Moodle Upgrades

We are currently in the process upgrading Moodle and its server hardware. Last week we completed the migration of Moodle to a dedicated server along with several upgrades including PHP5 and an SSL certificate. In the next few weeks we expect to upgrade Moodle to version 1.8. Feedback from faculty and students has been compiled and is being considered as we review the new Moodle 1.8 features and revisions to the MySIS portal.

While we do not expect to have any service interruptions, the event of an outage, we ask for your understanding.

The Future of Online Education

In some form or another (such as correspondence courses), distance education has been around for more than a century. True online, or technologically-supported education, however, is less than two decades old.

Mary Adams is a true pioneer in technologically-supported education. She began her career helping students with technology-delivered education before most people had even heard of the Internet. She is widely recognized as a leader in bringing new ideas to education and being dedicated to students, their careers and accomplishments. Her peers in education hold her in the highest esteem because of her dedication, energy, integrity, intellect and willingness to help anyone who is likewise committed to enhancing the cause of students.

Mary was recently interviewed in the DETC newsletter that goes to hundreds of educational leaders around the world. We thought you would be interested in seeing why we at American Sentinel University are so proud of her.

Dr. Richard Oliver, CEO, American Sentinel University

Academic Calendar 2008

The first 6 months of the Academic Calendar for 2008 will be available on Monday October 29, 2007. The final 6 months will be available by November 5, 2007 at the same location. You can access the Academic Calendar via the student website. You will need your Moodle user ID and password to access the student website.

We urge you to consult this Academic Calendar now and plan your courses ahead. Some courses will be offered every month, but most courses will be offered less frequently. Planning ahead will ensure your courses should be available when you are ready to take them.

Some programs conclude with a capstone course which can be scheduled at any time. If this applies to your program, contact your student advisor to schedule your capstone but remember a capstone should be the last course in your program.

You should also regularly check the Academic Calendar to be sure that there have been no changes in the courses you have planned. While we will strive to minimize any changes, there will always be some last minute changes due to unforeseen circumstances. We do reserve the right to cancel courses where there is insufficient student enrollment.

Information Systems - Is It All Worth It?

Reading a textbook while the big game is on TV. Doing an assignment when the rest of the family has gone to bed. Getting onto the Discussion Board to talk to a fellow student to share experiences. Is it all worth it?

The answer is "Yes." Sure, there is the confidence you have when making decisions at work, or talking to colleagues about how to solve a problem. And you have a stronger resume.

But your college degree also can earn you more money. The numbers speak for themselves. A recent survey in Game Developer magazine showed, for example, that programmers with a Bachelor's degree earn $77,596 a year; $8,920 more than someone with an Associate degree. Over 5 years, that is a $44,600 difference. In another survey, the US Census Bureau estimated that people with a Bachelor's degree earned an average of $51,554, while those with just a high school diploma earned an average of $19,169. Over five years, that is $161,925 more.

Admittedly, getting an advanced degree doesn't mean the boss will automatically respond with a raise. But the combination of education and experience can translate into better opportunities for it.

Ernie Eugster, Ph.D.
Associate Provost

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