“IU Online offered a clear pathway to graduation—it had everything I was looking for,” says Lynn Falcony, who graduated in spring 2020 with a BS in Psychology.
Like many IU Online students, Falcony worked while taking courses. She admits that scheduling academics around her work schedule could be tricky but is grateful for the way faculty and staff worked to help her accomplish her goals. “My professors were really understanding and flexible about what life is like outside the classroom.”
Falcony’s online experience was rich with in-person experiences. ”My professors really engaged online students in a lot of face-to-face contact.” Psychology professor Dr. Deborah Miller encouraged students to take part in advanced educational opportunities like the History of Psychology program, which took Falcony to London, Vienna, and Leipzig. Working with Professor Eevett Loshek, Falcony accompanied a group of faculty and students to the Midwestern Psychological Conference in Chicago.
In-class experiences also built connections. All classes required online discussion groups. “There were lots of chances to engage with other students. In fact, we were more intentional about making connections. In in-person classes, we take connecting for granted.”
“Faculty and staff gave us lots of opportunity to feel engaged with them and with other students, even down to the most personal connections. Professor Loshek sent me a congratulatory email note for making the dean’s list. Little things like that make the experience so personal and meaningful.”
While working on her degree, Falcony worked part time in a transitional house for pregnant and postpartum women, and later full time in a residential treatment facility. While fitting everything in to her packed calendar could be tricky, she found a clear benefit to being immersed in the academic (theoretical) and applied experience at the same time. “My clients think we’re here to help them, but in fact we learn from them.” Her class discussion boards were made richer thanks to the work experiences other students brought to the table. “Psychology touches so many fields. Everyone’s experience added to the conversation,” she says.
Where does Falcony see herself in five years? She’s considering online graduate work, possibly toward a Master of Social Work (MSW). "My degree prepares me well enough to go in any number of directions. I’m excited to see where it takes me. Serving vulnerable populations is important to me. I just don’t yet know what form it will take.”
She encourages those who are thinking about online education to give it serious consideration. “It’s great for the non-traditional learner,” says Falcony. “Reflect on how you learn. Can you manage time well? Learning online is a great opportunity to hone your skills as a self-starter, which will serve you well in your profession.”
She recalls being especially anxious about a statistics class. But her professors came through, creating multiple YouTube videos to help with the tough parts of the text. “I did well. I surprised myself!” says Falcony. “Everyone’s learning to be more creative with online learning, which will serve us all well in the future.”
