MINNEAPOLIS, November 10, 2011 – Quality Matters, a nationally recognized, faculty-centered process that certifies the quality of online courses, has honored Capella University (http://www.capella.edu) with a 2011 Making a Difference for Students Award. The award recognizes organizations or individuals that exemplify Quality Matters' focus on student learning and the use of Quality Matters standards, practices, and processes to improve student success. Capella is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing high quality online degree programs for working adults. As of Sept. 30, 2011, more than 35,000 students are pursuing an online degree at Capella, with nearly 80 percent enrolled in Capella's doctoral degree programs and master's degree programs. The learning and career outcomes of Capella's students and alumni can be found at www.capellaresults.org.
Capella was recognized for its commitment to collaboration and its integration of the Quality Matters principle of continuous quality improvement across the organization, with the goal of student success. The award was presented at the 3rd Annual Quality Matters Conference held Nov. 7-9, 2011, in Baltimore, Maryland.
"We are committed to implementing the Quality Matters standards and are systematically building and evaluating our online courses based on these rigorous, research-based standards," said Deborah Bushway, PhD, Capella University's interim president. "The Quality Matters standards assure that our courses promote learner engagement and provide students with the tools and information they need to be successful. Our students clearly agree. We regularly survey them and they consistently indicate a high level of satisfaction with courses developed using the Quality Matters process."
"We reviewed many impressive nominations this year, so being selected is a significant honor," said Ron Legon, executive director of Quality Matters. "Like others who have embraced the Quality Matters process, Capella's implementation is faculty-driven, but their effort has been strengthened through their effective collaboration with other members of the academic staff and faculty leadership, especially those focused on course and curriculum development. We're pleased to recognize them with a 2011 Making a Difference for Students Award. Their students have been the clear winners."
Quality Matters (QM) is a faculty-centered, peer review process that is designed to certify the quality of online and blended courses. QM is a leader in quality assurance for online education and has received national recognition for its peer-based approach and continuous improvement in online education and student learning. QM subscribers include community and technical colleges, colleges and universities, K-12 schools and systems, and other institutions that serve the academic community.
Capella University (www.capella.edu) is an accredited online university* that has built its reputation by providing quality online degree programs for working adults. Nearly 80 percent of Capella students are currently enrolled in master's, specialist, or doctoral degree programs in business, counseling, education, health administration, homeland security, human resource management, human services, information technology, nonprofit management and leadership, nursing, psychology, public administration, public health, public safety, and social work. Capella also offers bachelor's degree programs in business, information technology, nursing, psychology, and public safety. Within those areas, Capella currently offers 140 graduate and undergraduate specializations and 17 certificate programs. More than 35,000 learners were enrolled as of Sept. 30, 2011, from all 50 states and 59 other countries. Capella is committed to providing high-caliber academic excellence and pursuing balanced business growth. Founded in 1993, Capella University is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Capella Education Company, headquartered in Minneapolis. For more information, please visit http://www.capella.edu or call 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552).
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* Capella University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA), www.ncahlc.org. Capella University, Capella Tower, 225 South Sixth Street, Ninth Floor, Minneapolis, MN 55402, 1.888.CAPELLA (227.3552), www.capella.edu.
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