Returning to college after any kind of interruption can be intimidating. Gayle Rhineberger, a professor of criminology and criminal justice, has made it her mission to support returners at UNI so they can reap the benefits of obtaining a four-year degree.

“Students who discontinued their education at UNI should return to UNI because we're here for you,” she said. “We offer a hands-on advising approach. We are here to make sure you get all of your requirements. We're here to help you be successful, not just academically. We want you to be successful personally and professionally, and we can do that in our online programs at UNI.” 

Rhineberger is especially familiar with the needs of adult learners who are enrolled online, as she is the coordinator for the BAS/BA online criminology and criminal justice programs. Often, online coursework is the best fit for returners who are balancing full-time jobs and family commitments with school. Depending on what program a student is interested in, they can sometimes take just one class a semester or as many as six. 

“It entirely depends on the student and what they're able to take and still maintain their personal and professional lives outside of school,” said Rhineberger. “So we try to be very flexible in making online education available and accessible to students, regardless of where they live and what they're working in.”

UNI faculty members like Rhineberger work hard to ensure their online courses are engaging for students. Some classes have optional group Zoom study sessions, and many of them have online discussion boards.

“We're very committed to making sure online students get the best quality education we can provide,” said Rhineberger. “We want our students to be able to do well.”

Faculty members ensure students still experience the strong one-on-one relationships UNI is known for. Online students are also required to work with a faculty member when they register for class, and each online program has a dedicated advisor. 

“For me, advising students means looking at each individual record a couple of times a semester, creating a plan of study that will get them to the graduation date they're anticipating, keeping track of their classes and emailing them,” said Rhineberger. “As an online advisor, I am the primary contact for online students, so my job is really important in making sure students feel welcome and connected to the university and that they know who to reach out to if they are in need of any services UNI provides.”

While some might see returning to school later in life as a challenge, Rhineberger witnesses the benefits firsthand. 

“They are highly motivated,” said Rhineberger. “Many of them are in these programs to further their careers, to get promoted or to get a job that requires a four-year degree. When they first started college, that maybe wasn't what they were planning on doing.”

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