring – Coming to a CSU OnlinePlus Course Near You »

Testing just got easier for our OnlinePlus students! It's a federal mandate for us to make sure the right student is taking the right test, so we've done a little work on our end to make the process a little better for you. After a couple pilot semesters, electronic proctoring is set to go live by the Fall 2012 semester.

Posted February 7, 2012 by Amy Jo Miller – Comments

Writing a Thesis #3: Utilizing Your Classes »

Use all of your classes and coursework to complete research and build your thesis, right from the start.

Posted February 2, 2012 by Zac McFarlane – Comments

Library Resource of the Month: Research Guides »

Wondering where to start looking for library resources? There is a wealth of subject-specific assistance right at your fingertips from the CSU Libraries' homepage for online and distance students.

Posted January 26, 2012 by Guest Blogger – Comments

Adult Education and Training Master's Degree Student's Experience »

Hi my name is Savannah Greer, and I'm currently enrolled in the adult education and training program at Colorado State University.

Posted January 20, 2012 by Tamara Burns – Comments

Writing a Thesis #2: Selecting an Advisory Committee »

Your advisory committee comprises a group of faculty members who will guide you through your master's program and thesis. These individuals are vital to your success as a graduate student at Colorado State University. Without their approval, you can't finish your thesis, complete the program, or earn your degree - so choose your committee wisely.

Posted January 17, 2012 by Teddy Parker-Renga – Comments

To Credential or Not Credential – Registered Dietitian is the Question »

One of the degrees that I recruit for is the Master of Science in Food Science and Nutrition with a specialization in Dietetics, offered through Colorado State University (CSU) and the Great Plains Interactive Distance Education Alliance (Great Plains IDEA). One of the admission requirements for this degree is for the applicant to hold the credential of Registered Dietitian (RD). Oftentimes, prospective students are looking for a degree they can earn "en route," but CSU and the Great Plains IDEA degree was developed for practicing RD's who would like to advance their level of practice, retool for new career opportunities, or pursue doctoral study with enhanced knowledge in a specific area of dietetics practice. When a person makes the choice to move into the field of Food Science and Nutrition, most often they come to a fork in the road, one direction leading down the path of a nutritionist and the other a Registered Dietician. What's the difference?

Posted January 12, 2012 by Mike Macklin – Comments

Presentation Tips for College Students »

This spring semester, you may be asked to make a presentation on a final paper or project for a class. A course-based presentation is an excellent opportunity for practice and feedback before the stakes become higher as you advance in your professional and academic career. It's better to go down in a ball of flames in front of your professor and classmates than, say, your boss, co-workers, or potential clients, right?

Posted January 6, 2012 by Teddy Parker-Renga – Comments

Making the Decision to Go Back to School »

Whether you came back to finish your bachelor's degree, are currently enrolled in a master's degree program, or maybe you're even considering getting your Ph.D. – there were several factors that went into your decision.

Posted January 4, 2012 by Amy Jo Miller – Comments

We All Make 'Em, but Do You Keep 'Em? New Year's Resolutions »

January 1 is just days away and for many of you that will mean embarking on a grand adventure otherwise known as your new year's resolution. I browsed a few websites looking for statistics on how many of us will actually KEEP those resolutions throughout the year and came to this consensus, 40-45% of American adults will make one or more resolutions this year.

Posted December 29, 2011 by Amy Jo Miller – Comments

What's Ahead for OnlinePlus? »

Given the macro trends of public/private partnerships, declining state support, extended recession, and new entrants that I talked about last month, what does 2012 hold for CSU OnlinePlus? My email tag line is from Einstein and says "In the midst of difficulty lies opportunity."

Posted December 22, 2011 by Hunt Lambert – Comments

What's a Land Grant University, and Why Should I Care? »

It started with a realization in the 1860s, commonplace now, but at that time a rather groundbreaking notion: education that was only available to the upper classes just didn't suit a democratic society. Honest Abe agreed, and signed the Morrill Act into law, providing for grants of public land to establish colleges. In 1870 then-Territorial Governor Edward MCook authorized the creation of what today is called Colorado State University.

