The Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University (ERAU) Afghanistan Campus and Kuwait Campus have played an intricate role in providing students with the opportunity to continue their pursuit of higher education while deployed. ERAU has proven their commitment to these deployed Soldiers by bringing university services to Bagram, Camp Buehring, and other off-site bases and providing students crucial support and guidance. The on ground Assistant Director of Academic Support in Afghanistan, Samantha Santee, has established an excellent relationship with Soldiers from all over Afghanistan and has facilitated enrollments with ERAU, as well as advising in regards to current degree plans.
While some students choose the online learning environment, many have taken advantage of the on ground courses offered at Bagram Air Field (BAF) and Forward Operating Base (FOB) Fenty (Jalalabad) in Afghanistan and Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. Students were afforded the classroom experience taught by highly qualified local adjunct instructors. Local instructors were thoroughly screened before being offered an adjunct position, as higher education demands excellence from faculty.
The courses offered at BAF and FOB Fenty included Aviation Maintenance Technology Part 65, Management, Safety, and Security and Intelligence courses. The AMNT Certificate program was a huge success at BAF with over 25 consistent enrollments for each six courses. Soldiers committed themselves to the program and completed the series in five months earning 21 semester hours towards either the certificate or degree track. The AMNT Certificate program is also popular in Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, with 19 students attending the first course offered last month without a person on the ground to actively recruit.
The Afghanistan Campus has had over 200 enrollments since August 2007. The student population has grown in Afghanistan and will continue to grow with proven commitment from ERAU in providing excellent academic support to Soldiers. Advising has been face to face or via e-mail or telephone. Each student is given proper guidance in respect to inquiries regarding applications, degree tracks, and any other issues that may arise.
Online students are given the same guidance as on ground students. However, online learning students are at a disadvantage as deployed locations do not have consistent Internet access. To remedy this situation, the International Region will be piloting the “Blackboard Backpack.” This program will allow soldiers in remote locations to download courses to their personal laptops and participate as if attending the online course. Students will have access to discussion questions, assignments, and peer interaction. Once they are in an area where Internet connection is possible, they can upload their assignments into their Blackboard classroom.
Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University teaches science, practice, and business of aviation, aerospace, and selected related technologies, with more than 35 degree programs at more than 130 worldwide campuses.
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