Six years ago, Dawn Giese of Canby made the decision to work toward her college degree, even though she had a full-time job. Now she’s just a few classes away from her bachelor’s degree and has moved her way up at Sioux Valley Hospital , Canby campus.
Giese completed part of her associate of science degree from Minnesota West Community and Technical College online in December 2003. Now, she’s working toward her bachelor’s degree in business management from Metropolitan State University , all online. Giese said she’ll have her bachelor’s degree by December 2007. “I think I have eight classes left,” Giese said.
And while she’s been earning her degrees, Giese has worked full-time at Sioux Valley Hospital in Canby. Giese has been with the hospital for more than 27 years, starting in 1978 as a nursing assistant. She became trained as a medication aide and then took training to work in activities. She was an activity director at Senior Haven. Giese then became an administrative assistant and did part-time work in admissions. “Two years ago, I took the safety director’s position,” she said.
She took her first class at Minnesota West in fall 2000, going to the campus for about eight of her classes. “The rest have been online,” Giese said. She completed an associate in science degree is in business management.
Deb Peterson, online adviser with Minnesota West, said the college offers numerous majors and classes and recently added the associate of arts degree completely online.
According to Peterson, two-thirds of the Minnesota West faculty members have an enhanced web presence, where they post quizzes, tests and grades online.
As an online adviser, Peterson said she works with candidates in the AA program, business management and the renewable energy program. “I coach them through the activities of online learning,” Peterson said.
Giese said she took anywhere from three to 13 credits a semester, taking a semester off for a break.
Peterson said about 75 to 80 percent, maybe more, accessing online courses are not traditional students. Online learning allows students to take two to three classes a semester even more if their busy schedule permits. “Within two to three years, they can complete a degree,” Peterson said. Minnesota West had its first completely online graduate this spring.
Giese said she really had to discipline herself to stay on task. “I want good grades, I expect the ‘As,’” Giese said. “I have to really work.”
But one of the rewards of attending Minnesota West, Giese said, is the excitement of learning and satisfaction of attaining her goals. And overall, Giese said, her experience with Minnesota West and online courses have been positive. Working with Minnesota West staff was easy. “All I have to do is call or e-mail,” Giese said. “Everything is set up for what I need.”
For example, if Giese needs an available classroom to take a test, the campus is accommodating, she said.
And when she started taking classes about six years ago, Giese said she never thought she’d keep going this long.
Giese said her employers at Sioux Valley have lent their support.
“They’ve been encouraging me to better myself,” Giese said.
Co-workers also ask Giese about her progress.
“Encouraging me when I’ve had a ‘crabby’ day,” Giese said.