Due to work and family obligations, I had to have an online program in order to pursue my degree. A friend had completed the online MLIS program through UA and recommended I apply. The cohort model, small class size, nationally renowned professors and reputation of the school helped me realize UA’s online MLIS was for me. UA offered a high quality online program at a competitive cost, so that became a deciding factor too.
Before I began the online MLIS program at UA, I had no idea what “Crimson Tide” or “Roll Tide” meant. I’m originally from Philadelphia and have lived in Quincy, Massachusetts, for six years, so I didn’t have much familiarity with cultural activities outside of the mid-Atlantic and New England regions. As soon as I attended campus orientation, I felt very much a part of the University. As I received emails about upcoming football game days and school events, I began paying close attention. Even though my online classes weren’t on campus in Tuscaloosa, I felt like I was there. Plus, participating in online activities with professors and Tuscaloosa-area students made me feel a part of the community.
I started a Facebook page and everyone in our cohort joined. We became an online family and it’s the cohort feeling that made it unique and helped give me focus. We were all there for each other and so were the professors. I would advise new students to make connections with their cohort family ASAP. Find those who might be in your geographical region or establish contact with those outside your area using the online tools.
Whenever I needed support, the faculty were really helpful with every question and concern. I loved having constant assistance from the School of Library and Information Studies staff. This made it easy to navigate through all of the steps associated with registering for courses and keeping up with the program.
Published: March 3rd, 2018