GAINESVILLE, FL – This semester, UF Online marks a significant milestone in graduating over 1,000 students to date.
More than 160 UF Online students representing 16 majors from seven colleges are graduating in Fall 2017. They join a group of approximately 950 alumni who graduated in the semesters since Spring 2014.
While almost 500 students had already begun their studies in online programs at UF when UF Online was launched in 2014, almost 60 percent of UF Online graduates began after January 2014.
“UF Online is proud to have served so many outstanding students in their paths to earning bachelor’s degrees,” says Evangeline Cummings, Assistant Provost and Director of UF Online. “We commend our graduates on their accomplishments and remain committed to providing a rigorous cadre of academic offerings and an unparalleled student experience within UF Online.”
Graduates have the opportunity to turn their tassels at commencement ceremonies this weekend on campus and attend a UF Online reception in honor of their achievements.
Joselyn Pizarro, a criminology graduate, will be traveling from central Texas to walk the stage at graduation. She’ll have more than 10 family and friends from Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico in her cheering section.
Pizarro, who worked full-time in accounting for two and a half years while completing coursework, wanted to earn a bachelor’s degree online from a quality institution after earning her associate’s degree from Saint Leo University. She said UF Online was a perfect fit.
“I loved it,” she said. “I liked it because it was like being in the classroom without having to physically be there. Professors are available and discussion boards help you to interact with other classmates.”
The first Gator graduate in her family, Pizarro will complete basic training with the National Guard and then apply for a master’s program in counseling.
Pizarro said it was satisfying to know that all her hard work and stress has paid off.
