The majority of those graduating from Colorado State University’s online and distance programs this semester live far from Fort Collins. Many live in other parts of Colorado and states including California, North Carolina, Illinois, and Massachusetts. Others come from as far away as Honduras, Sweden, and Lithuania.
“The fact that so many students living all over the nation and the world want to earn a degree from CSU is a testament to the quality of the education we offer,” said Associate Provost for Instructional Innovation Mike Palmquist. “And the fact that all of these people can have access to our programs demonstrates the powerful role that instructional technology continues to play at our institution.”
A number of the graduates will walk in commencement ceremonies this weekend, and for some it will be the first time they set foot on the campus of their soon-to-be alma mater. Graduates from Honduras, Maryland, Virginia, and New York are traveling thousands of miles to attend.
“It’s gratifying to see so many of our students come to campus and celebrate their achievement with family and friends,” Palmquist said. “They’ve told us that they feel strongly connected to CSU and our faculty, even though they didn’t attend classes on campus.”
In addition to commencement ceremonies, online and distance students are invited to attend a graduation brunch sponsored by CSU Online at the Lory Student Center. “This gives them a chance to meet the faculty, classmates, and CSU staff who they have only talked with online or on the phone. It’s exciting to see them connect in person,” Palmquist said.
CSU offers more than 70 degree, certificate, and training programs online or at other locations around Colorado. This fall, graduates will earn degrees from 35 of those programs, including master’s degrees in engineering, agriculture, education, and business, and bachelor’s degrees in agricultural business, liberal arts, psychology, and human development and family studies.
See the infographic below for more information about this semester’s graduates from online and distance programs.
