Struggling HBCUs Move to Internet

In trying to survive during such harsh times, it has become necessary to take particular measures. For historically black college universities, the struggle has led one to provide higher education through means of online classes.

Morris Brown, once an acclaimed faction of the Atlanta University Center which includes the likes of Spelman College, Clark Atlanta University and Morehouse College has been going through trials ever since losing its accreditation in 2002 and has held on tight to stay afloat. A solution for now has been for the school to launch an Internet-based degree program in organizational leadership and management. According to President Stan Pritchett, these classes will be available to students as soon as next week.

Pritchett reflected on the downward spiral that the school has gone through since 2002 as the loss of accreditation resulted in a sharp decline in student enrollment which manifested itself negatively as it made it more difficult for the college to maintain themselves financially. Troubles built up to the point where the water was turned off last year because of a bill that had been unattended to.

Online classes will be similar to actual in-class schooling in the way that tuition will be paid. Room and board will not be paid of course as well as other expenses that would be needed if staying on-campus. Morris Brown will provide the students with online books and a means to communicate with their professors through an online platform.

According to Ben Chavis, co-founder and president of Education Online Services Corporation, Morris Brown will be the pioneer for HBCUs in offering this online program. Starting with Brown, the company hopes to establish the same programs with other HBCUs as time progresses.