Independence University - Online Degrees - College Online Degrees

Independence University, formerly known as California College for Health Sciences, is a distance learning university headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah. The accrediting agencies for CCHS include the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC) and the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC). Within the last two years, student services and support systems have been consolidated and enhanced and are now centrally governed by the administrative offices in Salt Lake City. These milestones of the past five years can be summarized as follows: Institutional Name Change In 2005, California College for Health Sciences completed a DETC-approved name change to Independence University, a name that more accurately reflects the institution�s broader range of programs as well as its philosophy that education should lead to greater independence. The university is currently comprised of three colleges: California College for Health Sciences, the College of Business, and the College of Education. With programs in allied health and health services, business, and early childhood education, the university currently offers over 20 degree and certificate opportunities to students. and California College San Diego, colleges affiliated with Independence University.

The university�s online tools include: � Online Learning Management System � enables students to access their courses, communicate with instructors and fellow students, submit and track assignments, and view grades and updated course materials. � Help Desk � facilitates contact, providing students with a way to submit inquiries related to student services and administrative functions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Knowledge Base has more than 163 (and growing) support references, created by support professionals who have resolved issues for the institution�s students. Student Satisfaction Rates The university�s improved student support systems have significantly increased its student satisfaction rates.

Since 2003, 15+ full-time support staff who provide student advising, IT/technical support, and other services have also been hired. The university�s Sales/Marketing department has oversight of enrollment personnel and functions, while the Educational Services department has oversight of student support personnel. Student support personnel and functions have been consolidated in the Salt Lake City offices and expanded significantly in the past two years. The institution has expanded the number of instructional support personnel and organized personnel into informal teams to provide better support to students. Expanded Online Technologies Student support services are now provided primarily through online tools that students can access through the institution�s Web site.