For the fifth consecutive year, Ģ����ý has been recognized by

Ģ����ý ranked at #162, a 49-spot jump from the prior year. This increase in ranking is a testament to Ģ����ý’s commitment to enhancing students’ learning experience with career-oriented degree programs and experiences that are rooted in Christ.��

“We are deeply honored to once again be recognized as one of the nation’s best online universities,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief executive officer for Ģ����ý Dallas. “This acknowledgement reflects our ongoing commitment to provisioning learning experiences that are both academically rigorous and spiritually enriching. At Ģ����ý, we strive to offer programs that are flexible, forward-thinking and grounded in Christian values.”

Newsweek curates its list with an independent survey of over 10,000 participants who chose online learning to earn their degrees. The survey evaluated colleges and universities that offer online degree programs in the following parameters: Overall Satisfaction, Institutional Indicators, Overall Recommendation, Organization & Accessibility, Support & Service, Cost of Program, Organizational Reputation, Expected Success and Practical Relevance of Contents.

Ģ����ý’s online degrees are administered through the Dallas campus, offering 18 bachelor’s degrees, 18 master’s degrees, two doctoral degrees, five undergraduate certificates and eight graduate certificates. Each program is designed to provide students with applicable skills for their next role or new career. For more information about Ģ����ý Online, visit .��

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For the third consecutive year, Ģ����ý has been named one of America’s Top Online Colleges for 2024. The award is presented by

“Ģ����ý proudly stands among the nation’s premier online institutions,” said Dr. Stephen Johnson, chief administrative officer for Ģ����ý Dallas. “With 50 unique online degree and certificate programs, Ģ����ý Online offers educational opportunities to produce transformative vocational experiences to students from across the nation.”��

The America’s Top Online Colleges 2024 list highlights the nation’s top 200 colleges and universities based on an online survey from more than 9,000 respondents who participated in online college degree programs and/or general online learning courses in the United States. Respondents rated the institutions on several criteria: organization and accessibility, support and service, cost of the program, perceived organizational reputation, expected success and practical relevance of contents. Finally, respondents could indicate how satisfied they were with the school and to what extent they would recommend it to others.��

Abilene Christian ranked #137 nationwide on Newsweek’s list.��

Ģ����ý’s online programs are housed at its branch location in Dallas and include 15 bachelor’s, 15 master’s, two doctoral, four undergraduate certificates, and ten graduate certificate programs. Learn more about Ģ����ý Online’s degree programs at acu.edu/online.

— Amanda Gibson
Nov. 10, 2023

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“To be formed vocationally and live in our vocational identity is primarily a task of learning how to pay better attention,” said Dr. Ben Ries,

Living Integrated Lives

Dr. Ries was born and raised in Iowa but called the Pacific Northwest home for most of his life before moving to Texas with his wife and three kids. Ben has always cared deeply that others understand that they are beloved and enough regardless of their background. Because of this, he set out to align his work with the life and mission of God while engaging others to take the next step in their spiritual journeys, no matter what that might be.��

Ben attended Cascade College where he received undergraduate degrees in Bible, ministry and religious studies. In 2009, he earned his Master of Divinity at Ģ����ý and served as the graduate assistant for vice president and chief administrative officer Dr. Stephen Johnson. Dr. Ries received his Doctor of Ministry at Lipscomb University in 2015. After years of serving in churches in the Pacific Northwest region, he joined Dr. Johnson’s team at Ģ����ý Dallas in 2016 as the associate dean for vocational formation and executive director of the .��

So what is vocational formation? According to Dr. Ries, it’s finding significance in the insignificant and purpose in our passions. “At Ģ����ý, we don’t only care that students are intellectually developed, but that we’re helping them identify that in which they care about,” Ben said. “We want to encourage them to bring their full sense of self into the world around them.”��

