| The purpose of this study was to examine and describe the need, availability, importance, and accessibility of online student services for students enrolled in distance education in Wisconsin's 42 public two- and four-year colleges and universities as perceived by student service administrative personnel. An existing survey was modified and mailed to the student services administrator. Twenty-nine surveys were returned. The survey consisted of demographic and student services questions asking respondents to rate the importance, availability, and effectiveness of each of twelve student support services. Two open-ended questions asked about the benefits and challenges to providing online student services. Results indicated all institutions responding offered distance education courses and some online student services. Offering the twelve services in an online format was viewed as important to very important with basic information and registration considered most important and career services and tutoring considered least important. Basic information on classes, application for admission, financial aid, library services, and registration were most commonly available, while bookstore services, academic advising, orientation to online learning, and tutoring were the least commonly provided services. Institutions not offering an application for admission, financial aid, library services, and registration online planned to offer those services electronically in the future. Tutoring was not likely to be offered online. Effectiveness of the 12 student services ranged from moderately effective to effective. Registration, library services, and basic information were the most effective services offered online, while academic advising and career services were least effective. |
