That request arose out of the impetus provided by the General Assembly, beginning several years ago, to find ways to extend access to university courses and degree programs more fully to the people of North Carolina. That full funding request is in the Senate budget and is now under consideration by the House. If it is enacted, the university will recieve funding at the same level for extension delivery as it does for resident instruction. There is a finite probability that such funding will be in effect for the coming academic year, 1998-99, and if not then, a finite and higher probability that it will be in place for the following academic year. Full state support is sought to provide a means to more widely and reliabily offer courses and programs at a distance.
Guidance is welcomed.
We conduct workshops, seminars, symposia and conferences that are accredited by the Society of American Foresters, NCSU, or other professional orgnizations depending on the topic being presented. When the fixed costs of FEOP are added to the variable costs associated with holding an event, the resulting registration fees can be prohibitive. The next best alternative is finding some form of information delivery that is more cost effective. Distance learning in its various forms is something we are looking closely at. The expected funding of degree-creditable extension instruction by the General Assembly is aimed at providing expanded access to courses and programs aimed and earning degrees in the system for those who cannot attend the campus in the regular fashion.