Vocational formation takes a few forms for online students and offers a holistic experience for students that’s centered around their own development. The university aims to meet students where they are, so they can discover wholeness and meaning throughout their entire lives—from earning their degree at school to parenting their children at home to collaborating with a colleague at work.“So many times, people separate their work from the rest of their lives, but they’re often not mutually exclusive,” Dr. Ries explained. Vocational formation allows students to reflect on how to live integrated lives and provides opportunities for them to take the next steps in their spiritual journeys, both in the classroom and beyond.��

Practicing Vocational Formation�� ��

In his role, Ben is involved with much of Ģ����ý’s curriculum and co-curriculum development. From helping integrate vocational leadership within undergraduate degree plans to webinars and exercises he calls “practices of presence,” where students are encouraged to find moments of rest in a world that’s hardly ever silent and become observant to the ordinary things around them that often are overlooked.��

Dr. Ries urges students to pay close attention to the small moments of life and reflect on them. “We are seldom fully present with other people or with ourselves,” Dr. Ries reflected. “So much of my work is trying to help people be more aware of the things right in front of them and pay attention to the small, ordinary moments in order to share in them more fully.”

In addition to curriculum and co-curriculum development, Ben also assists with staff and faculty development. In this way, he helps ensure Ģ����ý is not only investing in its students, but also investing in the faculty who teach them and the staff who support them. “If we want students to have a sense that their work matters and to find more centered lives, we need staff and faculty with the same experiences,” Ben remarked.��

One of Dr. Ries’ main objectives is that everyone at Ģ����ý—students, faculty and staff—is enabled to see themselves more clearly and, by doing so, gain a clear sense that their work and who they are as people matters. “I believe every person is created in the image of God, and regardless if they believe in Him or not, we have something to gain from that in which God has uniquely given them,” said Ben.

Human Flourishing

In a world that is often distracted, Dr. Ries enjoys finding spiritual vocation for himself in silence and solitude. He further explained how the act of not producing constantly or living life on a to-do list has decluttered much of the noise around him and continuously reminds him that he doesn’t reign over his own life, but that God is at the forefront of every detail. “It’s in those moments that God resides the most,” Ben shared. “Everything we need to live more grounded and centered lives is already here.” Dr. Ries often finds these moments of rest and connection among the outdoors and enjoys backpacking and fly-fishing to escape the mundane.��

“As your life flourishes, the world flourishes,” Dr. Ries commented. “At the end of the day that’s what God cares about – that the world functions as a place of human flourishing.” Are you curious about what vocational formation might look like for you? Visit or contact us at 855-219-7300 today.

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Over the course of your lifetime, you will spend an average of . In other words, the work you do will have a sizable impact on your quality of life. People who are passionate about their work will find that these tens of thousands of hours are well spent and contribute to their life’s purpose.

On the other hand, those who do not feel this affinity for their positions may find themselves more prone to increased stress and mental health struggles. When people find themselves faced with this burden, it does not stop when they leave their workplace. The stress and exhaustion from an unfulfilling job can easily carry over into the rest of life, with people feeling more overwhelmed while managing household tasks and responsibilities. Friendships and their personal lives may also suffer when people feel weighed down by their occupations.

Purposeful work, however, can be a positive factor in life. Finding a career that aligns with your personal values and goals can offer a number of benefits, not just for yourself but your business as well. Let’s explore some of the benefits of finding an occupation with this deeper connection.

What is meaningful work?

Meaningful work helps people feel a part of something larger than themselves. They feel motivated by the tasks set before them and inspired to do their best possible work.��

When people have a position that feels significant, it helps them feel an authentic link to their career and society around them. These types of positions help to contribute to their idea of a purpose in life.

Humans, generally speaking, like to know that the effort they put forth matters to the greater community. This might include the team they participate in, the company as a whole, or even their entire city or state. What this type of work involves will be highly individual, combining what matters most to a specific person with their unique mindset. When a person cares about their assignments and has an attitude for finding value and realizing the potential they have in this particular position, they set the stage for a rich and fulfilling career.

