Student_Orient2

What is the Virtual University Initiative
How do I participate in the Virtual University Initiative?"
How can I get my school involved?
How will participating in the VUI help me?
Can you tell me more about the college level mini-courses?
Will I actually have assignments and homework in the mini-courses?
Will I get a grade for the mini-courses I complete?
Do I need a state of the art computer to complete the mini-courses?
Can the VUI help me purchase a computer?
Can I get high school credit for completing mini-courses?
Can you tell me a little more about the VUI admissions process?
When I am ready, will the VUI help me with the real college admissions process?

What is the Virtual University Initiative?
The Virtual University Initiative is a web based academic enhancement program designed to improve
high school students' success potential. The program offers students' opportunity to participate in
mock college admissions activities, complete college-level mini courses, discover individual learning
styles and preferences, explore career options, and engage in the type of critical reading and writing
activities required in higher education.

How do I participate in the Virtual University Initiative?
You can join the Virtual University Initiative through this website. The Virtual University Initiative staff
and faculty appreciate the importance of your school's acknowledgement of its students'
extracurricular academic activities. Therefore, the VUI corresponds with your school summarizing
Initiative activities.

How can I get my school involved?
It would be cool if a group of your schoolmates participated in the VUI with you. You should ask a
guidance counselor or other staff member at your school to go to the VUI website, learn about the
VUI, We would be glad to talk with them about customizing the program for a class or group. You can
also talk to a few of your friends and have them join along with you!

How will participating in the VUI help me?
Participating in the VUI will familiarize you with college expectations. The mock admissions process is
designed to prepare you for the actual process. The mini courses are designed to bolster your
academic skills. By taking advantage of the online research assistant, writing laboratory, and other
academic support features, you will be better prepared for higher education success.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Can you tell me more about the college level mini-courses?
The VUI offers a series of college level mini-courses. These courses are developed and taught by
faculty members at various colleges and universities as well as other educational specialists. The
courses are four weeks in duration and narrow in scope. Courses typically "meet" once weekly in the
evening via web confererencing. Customized YouTube resources and provided reading assignments
round out the academic experience.

Will I actually have assignments and homework in the mini-courses?
Yes. The mini-courses mimic the type of work you will be expected to do in college. Of course the
mini-courses are much more narrow in scope. The assignments are customized to course content.
Assignments reflect the type of critical thinking and writing associated with higher education.

Will I get a grade for mini-courses I complete?
Yes. All completed assignments are carefully reviewed by VUI faculty. VUI faculty provide you with
important feedback on how you can improve your writing, intellectual argument, and other academic
skills. Grades are assigned to give you an idea how your work will be assessed in college.

Do I need a state of the art computer to complete the mini-courses?
No. At a minimum you will require a device that can access a stable internet connection. For
enhanced interactivity it is recommended that students use devices with full conferencing capabilities
(microphone and web cam). However this is not absolutely necessary. Students can view the
professor and visual aids from their screen and hear the lecture and fellow students through their
device audio system.

Can the VUI help me purchase a computer?
If you do not have a computer/tablet in your home and want to participate in the VUI, the ETL
Education Foundation may be able to assist. If available, the ETL Foundation may be able to loan
you a computer for use during the four week semester. ETL Foundation may also be able assist in
making available discounted computer purchase prices from partner retailers. For further information
about these programs please use this website to contact us by email.

Can I get high school credit for completing VUI courses?
Maybe. If the VUI has an agreement with your school, elective credit may be provided assuming that
all terms and conditions have been met.

Student Orientation

Below you will find some answers to questions most
frequently asked by students. If you do not see the answer
to your question, simply click here and submit your question.
We will promptly respond.

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Can you tell me a little more about the VUI admissions process?
The VUI admissions process is designed to mimic the actual college admissions process. It includes
the completion of an online application. The application includes a series of narrative short essays
similar to the types that might be found in real applications. The admission process also requires
students to participate in an admissions interview with VUI personnel. This interview is conducted via
the internet using a web conferencing format. Applicants must also arrange to have an official copy of
their high school transcript forwarded to the VUI Admissions Office. It should be noted that
admissions essays are carefully reviewed and each applicant is provided feedback and tips on how to
improve or maximize effectiveness.

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When I am ready, will the VUI help me with the real college admissions process?
All VUI students are assigned an advisor. Advisors are matched to students based upon mutual
academic and career interests. Advisors may assist and advise students in the college admissions
process.

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