Economy leads to increased demand for online learning

FORT COLLINS - For years, Mark Morris worked in manufacturing. He assumed his financial world was secure, until the economy went into crisis.

"Got laid off in November of 2007," said Morris. "So, I've been unemployed for 14 months now."

With his extra time, Morris decided he needed an extra boost to his resume and skill set. In September, he enrolled in the new CSU Global Campus online school. He is seeking a degree in Leadership and Organizational Studies.

"It really anchors my resume and my experience," said Morris.

He's not alone. With all the layoffs around Colorado, schools like CSU Global Campus are seeing an increased demand. Metro State's enrollment is up more than 7 percent. Administrators there are considering an enrollment cap for the first time. Community colleges are busier as well.

"Our requests for information, our applications are starting to really go up," said Rich Schweigert, CEO of CSU Global Campus. "We had December and January were our highest months."

Schweigert says online programs give students flexibility to learn at their own time and at their own pace.

"There's a lot of folks out there that want to improve their education and they can't get back on campus," said Schweigert.

Morris says there's no way he can spend a fixed time on a college campus. Plus, he says he can do two years worth of work in one year.

"I just knew that I couldn't get locked in to that Tuesdays and Thursdays, 3-to-5 p.m.," said Morris. "It gives me the opportunity to move through the courses and the content."

Morris says the chance to earn a business degree will help find him a job in an ultra competitive job market.

"There's a lot of talented people out there who are in the same position I am and who recently got laid off," said Morris. "They're out there looking for work. Just having experience just isn't enough. You really have to have that education back up."

CSU Global Campus is having an open house February 21st at its office in Greenwood Village to let students and anyone else from the general public see how the operation works. Schweigert says it can be the difference between getting a job or not.

"And, it's not only hope. It actually does change their life," said Schweigert.

That's exactly what Morris is hoping for.

"I don't think it's gonna be easy," said Morris. "But, I think I've got a better chance, now."