In order to accomplish these goals, however, people need to understand the value that this consequential work might offer them as well as some places where they might find such an occupation.

What value does a meaningful job offer?

People have long studied the importance and value of creating an environment of meaningful occupations. They have found that when people feel a high level of attachment to the tasks in front of them, it helps to contribute to positive well-being in a variety of ways.

Improved mental health

People who feel bonded to the duties that they perform, and report that they feel as though they contribute to the greater good of the world around them, also indicate lower levels of depressive symptoms. People with lower levels of depressive symptoms can also be more productive. Studies have indicated that are linked with more work absences and poor performance.

Depressive symptoms can also make it harder for people to accomplish fundamental life tasks, such as maintaining their home environment or even enjoying the company of friends impacting their overall quality of life.

Creating a strong sense of purpose

When people find value in their occupation, it can also help them feel more connected to the task at hand. Feeling attached to the position and belonging to the team can also contribute to an incredible boost in tangible benefits for the business, with and a 56% increase in job performance.

��Those who feel a strong affinity for their trade and workplace become more likely to recommend it to others and work harder for the group’s success. This benefits the organization and gives the employee the satisfaction of knowing that their efforts contribute to the good of everyone involved.

Make new acquaintances and find new friends

People who uncover beneficial professions will also find it easier to make new connections and friends. A career that resonates with their sense of self and significance in the world will help them link with others who have similar interests. They will have a greater chance of meeting other people at work and through their professional networks who share these ideas, enriching their relationships.

When people feel bonded to their organization and coworkers and can see that the effort they put forth has value, it improves their mental and physical health. The employees themselves also feel happier, which boosts their productivity and efficiency, helping the organization thrive.

Deepen your faith

While work can be challenging and rewarding, it can also provide a great opportunity to deepen your faith. Showing integrity, exhibiting ethics, and offering encouragement are practical ways to help create a positive work environment. As you make decisions in the workplace, lean on God and listen to His guidance.��

Dr. Ben Ries, Ģ����ý Online’s Associate Dean for Vocational Formation, trusts that God longs for the world to be a place of human flourishing and therefore recognizes that work is connected to the life and mission of God. “Meaningful work is not just found in personal and communal connections, it is also found in the ways our work embodies God’s longing for a more just, peaceful, kind, loving, and whole world.”

If you are looking to advance your education so you can find meaningful work, Ģ����ý Online offers a variety of online undergraduate and graduate degrees that you can earn from the comfort of your home. Visit to learn more about our degree programs.��

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Those interested in going back to school often find themselves facing an incredibly difficult decision: What school should I attend? If this question sounds familiar, we want to help you understand what sets Ģ����ý apart from the rest, and why it might be just the school you are looking for.

Trust and reputation

When you make the decision to return to school, it can be an exciting but also intimidating time. With the variety of schools available, how is a student supposed to know which institution will provide them with the best education and the optimal opportunities for getting started on their dream career path? School choices vary widely today, with students having the choice between brick-and-mortar schools, online schools, and programs that use a combination of the two. To help you find the right school, we recommend you find a university you can trust; one that has a reputation you can depend upon.

At Ģ����ý, we have educated students for 115 years. Throughout those years, we have had the opportunity to establish ourselves as a trusted source for obtaining a quality education. Our school has been recognized and awarded many accolades by different organizations.

The excellent experience and education offered at Ģ����ý has even been highlighted by U.S. News & World Report. In 2020, we were ranked 12th in our region, also receiving recognition for the service-learning opportunities students have, the first-year experience we create, and the learning communities we build within our institution.

