About the FHSU Virtual College |
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VC Facts
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Fort Hays State University opened its doors in 1902 as the western branch of the Kansas Normal School on the grounds of the abandoned Fort Hays military post southwest of Hays. The first building of the current campus, now Picken Hall, was completed in 1904, and the University moved to its present location. The University served the early settlers' needs for educational facilities in the new region. Today, FHSU has nearly 5000 students on campus and another 5000 enrolled in classes through the Virtual College. We continue to fulfill the mission of our earliest years by delivering opportunities for higher education to the 66 counties of western Kansas through certificate, associate, undergraduate and graduate degree programs. FHSU is fully accredited by the North Central Association of the Higher Learning Commission. Many programs have acquired special accreditation through professional organizations in their disciplines. |
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For Fort Hays State University, "Affordable Success" is a promise to students, parents, the public and state leaders that FHSU will provide access to a high-quality university education at a price that even those in the lower 40% of the state's income distribution can afford. Combining low tuition and fees with financial aid available for nearly 80% of students, we keep our promise of Affordability on campus and online. But being Affordable is only part of the promise. More importantly, FHSU's strong academic programs, extensive co- and extra-curricular opportunities and a fully mediated learning environment give students the knowledge and skills they need to achieve Success, both in the classroom and throughout their lives. FHSU faculty, staff and administrators are deeply committed to providing students one-on-one interaction essential for academic success - a claim many universities make, but few promise their students. "Affordable Success" is a promise that from cradle to grave, no matter what your race or ethnic origins, we intend to provide every Kansan the opportunity to use education as the pathway to realize his or her potential as a human being. We invite you to learn more about how we deliver on that promise. |
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Name: Bach H. Hometown: Dodge City, Kansas Major: Elementary Education I wanted to become a teacher for a very long time, but there isn’t a college in my home town, so the Virtual College was perfect for me. I love the flexibility. I have two children—a daughter who is 8 and a son who is 3— and I work as a substitute teacher, so my schedule is very full. The Virtual College lets me study when I have the time instead of when the school has the time. And the teachers are really supportive. Whenever I have a question, I just email. They answer almost instantly. They even help with things that aren’t exactly course work. For instance, last semester I had two courses that had to be taken together, but I’d only signed up for one. My professor spotted the problem right away, called my advisor, and fixed my schedule before I even knew I had a problem. Some of my Virtual College classmates live here in Dodge. We get together and trade notes and work together on projects. It’s like our own little Virtual College study group. Most of my coworkers have kids the same age as mine, and I recommend the Virtual College to them all the time. I tell them it’s flexible, they don’t have to leave their home, and they don’t have to pay a babysitter to go to school. I have a teaching job all lined up for when I graduate. I’ll teach fifth and sixth grade—all subjects, but my favorite is math.
Name: Paula L. Hometown: Western Kansas Major: Special Education (Graduate) I want to get my Master’s degree but also want to continue teaching full time. I need an education solution that fits my work schedule and lifestyle. The Virtual College through Fort Hays State University (FHSU) gives me what I am looking for. The Virtual College allows me to take classes around my schedule without having to travel. I am completing a Master’s degree in Special Education while teaching full time at a special education cooperative. To work as a special education teacher in Kansas, it has become the norm for a teacher to have a Master’s degree. Getting my Master’s degree through the Virtual College will give me a broader understanding of education principles and how students learn. Another factor in choosing the FHSU Virtual College was cost. After checking on other options for distance learning in special education, the Virtual College was the best value. Cost is not the only factor, but it is certainly important. Virtual College teachers are very conscientious and understand that many virtual students have full time jobs in addition to their school work. I have referred and will continue to refer others to the Virtual College because the faculty are genuinely interested in student success. I look forward to completing my Master’s degree and encourage any teacher to look into the Virtual College as an education opportunity.
Hometown: “The Road” Major: RN to BSN program I want to get my Master’s degree and eventually a PhD, but I need to work as well. Right now I am finishing my Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) through the RN - to - BSN program. The program is offered by the Fort Hays State University Department of Nursing through the Virtual College. The program is perfect for me. I am a traveling nurse and need an education that can move with me. I can’t be “on campus” because one week I might be in Kansas and the next week I might be in California. With the Virtual College it doesn’t matter, they work around my schedule, not the other way around. Virtual College classes are affordable and the website is very user friendly. I have enjoyed all the classes that I have taken and would recommend the Virtual College to any RN that wants to further their education. For me, there is nothing better than completing my degree while moving about. The faculty are ready and willing to work with students and if you are considering a virtual education in any field, I highly recommend the FHSU Virtual College. |
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What Others Are Saying About Us "Of all the schools that we recruit employees from, Fort Hays State has the most impressive track record of employees to management level. There is no doubt that the training that they receive at Fort Hays State definitely equips them for the real world." "My professors were excellent and I feel that we developed a very positive "virtual student/professor relationship" –more so than I would have as a student attending classes on campus. I would absolutely recommend Fort Hays Virtual College to anyone. In this day and age trying to work and raise a family I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to be able to finish school and not be tied down to classrooms and schedules." Anette F. "I truly believe that the INT curriculum and the way the department was developed and ran helped me accomplish my goals. In general, it takes an average of 5 yrs (at my company) to reach this level. But with great classes in Networking, data, PRESENTATIONS FOR SURE, and the staff, I was able to accomplish it in 1 yr and 11 months." Jake S. |
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We’re accredited. And we’re accountable. We’re quality-driven. Do the math. |
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The Virtual College knows no boundaries. It’s midnight in Kansas and students at Fort Hays State (at least some of them) are turning in for the night, but on the other side of the world, businesses, corporate employees, and students from other universities are logging on for afternoon classes through Fort Hays State Virtual College. Because the Virtual College is open around the clock as well as around the globe, some of those students and American students study together. Through partnerships with universities and businesses, the Virtual College is creating new educational possibilities and rich cultural exchanges. If you are interested in partnering with Fort Hays State University, please contact the Office of Strategic Partnerships at 1-800-628-FHSU or celliot@fhsu.edu. |
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As a leader in distance education, the Virtual College at Fort Hays State offers prospective instructors exciting academic opportunities to teach and mentor students. For over 100 years, FHSU has provided students from around the world a high quality education at an affordable price. To assure our students the best possible learning experience, the decision to hire faculty to teach courses offered through the Virtual College is made by the academic departments. However, the Virtual College accepts and forwards applications to the appropriate departments from individuals interested in teaching through FHSU's Virtual College. If you wish to be considered for an instructor position, submit a vita and letter of interest to dking@fhsu.edu. Resources: Community Notice of Non-discrimination--Fort Hays State University does not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, religion, national origin, age, disability, Vietnam era veteran status or special disabled veteran status in its programs and activities. The director of affirmative action, coordinator of Title IX, Title VI, Section 504 and ADA regulations, may be contacted at 600 Park Street, Hays, KS 67601-4099, (785) 628-4033. |