University of Wisconsin - Extension

Each day, hundreds of University of Wisconsin students roll out of bed and "attend" class-some still in their bare feet and bathrobes! At other times, these same students attend class in the dead of night, on weekends, or any other time that's convenient. There are no formal dress or location requirements; all they have to be able to do is turn on a computer and log onto the Internet.

These students are part of a growing trend in higher education-they are participating in UW's "virtual university" by taking UW courses online.

When we think about online learning, some of us might shudder over disturbing images of registration chaos or not being able to receive quality academic support and advising. But, because of the UW's award-winning Learner Relationship Management System (LRMS), online students in the University of Wisconsin System don't have to worry about any of that.

LRMS is an integral part of UW Learning Innovations' (UWLI) seamless support system for students taking courses via the Internet. LRMS coordinates the registration and payment, advising, and course tracking services across multiple institutions. It also provides students with call center help and advising for each course.

The UWLI staff logs information about each and every call, so that the students feel supported, and the UW campuses have a thorough understanding of that student's online experience.

"What the LRMS really allows us to do is keep an accurate record of every time we engage with a student-whether it's answering a question about registration, advising, course tracking, a help desk call, or just finding out how they're doing," said Kris McGrew, UWLI Director of Learner Services. "We have a total picture of what is going on with that student," "Having that information enables us to provide comprehensive advice and counsel to each and every student."

According to Dawn Crim, UWLI Business Development Manager, LRMS benefits the UW institutions as well as the students by encouraging collaboration. "Because LRMS makes registration, advising, and course tracking services across institutions so simple, it enables the campuses in the University of Wisconsin System to share content and staff with one other. This kind of collaboration is cost-effective for the institutions and provides for the students the best possible, comprehensive learning experience."

UWLI's Learner Relationship Management System is the winner of a Certificate of Excellence this year from the University Continuing Education Association (UCEA) Region IV, in the area of an exemplary program in continuing education student services.

"We are absolutely delighted to be honored with this award," added Crim. "We couldn't have done it without the hard work of everyone on the LRMS team."

Created by the UW Board of Regents in 1997, UW Learning Innovations is a unit of the University of Wisconsin-Extension's Continuing Education division. UWLI's mission is to provide instructional design and development, faculty training, and learner services expertise to the 26 UW campuses in support of their online degree and certificate programs.

The 26 University of Wisconsin System campuses serve more than 150,000 students. UW-Extension's mission is to deliver university knowledge and resources to all Wisconsin people-wherever they live and work.