Our MBA program holds the high distinction of having a second accreditation from the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. Only an estimated 5 percent of schools offering MBA programs receive the honor of this programmatic accreditation, speaking clearly to the quality of the programs we have to offer here at Ģ����ý. It is the highest honor that can go to schools of business. Similar recognition exists for our School of Nursing, which received additional accreditation from the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

Our students choose Ģ����ý because they know that they can count on the programs and professors we have here. As leaders in their fields, our professors lead invigorating classrooms and help our students receive the education that they need to succeed. With our many years of experience, our reputation precedes us. Companies and non-profit organizations alike know that they can count on graduates who come to them with degrees from one of our many programs.

Vocational formation

At Ģ����ý, we know that what we do in our jobs matters far beyond our own individual lives. It matters to our families, our society, and it matters to God. We believe that God cares about the type of world that we help to create, and that influences how we set up our courses and the environment we nurture for our students.

At Ģ����ý, you will find an atmosphere that encourages human flourishing. We want to help each of our students uncover what it means for them to live out their vocation, to grow in the space that God has created for them in the world.

Throughout your education, you will understand ways you can use your career to help you contribute to the common good. The experience you receive at Ģ����ý will uniquely help you prepare for your future. We hope to inspire in our students a deep sense of curiosity towards others and the world. We want them to ask themselves what it means to be more attentive and what practices help them deepen their spirituality and their commitment to those around them. We want them to step out into the world ready to act for justice, mercy, and compassion.

Supportive community

Students entering higher education programs today often have many competing factors to balance. They may have to consider how to juggle school, work, and other responsibilities. That is why, at Ģ����ý, we pride ourselves on the support we provide for our students. Our enrollment and student services teams will walk with each of our students throughout the entire process. Our students can reach out to our teams for answers and guidance throughout their educational journey.

As students work toward their degree, they know they have someone there who understands their goals and wants to see them succeed. This personalized approach helps to create an enriching environment where students not only receive the education they need to thrive within their career but also one that will help them form connections and relationships that will last a lifetime.

At Ģ����ý, we believe that providing students with outstanding professionals and challenging courses is only one part of the equation. We also want to create an entire educational experience that helps students reach their goals and prosper on the path they have begun. It is through this mission that we have built a program that appeals to our students.

If you want to have the chance to receive an education from a trusted school that also will help support your vocational development in an incredibly nurturing environment, then you have come to the right place. To learn more about our programs and how Ģ����ý online can benefit you, visit acu.edu/online. We look forward to learning more about how we can help you.

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When it comes to education, you have many options in today’s society. Trade school, associate degree programs and bachelor’s degree programs are among the top three options for those planning on going to school to learn the skills they need to pursue a career. Some people jump into career fields right out of high school, skipping the college or trade school route. So why should you consider getting your bachelor’s degree?

The U.S. Department of Education estimates that by the end of 2020, will require post-secondary education. That means having a college degree will put you in better standing for a larger number of job opportunities. But the ROI of a bachelor’s degree stretches beyond this. Degree holders also have increased marketability and improved self-esteem.

Still not convinced that you need to consider a bachelor’s program? Here are five key reasons why obtaining a bachelor’s degree makes sense for most people.

1. Increased Earning Potential

It’s no surprise that when you earn a degree, your income is likely to increase as well. Generally speaking, having a college degree will heighten your earning potential. In a recent study conducted by using Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data, average annual income who held a bachelor’s degree was $59,124 per year compared to just $25,636 for those holding only a high school diploma. These income levels often go up with experience on the job. Over time, the income gap between those with degrees and those without becomes quite large.

Average income is just one way to look at this discussion. You also need to understand that degree holders are much less likely than non-degree holders to fall below the poverty line. Not only is your income potential greater with a degree, your overall financial stability improves when you hold a degree.

2. More Career Opportunities

Not only does a bachelor’s degree open the door to higher income, but it also provides more career opportunities, and some of those may not be in the field you study. In fact, some jobs do not care what an applicant studied as much as they care that the applicant holds the right degree level. Companies know that the dedication required to complete a bachelor’s degree and the wide range of skills attained during college will help in your career with them.

