It’s only mid January, and there’s already a lot happening at the University of Arizona Global Campus. Not surprisingly, one of the hottest topics is Ashford University’s transition to UAGC in December 2020. As your social community manager, I’ve been a part of what’s been going on both behind the scenes and through interactions with our online community, and I’m delighted to shed some more light on everything that’s been happening lately with the University.
I have been a part of this great university since 2011, and I’ve continuously been impressed with the tremendous growth and focus on student support that I’ve witnessed over my years as a student and employee. Our educational offerings have constantly evolved to keep up with the needs of adult online learners, and I see this transition to UAGC as another big step in enhancing our ability to serve students.
Since the news broke on December 1, I have been interacting with the community to provide as much insight as possible. We published a blog on the transition to offer some details, and I’ve been responding to every single comment on our social media channels with as much transparency and information as possible regarding the change.
To help address the needs of the community, in December I led a Facebook Live Event with UAGC President Dr. Craig Swenson, Dean of College of Arts & Sciences Dr. Iris Lafferty, and Dean of Forbes School of Business and Technology(R) Bob Daugherty. This live Celebration and Information Session was an interactive way to help put faces to the names of the people who are facilitating this transition and open up the floor for questions from our community.
The event brought up many questions, some we expected, and some we didn’t, and it also gave us a chance to learn what our students’ priorities were regarding the change to UAGC.
What is most interesting to me is the many questions regarding what the new school logo and colors would be (in case you haven’t noticed, they are Arizona Red & Arizona Blue), as well as where you could get your hands on new school shirts and other school-related merchandise. Rest assured; details are coming! Right now, we’re in the midst of curating our new selection, but we will let everyone know once T-shirts and the like become available so you can show your school pride.
In the meantime, be on the lookout for some fun upcoming events similar to the scavenger hunts we hosted throughout December 2020. These events will be a great chance to show your school spirit, score some UAGC swag, and network with your peers. We should have more information on the contests to come via our social media channels, such as our UAGC Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn pages. Follow us for a chance to participate.
Some of you also had questions regarding what school name would be displayed on your diploma and transcripts (see below for more details on both), accreditation questions (no worries, UAGC continues to be accredited), as well as wondering about talking points to use about the transition for job interviews.
But that’s not all. That’s why I’m taking the opportunity to dive deeper into some of the most critical questions that came up during and after our Facebook event. Read on to learn more.
FAQs on Our Transition to UAGC
Here are some of the most pressing questions I have seen students and alumni ask about UAGC. Review the list below and find out all the answers to your pressing questions about the transition and how it may (and may not) affect you throughout your time at UAGC.
1. How will the transition from Ashford University to UAGC benefit students?
This alliance brings together one of our nation’s premier research and teaching universities with one of the nation’s most innovative online institutions. The affiliation will enhance the ability of both University of Arizona and UAGC to serve expanded segments of the population – and to better serve the evolving educational needs of students in ways that best meet their individual needs. It builds on the spirit of innovation that is central to the legacy of both institutions.
Students will be able to continue their degree programs without interruptions and will also enjoy other opportunities because of the Global Campus affiliation with University of Arizona. Students will be able to take advantage of the same full suite of resources to help them succeed in their degree programs.
2. What name will be on my diploma? How can I order transcripts/diplomas that reflect UAGC if I am an AU grad?
Students who graduated prior to the completion of the transaction will be issued Ashford University transcripts and diplomas. Students who graduate after the transaction closed will be issued a transcript and diploma from the University of Arizona Global Campus. When students order a duplicate diploma, it is reproducing the student’s diploma, so it will reflect the name of the university at the time the student graduated. If students want a document reflecting the name change, students can order their official transcript, as that will list the University of Arizona Global Campus.
3. How does this change impact the University’s accreditation?
The University of Arizona Global Campus is accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission (WSCUC), 1001 Marina Village Parkway, Suite 402, Alameda, CA 94501, 510-748-9001, www.wscuc.org. WSCUC is an institutional accrediting body that is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council on Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA). In 2019, Ashford University’s accreditation was reaffirmed by WSCUC for six years, with the next reaffirmation review for UAGC scheduled for spring 2025.
- Additionally, the following programs hold specialized accreditation: The Forbes School of Business and Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus has received programmatic accreditation for its business programs through the International Accreditation Council for Business Education (IACBE) located at 11374 Strang Line Road in Lenexa, Kansas, USA. The following programs are approved by IACBE: IACBE Accredited Programs
- In addition, the Forbes School of Business & Technology at the University of Arizona Global Campus has received special accounting accreditation for its accounting programs through the IACBE. The following programs hold specialized accounting accreditation: Master of Accountancy and Bachelor of Arts in Accounting.
- The University of Arizona Global Campus Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) program is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education (CCNE).
- The Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).
4. What should I put onto my resume, and what should I say in interviews?
We encourage you to take advantage of your lifelong access to our career services team for interview talking points and resume support. Additionally, we look to continue our Virtual Career Fair offerings and resume optimization, resume book support, and much more.
5. Will my advisor change?
UAGC staff will continue to function in their current roles.
6. Will the University of Arizona programs be available now that we are part of UA?
There will be no immediate changes or new programs upon the transition.
7. Will my employer still pay for my degree?
This transaction will have no impact on your full tuition grant or tuition benefit agreement or any actions that you need to take. If you have further questions, please reach out to your advisor.
8. Will my military funding still be recognized?
VA utilizing - Until any change has been made with the VA, students will need to continue to apply to the VA using the Ashford University name and address. If they apply using UAGC or University of Arizona Global Campus, VA will deny their app.
TA utilizing - Students should still list Ashford University until the change is made with DoD and all branches of the military.
9. Will all Transfer Partnerships such as Sophia and non-traditional credits remain, and will the transfer guides remain the same?
Yes. They will stay the same but will be rebranded to UAGC where needed.
10. Can I transfer to The University of Arizona?
To transfer to The University of Arizona, you would need to complete the appropriate application. The process for applying to The University of Arizona is the same for all students.
11. Is UAGC a part or extension of The University of Arizona?
The University of Arizona Global Campus (UAGC) is an independent university affiliated with The University of Arizona. UAGC has been established with its own accreditation, programs, and faculty.
12. Will the APA template change?
No, the APA template is independent of UAGC. Information on the most current template can be found in the Writing Center.
13. Where will commencement take place?
Information on 2021 commencements have not been announced. Look out for future communications from the University and commencement websites about plans for the 2021 commencement activities.
14. Will there be any changes in the online platform?
Students will have all the same access to the resources below as they did pre-transition, including Classrooms, Student Portal, Tutoring on Demand, Writing Center, Library, Career Services, Alumni Relations, Access & Wellness, and more.
Looking Ahead
Through this new affiliation with a prestigious research-based institution like The University of Arizona, we are leading the way when it comes to providing increased opportunities for our students to receive a quality online education. Whether you’re a current student, part of our alumni family, or you’re considering online college in your future, we hope you are as excited as we are about these changes and the future ahead.
You can expect the same commitment to excellence and high level of personalized support when it comes to ensuring your educational success. As we’re fond of saying around here, don’t be surprised if what you learn in a class on Tuesday directly applies to your job on Wednesday. We intend to make that happen more than ever with this recent transition.
Visit our FAQs Page to Learn More
Still have questions? We have answers for you! Visit the FAQs section on the UAGC.edu homepage for more details, read our announcement, or schedule some time to talk to your student advisor. As always, you can stay up to date on the latest University news through all of our social media channels. Connect with me and your fellow classmates and alumni at UAGC Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Until next time!