Rio Salado College
IN-3: Innovation 3

Rio Salado College is claiming the Innovation Credit for the availability of 48 course start dates per year. The mission of Rio Salado College is to transform the learning experience through choice, access, and flexibility; customized, high quality learning design; and personalized service and organizational responsiveness. One way that Rio Salado College has transformed the learning experience is by offering students the ability to enroll in classes 48 times per year. With classes starting almost every Monday, students can start their educational coursework when it is convenient for them. Availability underpins the choices available to Rio’s students. The college’s distance learning courses operate according to multiple calendars. Traditional calendars generally provide one or two start dates per semester. Rio Salado, however, provides 48 opportunities, through distance learning, for students to enroll in and start most classes. In addition to not waiting several months for a traditional start date, Rio Salado distance learning students rarely have to worry about class cancellations as classes are seldom canceled. Because distance learning courses enroll students every two weeks, new students are added to course sections every two weeks; when one section reaches its enrollment limit, another section is opened. By transforming the learning experience, Rio Salado College provides greater access to higher education for all students while allowing the choice and flexibility they need to obtain a college education.