3. Boost Your Skill Sets

Some of the skills attained during college are invaluable to your future employers. For example, writing skills are often honed in the college years. Writing is important in many careers. You need to be able to formulate ideas and communicate them clearly using proper grammar and syntax. Sending emails, writing reports and even applying for grants are all tasks that require strong writing skills. Performing well on academic writing projects can be a predictor of your future career success, and a bachelor’s degree program offers a larger number of opportunities to try your hand at writing.

Another skill employers look for is adaptability, which may be one of the most important reasons to seek a college degree. People learn to be adaptable through experience, and college is a vital transition period for personal and educational development. It is important to be prepared for change in your career, so you can work in a way that is both satisfying and successful.

Not only that, but employers seek people that have leadership qualities such as enthusiasm, loyalty, charisma, and decisiveness. When leaders possess these qualities, it can help them reach their full potential, while inspiring fellow employees to perform to the best of their ability. Many employers value these soft skills just as much as the technical skills needed to do any job, and earning a bachelor’s degree helps you learn these skills.

4. Build a Bigger Network

As you pursue your degree, take advantage of situations that come your way to start building a professional network. Attend job fairs, participate in social media, and seek career development opportunities. Foster relationships with faculty members and professors, as they often have tons of connections, from colleagues in the field to former students, making them a valuable resource during your job search. Many colleges also have groups, clubs, and associations that you can join to expand your knowledge and meet people who have the same interests. This, then, will make your networking easier as you head out to start or continue your career.

5. Greater Self-Esteem

Making it through a post-secondary program will likely boost your self-esteem. Earning a degree is empowering; it gives you confidence and provides a sense of achievement. Even though you may change career paths, you’ll never lose the work that you put in to get your degree. And when tough times come, you know you have what it takes to start something and see it through to completion.

As an added benefit, many college graduates are not only well-equipped to handle mental challenges, but also report a higher level of satisfaction when doing so. Overcoming adversity contributes to increased happiness and reduced stress. This may be why bachelor’s degree holders report higher levels of self-esteem than high school graduates.
College graduates are also more likely to be involved in their communities. Although many graduates focus on their personal benefits to a college degree, the benefits to society are also important. Compared to non-degree holders, they are more likely to vote, join local organizations, and participate in educational activities with their children. Through all of this activity, graduates not only contribute to the community, but enhance it.

Greater income potential, more career opportunities and improved self-esteem are all reasons to consider getting your bachelor’s degree. Yes, it is a financial commitment and requires both time and dedication, but the rewards are worth the effort.

Looking at getting your degree? Ģ����ý Online can help you pursue an undergraduate degree program in a convenient manner and at a time that works for you. Learn from a team of professors who are industry experts in their field, and earn the bachelor’s degree you need to improve your financial and career future. Browse available programs now, or contact to learn more about our online offerings.

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A collaborative partnership between the Barna Group in Ventura, CA and has produced a new report titled . The first step in a multi-year initiative focused on vocation, this powerful study examines employed, self-identified Christians in the United States. The goal was to specifically explore vocational attitudes within the respondents’ paid occupations (as differentiated from other valuable yet unpaid forms of vocation, such as volunteering, hobbies, parenting, and homemaking.)

Dr. Ben Ries, associate dean for vocational formation and director of the Center for Vocational Formation at Ģ����ý in Dallas, was very involved in the study. He notes that Ģ����ý Online offers master’s and doctoral degrees in business, marriage and family therapy, education, nursing, and theology.

“My job tries to address the question, ‘How do we help nurses, teachers, therapists, and working professionals have a sense that their work is meaningful? That it matters to the world? That it matters to God?’”

Dr. Ries works with Ģ����ý program directors on curriculum development. He also does research and writing “around work and faith and meaning.” His own doctorate is in ministry, and he serves as a consultant for Ģ����ý’s .

