Overview
The lecture details one student's journey to building community as an Arizona Online student, covering challenges, involvement, and strategies for connecting with peers and faculty.
Navigating Online Education and Initial Challenges
- The student lost housing and income after COVID-19 but continued coursework using Disney Aspire tuition support.
- Felt disconnected from professors and classmates at her first online university due to lack of interaction.
- After losing tuition funding, she worked as a live-in nanny to pay for continuing her studies.
- Transferred to Arizona Online for its reputation of strong school spirit, community, and academic excellence.
Engaging with UA Online Academics
- UA Online required active participation like video responses, group projects, and virtual meetings.
- Professors gave detailed feedback and supported students through email and career guidance.
- Regular discussions with classmates and instructors fostered a sense of community.
Involvement in Student Organizations
- Joined university-run Facebook groups and Near You Network for additional engagement.
- Became Administrative Vice President of ASUA-NY, student government for online students.
- Participated in the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion committee and visited the main campus.
- Built friendships and professional networks through student government involvement.
Major-Specific and Leadership Opportunities
- Joined Psi Chi, a national psychology honor society, to connect with others in her major.
- Improved online student access by serving as Psi Chi's Director of Communications and later as President.
- Modeled inclusivity and leadership opportunities for online, post-traditional students.
Research and Professional Development
- Became an undergraduate research assistant, with lab systems adapted for remote participation.
- Collaborated with peers in a virtual lab, gaining experience for graduate school applications.
- Developed key research and teamwork skills supporting lab projects remotely.
Graduate School Preparation and Support
- Faculty and mentors offered guidance on graduate school applications, interviews, and personal statements.
- Built strong relationships for letters of recommendation, which supported application success.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Arizona Online — University of Arizona’s fully online degree program with virtual courses and activities.
- ASUA-NY — Student government for Arizona Online and Near You Network students.
- Psi Chi — National honor society for psychology students, offering leadership and networking.
- Post-traditional student — A student who may be older, working, or returning to education after a break.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Participate actively in online course discussions and group work.
- Seek out online student organizations and leadership roles.
- Communicate with professors for feedback, mentorship, and opportunities.
- Explore research assistant positions and major-specific clubs for deeper engagement.
- Build relationships within the academic community for support with future goals.