Connecticut State Universities to Expand Online OfferingsHARTFORD, Conn.
The Connecticut State University system has announced it has signed contracts with Campus Pipeline Inc., CollegisEduprise, SCT and WebCT to expand its distance-learning arm, OnlineCSU, and enhance online services for the overall system.
The CSU System includes Central Connecticut State University, Eastern Connecticut State University, Southern Connecticut State University and Western Connecticut State University.
Working with the vendors, CSU universities will surround their popular OnlineCSU digital classrooms with a digital campus that unites existing systems and services, and facilitates student and faculty collaboration, networking and mentoring beyond the classroom. The digital campus, a network of data, portals and other applications, built upon the Campus Pipeline(TM) Web Platform, is expected to be available to students and faculty in spring 2003.
"In addition to providing the most cost-effective and practical solution for the CSU System, the digital campus will also provide faculty and CSU universities with a greater flexibility in providing excellent, convenient distance learning," says Dr. William J. Cibes, chancellor of the CSU System.
The new digital campus will help CSU universities enhance their online offerings for students, faculty and staff by providing:
• Single sign-on access to SCT's student information system (SIS), registration and payment systems, as well as WebCT's distance learning courses;
• User-specific, targeted messaging functionality via e-mail or the new campus portal;
• Automatically populated course and institutional calendars;
• Course tools for posting syllabi and supplemental course materials.
"OnlineCSU constantly strives to improve the student-centered learning experience. Working with these vendors builds upon our existing technology investments and gives us a head start as we expand our online offerings," Cibes says.
OnlineCSU was launched in 1998 with 10 courses and 71 students. To date, more than 6,700 students have enrolled in more than 400 courses. Unique in its offerings, three degree programs are available via OnlineCSU.
These programs include a Master of Science in Library Science from Southern Connecticut State University, a Master of Science in Data Mining from Central Connecticut State University and a Master of Science in Educational Technology from Eastern Connecticut State University. OnlineCSU's new features, as well as conversion progress reports, will be available at <www.OnlineCSU.net>. 

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