The genesis and creation story of Christians at Work

Ben Ries explains that it was Ģ����ý that commissioned the study of working Christians with Barna. “It’s through the generosity of that we were able to fund the project and pay Barna to do it,” he adds.

The preliminary conversations began in the summer of 2017. That fall, Barna started developing the survey and the qualitative interview questions. The first set of quantitative online surveys was conducted February 27–March 12, 2018, and the second on April 18–May 8, 2018, using an online panel.

The quantitative survey sample included 1,459 self-identified U.S. Christians “who agree somewhat or strongly that their faith is very important in their life today and are employed.” Employment was defined as:

• Full-time
• Part-time
• Self-employed
• Performing unpaid work for a family business

The participants were presented with a very extensive survey that contained between 150-200 questions. Ries explains, “They were trying to gauge people’s faith commitment and involvement in a community of faith. They had a lot of these questions around how people understand their own giftedness and passions and longings, and how they understood their faith to be integrated or not in their work.”

In addition, Barna conducted candid qualitative interviews with 33 practitioners representing a range of industries and thought leadership on the subject of faith and work. Researchers used a flexible script exploring respondents’ experiences of calling and career. Some of their responses are included in the Christians at Work report in the “Conversations with Practitioners” feature.

Bridging the sacred and the secular—Barna’s big learnings

After Barna did most of the grouping and weighting of the data, Ģ����ý received a summary of the larger findings. When asked what one of the most significant takeaways was, Ries points to four key questions that “people who integrated their work and faith well all responded to positively.”

These respondents, who the researchers found had a consistently demonstrated integrated sense of work and faith, either “strongly agreed” or “agreed” to all four of the following statements:

• “I can clearly see how the work that I’m doing is serving God or a higher purpose.”
• “I find purpose and meaning in the work that I do.”
• “I’m looking to make a difference in the world.”
• “As a Christian, I believe it’s important to help mold the culture of my workplace.”

Another significant finding Ries points to is that “Christian workers seek (and often find) meaningful, purposeful employment—and that they don’t necessarily think ministry is superior to the marketplace.”

Barna was curious about the perceived importance of a person’s vocational “calling” being a sacred or a secular one. Participants were asked whether it was better for a Christian to become a pastor or missionary, or to represent his or her faith well at work. On its blog, :

“In general, Christians are most likely to say that neither one is superior to the other (64%). After all, almost two-thirds of employed Christians (64%) agree on some level that it’s clear to them how their own work serves God or a higher purpose. This indicates Christians are prone to see spiritual value in any working context—or that perhaps the marketplace seems to them as urgent a mission field as any.”

Some surprising findings

When asked if any of the survey results surprised him, Ben Ries points to the discrepancy in gender differences. “Specifically, single men seem to have a lower sense of connection in their work and faith, which was surprising. Also, single men, the data seemed to say, didn’t feel as supported in their work as married men or married women, or even single women. That was surprising, and a little disheartening.”

found that the Christian men and women surveyed “share goals and qualities as collaborators in work and the Kingdom. In general, they are similarly likely to feel ‘called’ to make a difference, to find purpose, and to feel their strengths are put to use, inside and outside the workplace.”

However, when those Christians are parents, while both men and women are relatively gratified in their family relationships, the study shows that working moms (compared with fathers, single men, and single women) “are well behind on all metrics of satisfaction—relational, spiritual, emotional, you name it.”

Additionally, “Even though both mothers and fathers share an equal desire to use their gifts and talents for the good of others (64% and 62%), mothers feel significantly less called to, or made for, their current work than fathers (38% compared to 55%).”
Dr. Ries points to the “mental and emotional load” working mothers still carry for much of the family organization as being a likely influencing factor in these findings.

Barna notes: “Tellingly, the sweet spot for Christian women’s vocational fulfillment—and, inversely, the low point for male respondents—is actually when they have never even been married.”

What on Earth is God up to?

