Statement on Online Learning

Lenoir-Rhyne University offers several fully online or “distance” options among its many academic programs. Generally, these fully online programs serve the needs of adult and/or graduate students to enhance accessibility to educational opportunities for individuals with full professional and/or personal lives, or for students who are seeking an LR program, but who are unable to relocate to one of our campuses.

Whether one is in a fully online program, is taking blended or “hybrid” courses that mix face-to-face sessions with virtual learning, or is simply in classes using web-enhanced pedagogies in traditional “on-ground” courses, LR furnishes an educational experience that ensures consistent, challenging, and engaging classes.

Participating in LR’s online learning communities, for example, does not mean students sacrifice engagement with their faculty or fellow students, nor do they surrender a challenging and rewarding learning experience. In both our virtual and traditional classes, our faculty are available to support and to mentor students, and students have incredible opportunities to interact and learn with cohorts from around the country or the world with the same quality that has always been a part of Lenoir-Rhyne University’s educational mission.

LR supports online learning through the use of its learning management system, Canvas and through the use of its online meeting and video conferencing, Zoom. Online students have access 24/7/365 to technical assistance, and additional academic learning supports are furnished through our Learning Commons. Distance students can connect virtually with a professional librarian through chat or Zoom, and can access the university library’s substantial electronic resources (including ebooks, journal articles, music, films, research guides, and video tutorials). Additionally, the university’s Center for Teaching and Learning, in partnership with the Office of Instructional Technology, support faculty teaching in the online environment.

At Lenoir-Rhyne University, we strive to ensure that regardless of the manner in which courses are delivered — face-to-face or across the web — students can expect the same quality and the same engaging learning environments that have always been a defining feature of the “LR experience.”