About Academic Outreach

Since 1920, public service has supported the University’s mission when the first correspondence study classes were offered to meet the need for trained teachers in remote locations of the state. As the University’s role and scope expanded, outreach programs also evolved to reflect a more comprehensive curriculum. Facilities and technology resources grew to support these new offerings and were often used in connection with public service and community activities.

In 1975, the Board of Trustees created the Division of Continuing Education, now the Division of Academic Outreach & Extended Programs, as a central administrative unit to coordinate the growing number of outreach programs. The Division’s role was to work with internal units to respond to public service needs. This role was affirmed in 1988 when the continuing education model of “administratively centralized/academically decentralized” was espoused as an outcome of institutional restructuring. This model, which remains in place today, allows the academic units to retain ownership of outreach programs, including student semester credit hour production (SSCH), while providing a centralized portal of access for the public.

Mission:

The Division of Academic Outreach & Extended Programs provides quality lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities through credit courses, non-credit programs, and customized services that address market needs.

Vision:

The Division of Academic Outreach & Extended Programs is the outreach arm of the University. By extending University resources to meet defined needs within a diverse global community, the Division will expand individual and commercial horizons.

Group Values:

Central to the purpose of Academic Outreach is the provision of:

• Professional development and continuing education programs, which may include credit or non-credit offerings delivered at off-campus locations, provided through grant-funding, or offered on a non-traditional schedule;
• Extended study courses (correspondence) based on an asynchronous distance format, which provide optimum time and place learning flexibility;
• Community education courses for personal and professional development;
• Coordination for youth camps and special events;
• Comprehensive conference services;
• University facility and resource scheduling; and
• Customized training and service contracts.