Risepoint

We all know that flexibility is an important factor for online learners. What was more surprising to see this year was the uptick in students looking for connection and community, whether through occasional synchronous online sessions or even opportunities to visit campus. Interestingly, while the desire for connection increased in 2025 compared to previous years, the most common reason cited for a campus visit was to attend graduation or a special event like a sporting event, and 67% of students are still not interested in going to campus for regular coursework. These findings reinforce the role that regional universities play in their communities. Even students who choose to learn online feel a connection to their institution. Read more insights like these in our Voice of the Online Learner report. https://lnkd.in/gvmedbyj

This fall, Shenandoah University is launching nine new online graduate programs in partnership with Risepoint! These new degrees offer flexibility, focus and the kind of high-touch support Shenandoah is known for. Karen Abraham, Ph.D., provost at Shenandoah University, shared, “These new online graduate programs reflect our commitment to accessible, career-relevant education that’s deeply personal. With support from Risepoint, we’re extending our high-touch, small-class model to online learners across Virginia and beyond.” We're incredibly proud to support Shenandoah in meeting the needs of more Virginian learners! Learn more about the new programs by reading the press release: https://lnkd.in/gBbDCVYF

Texas A&M International University (TAMIU), one of our partners, is expanding its online Criminal Justice graduate programs to include online master's programs in Homeland Security, Cybersecurity, and Criminal Justice Administration. As mentioned in a feature by College News, "[The programs] help bridge the gap between traditional public safety methods and the digital expertise needed to address today's threats." The expansion is a reflection of TAMIU's mission to provide working adults with high-quality learning in flexible formats. Learn more about TAMIU's latest online offerings here: https://lnkd.in/g7Dqs_vW

Students choose online learning for its flexibility. As working adults, many who are balancing work, school, and parenthood, flexibility is essential for academic success. For universities, this means flexible programming, including variable course sequencing, should be top of mind. Read our Voice of the Online Learner report for more insights about online learners and what they need from their academic programs. https://lnkd.in/gvmedbyj

Happy National Intern Day, a day to recognize and appreciate the contributions of interns and co-ops! Today, we're celebrating co-op students across Risepoint teams -- each of them has provided a lasting impact on our organization, some even returning as full-time colleagues after graduating. We're grateful for their time with us and excited to share their experiences as Risepoint teammates: https://lnkd.in/ggT9Au_t

Please join us in congratulating Southeastern Oklahoma State University on the launch of its first-ever doctoral offering, an online Doctor of Business Administration, and a new online RN to BSN program! We're incredibly proud to expand our partnership with SE to help them create new, flexible pathways for student success. Dr. David Whitlock, Dean of the John Massey School of Business at SE, shared, "The Massey DBA is not only a milestone for our institution, but for the communities we serve. It is designed for working professionals who want to lead with intention, and we're proud to offer an accessible, highly engaged program that supports transformative leadership across industries." Great work, Southeastern Oklahoma State! Learn more about the expansion here: https://lnkd.in/gyrux-Yp

Last week, the Risepoint team in the United Kingdom gathered in Chichester for an all-hands meeting! It was a great opportunity to connect, reflect, and look ahead as a team. Claire Whittingham, VP of Education Services in the UK, reflected on the team's time together: "The time in Chichester was designed to give us space to connect with each other, share what’s working, and explore opportunities to evolve. We talked about how we can continue to deliver great impact for students and partners, and what our REACH values actually mean in our day-to-day. These conversations were open, honest, and energising, and they surfaced a lot of ideas and momentum."

Denisia Simpkins, Senior Retention Specialist at Risepoint, recently earned her Master of Education and Curriculum Instruction degree from one of our university partners, Southeastern Oklahoma State University! Thank you, Denisia, for all you do every day to support our partners’ students. We’re incredibly proud of you for continuing your own education, and with honors! Read Denisia's story here: https://lnkd.in/gaZ6Z7SQ

In his latest white paper, Jeff Selingo provides suggestions for how regional universities can apply their existing strengths and understand shifting student needs to build a solid strategy for launching online programs. As he shares, “Online education, when done well, offers affordability, flexibility, and career relevance.” These insights are important steps in helping regional universities understand how to best integrate online programs to further expand access to education for community members and beyond. Learn more about the white paper here: https://lnkd.in/gwhFZjPJ

We're excited to expand our partnership with Lamar University for the launch of a fully online cybersecurity program! With asynchronous learning and multiple start dates year-round, Lamar is expanding access to career-relevant education and removing traditional barriers to advancement in the digital economy. As our CEO Fernando Bleichmar shared, "We are proud to work alongside Lamar to ensure that students have access to education that is needed for today but also for the jobs of tomorrow."     Read more about Lamar University's expansion here: https://lnkd.in/ee-H_5cv