CHARLESTON, W.Va. – Record numbers of West Virginians who have some college but never completed their degrees are finding a gateway to completion through WVROCKS, West Virginia’s Remote Online Collaborative Knowledge System. WVROCKS achieved record enrollments for this academic year at just over 2,400, and has traditionally retained more than 90 percent of those students who enroll.

Since the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission (the Commission) launched the program in 2012, WVROCKS students have completed over 20,000 course credits toward their degrees at participating public colleges and universities throughout the state.

“This milestone is significant in that West Virginia needs for those who have some college to go back to school to meet workforce demands of a postsecondary credential,” said Commission interim chancellor Carolyn Long.  “WVROCKS provides the convenience and course offerings needed for adult learners who are balancing the demands of their everyday lives.”

“With the recent launch of the state’s attainment goal – West Virginia’s Climb – tools such as WVROCKS are going to be in high demand,” Dr. Corley Dennison, vice chancellor for academic affairs at the Commission said. “For working adults, the accelerated schedule and direct access 24/7, offered by WVROCKS courses makes college and, ultimately, degree completion more accessible to West Virginians.”

More than 10,500 credit hours have been earned through the WVROCKS portal since the pilot project began in 2012. The convenience and flexibility of WVROCKS contributes to impressive student results including, 93 percent attendance, 92 percent completion and 84 percent passage rates.

WVROCKS is operated through the West Virginia Network (WVNET) in Morgantown, one of the longest-running research education networks in the United States and a Division of the Commission. WVROCKS administrative staff facilitates the collaborative partnerships, the operational and technical support, and the creative teamwork essential to create this sustainable online portal for adult learners.

“Those of us who have been involved since the inception of the pilot and the launch of the first session in 2012 are astounded at the growth of the program and even more astounded at our ability to maintain impressive retention and completion rates. Commitment and collaboration at all levels of leadership continue to be the keys to our success,” said Dr. Mary Stewart, WVROCKS Associate Director and WVNET Deputy Director.

For more information on WVROCKS contact304-293-5192