Dr. Ben Ries supports cultivating a broader imagination for what it looks like to participate in the Kingdom of God. He prefers that Christians see all the work of their hands as holy and unique, regardless of job title or pay scale.

Ries notes that this question of “Am I pursuing meaningful work?” is a very recent and rather privileged one. He views it as a “gift” and not necessarily part of everyone’s life experience or frame of reference: “For most of human history, a day was getting enough water and food and not getting eaten by a bear. That was a good day.”

Ries’ personal perspective is that most people have not been given the tools, either by their communities of faith or their upbringing, “to see the very ordinary, mundane, good work that they do, not as disconnected from the life of God, but integral to God’s work in the world.”

He continues, “Most people have a really hard time connecting their work with what God might be up to in the world. I’m not talking about evangelism or prayer or bible studies at work. I’m talking about participating in the world in such a way that it is being a more just, loving, gracious, hospitable, hopeful, joyful kind of world.”

Reis is convinced that if God longs for the world to be a place of human flourishing, to be a place of wholeness and joy and hope and peace and restoration, “then any participation in a moment of hope or moment of joy or moment of peace—a moment of wholeness—is participation in God’s longing for the world.”

“This is part of the good news, I think. That God’s at work whether we’re aware of it or not,” Dr. Ben Ries concludes.

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Ģ����ý is more than a college; it’s a close-knit community of students, faculty, alumni, and staff who are passionate about learning, improving the world around them and integrating faith into their academic and professional pursuits. Ģ����ý’s staff works hard to foster a welcoming environment for students. Students, in turn, follow suit by developing close bonds with their classmates.

Making Students Feel Welcome: Admissions Advisors and New Student Ambassadors

Whether online or in the classroom, every course aims to provide a safe and inviting environment in which students can freely express themselves and their faith. This process begins well before students set foot in a classroom or log in for virtual learning.

As Ģ����ý Online Senior New Student Ambassador Elisabeth Evan explains, it all starts with a meaningful conversation. Students engage in open and honest discussions with admissions advisors who aren’t merely interested in hitting enrollment numbers; they want to make sure that Ģ����ý is the right fit.

According to Evan, admissions advisors ask students about their personal and academic journeys — and what they hope to accomplish in the future. During these initial conversations, advisors strive to help students determine whether they’re a good fit for Ģ����ý … and whether Ģ����ý is a good fit for them. Advisors refer to these discussions as “discovery calls.”

It’s more than just a single conversation with an admissions advisor; it’s an opportunity to build strong relationships. Some students admit that they’ve shared information with their admissions advisors that they’ve struggled to share with anybody else. By forging such a strong bond, admissions advisors are better able to help students transition to campus life or online learning. Some students continue to call their advisors long after they’ve begun taking classes just to chat.

After a student is admitted, the primary contact shifts from the admission advisor to the new student ambassador. These ambassadors continue to make students feel welcome, while also addressing practical concerns such as time management and APA formatting. New student ambassadors work closely with admissions advisors; both play the role of on-boarding students to the Ģ����ý family. Many students speak with ambassadors on a weekly basis, so they’re able to voice concerns immediately as they arise.

Student services advisors also play an important role in developing this unique dynamic. They are involved with a student from the start of their third course until degree completion. They help students with progression of classes, preparing for graduation and much more. Student services advisors are invested in the long-term success of all students.

Ģ����ý Online: Building a Virtual Family

Developing close ties is not only possible, but strongly encouraged for online students. They should feel just as much a part of the family as their on-campus counterparts. It all begins with a detailed presentation on Zoom, in which new student ambassadors offer insight into , available resources, and the Ģ����ý campus. During orientation week, online students have the opportunity to introduce themselves to fellow students and faculty members. They learn each other’s names, their passions, and what they hope to accomplish through online learning. This experience helps them feel connected when class finally begins, no matter where they choose to study.

