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TO OFFER TUITION-FREE

SELF-PACED COURSES

I n today’s world, it seems many students are
looking for three things when considering an
institution of higher learning: valuable degree
options, an accredited and reputable institution, and
the ability to earn a degree quickly without spending
too much money.
To help reduce the overall cost of a student’s
education, Hodges University is offering tuition-free
self-paced courses for students who are enrolled full
time in on-campus or online courses.
“We understand students want options allowing
them to complete their degree more rapidly and
save on the cost of completing their educational
goals. Students who engage in the tuition-free self-
paced option will save both time and money as they
navigate their program of study,” said Brent Passey,
vice president of enrollment services at Hodges
University. This allows a student to earn credit for his/
her knowledge and real-world experience.
Interested students must adhere to a set of fitting the new format, Passey said, “Our Fisher School of Technology (FSoT) will
guidelines in order to enroll in the tuition-free have the most comprehensive list of course options. However, some of the courses
self-paced courses. Students must be enrolled full within the Johnson School of Business, as well as most liberal arts/general education
time, which means taking 12 online/standard credit courses, which can be taken in the UPOWER format, will also be available in the
hours. In addition, students must not be required to tuition-free self-paced format regardless of a student’s major.”
complete remedial or IEP courses and may not repeat Although not all courses are available in the tuition-free self-paced learning
a course in the self-paced learning format. Lastly, the format, the university is looking into the possibility of expanding available course
student must possess a 2.0 institutional grade point options. Before adding more courses, Passey explains each course must be evaluated
average; however, new students will be exempt from to determine if the material may be delivered effectively through the tuition-free
this requirement. self-paced learning format and helps the student to achieve the “desired learning
Designed as a tuition-free option, students will outcome.”
still pay for books and other materials necessary to “While saving time and money are important, students’ main goal is learning
complete the course. If continuously enrolled full time, something that will be beneficial to their life, career and community. If we feel
a student will have six months of access to tuition- that moving a class to the tuition-free self-paced learning format cannot help our
free self-paced courses; however, if the student drops students achieve their goal, we will not do it,” he said.
his/her full-time status, the access will be removed. A typical course within the tuition-free self-paced learning format includes
Passey admits the new learning format “can various learning modules within the coursework. Based on the coursework for each
be more academically challenging” because of the module, an assessment of the student’s command of the material is conducted, and if
number of credit hours students will be completing; the score is high enough, he/she may move to the next module until all modules are
however, for individuals who need to complete their completed. At that time, the student will take the final exam. If the student passes,
degree program quickly, it is a valuable option. he/she will move to the next course; however, if the student needs additional study, a
“Most of the tuition-free self-paced courses, faculty member will guide the students’ progress until the course is completed.
which are included in all undergraduate majors, reside For more information about Hodges University’s tuition-free self-paced learning
in the liberal arts/general education courses,” he said. format, contact a Hodges’ admissions coordinator at 1.800. 466.8017 or 1 800.466-
Explaining not all of Hodges’ schools offer courses 0019.

16 Life in Naples | January 2017