Albany State University Announces the Establishment of ASURams Global

Albany State University (ASU) is pleased to announce the establishment of ASURams Global, a new strategic unit under Academic Affairs dedicated to elevating the university's online learning and continuing education initiatives. Under Executive Director Dr. Jean-Jacques Medastin's leadership, ASURams Global comprises an administrative office, the Distance Learning Department, and the Office of Continuing and Professional Education (CaPE). ASURams Global is committed to broadening ASU’s reach and impact by delivering high-quality online programs and professional development opportunities to learners worldwide. This pioneering endeavor aims to provide accessible educational pathways for the local community and a global audience.

ASURams Global will support the institution and its strategic plan focusing on high-quality, affordable, and accessible programs available to be completed from anywhere in the world, fostering retention and graduation of current students by assessing and adapting to student needs and providing resources to guide them in their education, creating professional development opportunities, and engaging with the community through collaborations and continuing and professional education programs.

“ASURams Global stands at the forefront of global online education while offering a robust array of continuing education opportunities. The institution's dedication to inclusivity and accessibility empowers students worldwide to pursue their academic goals despite geographical constraints, fostering a dynamic and enriching online learning environment,” said ASU Interim President Dr. Lawrence Drake.

ASURams Global leverages cutting-edge technology and expert instructional designers to ensure a high standard of excellence in distance education. It is committed to providing high-quality online student support throughout their educational journey. The online learning platform is designed to be user-friendly and intuitive so students can focus on their studies instead of struggling with technology. ASURams Global is also dedicated to expanding students’ digital access to various academic resources, including Open Educational Resources (OER), online libraries, research databases, and educational support services.

The unit is working with ASU faculty to build high-quality, fully online programs, such as the new, fully online Master of Public Administration. ASURams Global is working to identify and develop more online programs. It is ready to support departments and faculty in developing new online programs or transitioning their program to being fully online. ASURams Global also supports current online programs and courses by offering training and drop-in sessions with expert instructional designers to support faculty in creating new high-quality online courses through individual sessions and its new Quality Course Design (QCD) Program.

“ASURams Global is focused on assessing and adapting to the needs of our students wherever they may be in the world, providing resources to guide them in their education, and promoting retention and graduation rates. We understand the importance of online education today and are committed to offering our students the best possible experience through high-quality training and workshops on best practices,” said Executive Director of ASURams Global, Dr. Jean-Jacques Medastin.

ASURams Global will work closely with academic departments and faculty to develop at least four new, high-quality online programs at ASU by the Fall of 2025, while also expanding the institution’s utilization of cutting-edge educational technology and providing comprehensive online pedagogy training for instructors. The unit will rigorously assess, improve, and implement quality assurance policies and practices to establish and maintain a robust standard of excellence across all online and continuing education offerings. Additionally, ASURams Global plans to bolster continuing and professional education initiatives within the local community, providing accessible opportunities for individuals to gain or enhance workforce readiness and essential life skills. Through these multifaceted efforts, the university aims to solidify its position as a pioneering leader in accessible, globally relevant education.

To learn more about ASURams Global, visit the website.