Later, students continue to strengthen ties through online discussions about course material. While they’re generally allowed to learn at their own pace, they must abide by certain deadlines and respond to their classmates’ post in the discussion forum; this allows students to gain additional perspectives from their peers. Students also connect through group projects, which are by no means limited to traditional classroom environments.

Group projects encourage students to work closely with one another. While the process can sometimes be challenging, it helps students build skills that they’ll use in their professional journey. Group projects also encourage students to connect on a deeper level and establish ties that might otherwise be difficult to forge in an online environment.

It’s also easy for online students to bond outside of class. Ģ����ý maintains an active presence on social media so online and on-campus students alike enjoy connecting via Facebook and LinkedIn. Online students happily take advantage of these and other resources and, as a result, come to truly know and appreciate one another. Master of Divinity student Angela Logan explains that, while she rarely, if ever sees fellow students face-to-face, she’s close friends with several and feels that she can call on them for support when she needs it most. Master of Marriage and Family Therapy graduate Aaron Maleare echoes this sentiment, explaining that he and fellow online students feel “united in this calling that we wanted to make the world a better place.”

Ģ����ý is all about building a close-knit community, so that students feel a sense of belonging, where they can accomplish amazing things. A supportive campus is a transformative campus — and Ģ����ý strives to exemplify both qualities with a faith-based, personalized approach to learning.

For more information on how you can pursue your career goals within the inclusive atmosphere of Ģ����ý, feel free to contact us at 855.219.7300 or .

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We can’t speak for other programs, but we can tell you that here at Ģ����ý, your professors are topnotch. Many of them practice in their fields and teach on campus as well. One more thing to consider: We only hire the best.

What Else Can You Expect from Professors?

Our professors offer a wide range of benefits to students in the online sphere. In addition to being accessible and deeply devoted to students, they also possess:

An Academic Mindset

Our professors maintain an attitude of constant learning. We don’t believe in stale curriculum, unchanging year after year. Rather, our faculty combine the newest trends in education with the latest developments in their industries to craft rich courses that will inform your career now and in future. They publish routinely, make contributions to their fields and stay connected to others in their industries.

Diligence

Just as our professors maintain a continuous academic mindset so, too, do they bring their best to each class they teach. We vet each teacher carefully to ensure they bring their best to the table, and we always will.

Strong Ties to Students and Community

Our professors don’t hide behind online anonymity. Unlike some online universities, which only hire professors to check assignments, we make every effort to ensure our students actually know who’s teaching them.

Each month we feature a different faculty member in our e-newsletter, and share tidbits via Facebook spotlights such as this short academic manifesto by . We figure our students want to know as much as possible about the women and men from whom they’re learning, and we offer every opportunity to achieve that.

Leadership

You can expect that your online professors will provide the same level of leadership our on-campus professors provide. They hold office hours, are available by phone and email, and take an interest in your individual goals. Each professor will guide you through the course, offering extra help where you need it, and letting you pursue your coursework independently where you want to.

We believe in creating knowledgeable students who are empowered to make a difference in the world, and we offer the leadership skills and role models to get you there.

Access to the Dean

Lest you think online education plays second fiddle to on-campus programs, think again. You can meet Dean Joe L. “Joey” Cope, J.D., a Texas attorney by visiting this page. Dean Cope received a Graduate Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Pepperdine University and his law degree from Texas Tech University School of Law.

Ready to Learn More Today?

While Ģ����ý has an online education arm, we began our history as an institution of higher learning more than a century ago. Founded in 1906, we have grown with the world, integrating cutting-edge technology and online learning developments as they became available. We prepare graduate and undergraduate students to serve in leadership roles here at home and abroad in the world.

No matter what your interest area, we would love to help you here at Ģ����ý. We provide quality, student-led and Christ-centered education, helping you achieve your dreams while doing God’s work. For more information on how Ģ����ý Online can help you pursue your goals in life and in your career, contact us at 855.219.7300 or acu.edu/online.

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