Wichita State is no longer limited by its 330 acres in bringing students a quality education. Like many universities, WSU has ventured into the frontier of online learning.

Online learning has been around for two decades. Though the idea isn’t as novel as it once was, it has become vital to the growth of the university.

“We are significantly evolved online, and yet we don’t have the infrastructure, so imagine how much more we can do and be if we provide the infrastructure you need,” said Vice President for Academic Affairs Anthony Vizzini.

With 20 percent of the Wichita State student body taking classes online, WSU has a well-established program within the community. The problem was in the coordination.

The program offers around 300 courses online that are chosen by professors who see an advantage in using online learning as a resource instead of what is needed or is best for the university as a whole.

“It’s overgrowing its bounds,” said Mark Porcaro, interim director of the Office of Online Learning. “In some ways, we’re starting to grow in ways that might not be best for our university. The idea here is we’re starting to go back and examine and see what is the best strategy for us.”

The intention of the office is to start offering entire degree programs online as opposed to the miscellaneous classes offered in each department.

The RN to BSN is a bachelor’s degree in the health science department that is the most complete program offered online. The program’s completion by the fall 2014 semester will be the priority of the office.

“Our goal is to develop programs that are fully online where there’s a need and demand in the work force, so we’re not thinking of offering all of our programs online,” Richard Muma, associate vice president for Academic Affairs and Professor of Public Health Sciences, said.

Other than full programs, the office also focuses on being a resource to all online students for questions and university relations.

The term “one-stop shop” is being used to describe the purpose of the office. Students will have a single number to call or place to go if they need assistance.

The home web page for Wichita State will have a link for the office by the fall of 2014 classes, and will list contact information and links to better help the students interact with the university.

Porcaro said the new office will tie into various campus operations such as university relations, academic affairs and financial operations.

With interaction being the mission of this department, the greatest contribution a student can make is feedback to the university. Porcaro said students will be welcome to come by the office to give suggestions once it’s open.

“The biggest thing we can do is making sure we’re doing it right, that we’re doing it for the right students and the right reasons and for the right courses,” Porcaro said.