Posted December 20, 2011 by Jenny Hannifin – Comments

Writing a Thesis #1: Picking a Topic »

A year and a half ago, fellow OnlinePlus blog contributor, Teddy Parker-Renga, and I began pursuing our Master of Science in Public Communication and Technology degrees from Colorado State University's Department of Journalism and Mass Communication. Prior to beginning, I knew that I would have to complete a thesis, but honestly, I didn't really know what that would entail. Since then, we've both learned a lot, and, over the next few weeks, plan to share some tips we’ve gleaned along the way.

Posted December 16, 2011 by Zac McFarlane – Comments

Agriculture – not simply raising livestock and growing grain »

Agriculture, as defined by Merriam-Webster.com, is "the science, art, or practice of cultivating the soil, producing crops, and raising livestock, and in varying degrees, the preparation and marketing of the resulting products." I would argue that this definition only speaks to agriculture in its purest form and doesn't clearly explain the interdisciplinary nature of the ever evolving agriculture industry. At Colorado State University, we have two different Master of Agriculture degrees that look at traditional agriculture as well as the applied nature of the industry. Students are able to choose focus areas and tailor their degrees to fit their professional and personal goals. Students can choose courses in community development, 4-H and youth development, agricultural communications, environmental education, water resources, business, and education – not simply farm and ranch management.

Posted December 14, 2011 by Mike Macklin – Comments

Why We Need College Campuses »

Online is big. Online is cool. Online is hot. The world comes to you through your smartphone, tablet or laptop, right? So if you're taking a class or working on a degree, you might ask "Why do we need college campuses?" Let's think about it.

Posted December 8, 2011 by Al Powell – Comments

CSU Library Resources at Your Fingertips »

OnlinePlus students receive many of the same benefits that on-campus students enjoy, including library access. The University Library's collection of e-journals, e-books, databases, and other electronic materials expands daily and can be quickly delivered to students online.

Posted December 6, 2011 by Guest Blogger – Comments

Finding the Right Graduate Program »

For many people, making the decision to earn an advanced degree is a smart move, one that can lead to more money and a more satisfying career. But deciding to go back to school is only the beginning. You now have to select graduate programs to apply to. It's not an easy task, and you'll soon find yourself swimming – or more accurately, drowning – in information. As you review the nuts and bolts of each program, always be asking yourself, "Is the program a good fit for me and my career goals?"

Posted November 30, 2011 by Teddy Parker-Renga – Comments

'Tis the Season for Giving Thanks »

As we celebrate the holiday that some affectionately refer to as Turkey Day, I'm sure most of us start to reflect on the things in life we have to be thankful for – the true spirit of the holiday – although the turkey and trimmings are divine!

Posted November 24, 2011 by Amy Jo Miller – Comments

2011 Trends »

A few trends that took hold in 2011 are very interesting. First, the emergence of public/private partnerships – like Arizona State University with Pearson/eCollege and Educating Sales and Marketing. In this example, a Carnegie 1 research campus publicly announced a goal of growing to 100,000 distance students and using private money and methods to manage the marketing, recruiting retention, and business challenges.

Posted November 22, 2011 by Hunt Lambert – Comments

Don't Spend All of Fall Break Studying »

Fall break is finally here. I don't know about you, but as a busy graduate student, I could use a little rest and relaxation before the last three weeks of the semester. I have some studying to do, of course, and I'm sure many of you do as well. But, I encourage you to avoid the "I'll do it over break" trap, overloading yourself with schoolwork next week. Taking a few days off can be a great way to recharge your battery and prepare yourself for the stress of final papers, projects, and exams.

Posted November 17, 2011 by Teddy Parker-Renga – Comments

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