Arizona Online Closes Out a Successful Academic Year

For students taking courses in the Arizona Online campus, most of their interactions with peers, faculty and staff are in the virtual classroom space. 

Although this online learning modality offers flexible, barrier-free access to the University of Arizona’s best-in-class degree and certificate programs — allowing students to complete their education at their own pace and from anywhere in the world — this doesn’t mean a chance to engage in person doesn’t generate excitement. 

This was certainly the case this year at semester’s end. 

All students, regardless of whether they are in-person, online or hybrid learners, are invited to participate in U of A’s 2024 commencement ceremony at the main campus.

This year, however, Arizona Online and the Near You Network joined forces to host an in-person, pre-commencement celebration just for Arizona Online graduates. 

The event, attended by more than two dozen graduates, offered the group of 2024 graduates the chance to meet one another, as well as faculty and staff, in person — and for many of them, for the very first time.

They also walked together to the Arizona Stadium for commencement, sitting as a group during the ceremony.   

“I love this time of year as we get to celebrate the incredible achievements of our remarkable graduates,” said Caleb Simmons, executive director of online education, in a social media post about the pre-commencement event.

“Their journey has been nothing short of inspiring,” he added, “showcasing not just academic excellence but also resilience and tenacity. In a rapidly changing world, these graduates have not only adapted but thrived, mastering the skills needed to excel as digital citizens.

“Online education, at the intersection of technology and academia, has equipped them with a future-ready toolkit. The Arizona Online Class of 2024 now steps into a dynamic, interconnected world that demands innovative and ethical solutions.”

But it wasn’t only Arizona Online students who enjoyed a special celebration at the conclusion of the year honoring their hard work and achievements.

The Arizona Online leadership team also invited its staff members to an end-of-year bash at the Flandrau Science Center & Planetarium to acknowledge the team’s tireless efforts at the seamless delivery of quality education and support to students and faculty alike.

The evening was packed with meaningful ways to applaud these accomplishments, from handing out awards to offering exclusive planetarium night shows.

“I love this time of year as we get to celebrate the incredible achievements of our remarkable graduates.” 

— Dr. Caleb Simmons, Executive Director, Online Education

“I am deeply grateful for the perseverance and commitment our team has shown toward our students and our mission of making U of A and higher education more inclusive and accessible,” Simmons said. 

“Our team’s dedication is the primary reason for our sustained growth, and I couldn’t be prouder of the work that we've done together this year.”

Arizona Online recently placed in the top 15 of Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for 2024, as ranked by U.S. News & World Report, and placed in the top 3% of all ranked programs. And it maintained its No. 4 overall position for bachelor’s programs for military veterans. 

It also earned a score of 91 out of a possible 100 and tied for No. 7 in the peer assessment category, which is determined by ratings on academic quality received by presidents, provosts and deans of admissions — or officials in equivalent positions — at institutions submitting peer assessment surveys.