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University of Phoenix scholars examine how faculty define rigor in online college courses

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Published in the Journal of Educators Online, the literature review examines teaching, grading, course management and faculty support in online learning environments for nontraditional students.

PHOENIX, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies announces the publication of a new article by scholars Jennifer L. James, Ph.D., Karen Myers, DNP, and Olivia Miller, M.A., in the Journal of Educators Online. The article, “Studying Faculty Perceptions of Rigor in Online College Courses: Compromising or Accommodating? A Literature Review,” examines how faculty perceive academic rigor when teaching, grading and managing online courses for nontraditional students.

The systematic literature review used the PRISMA 2020 method to organize peer-reviewed literature published from 2018 to 2023. The authors examined faculty perceptions of online teaching rigor before, during and after the COVID-19 pandemic, including perceptions related to course management, academic integrity, student engagement, assessment practices, technology and institutional support.

“Rigor in online education should not be reduced to whether a course is hard or whether faculty make accommodations,” said James, lead author and research fellow in the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. “Our review suggests that rigor is shaped by course design, assessment practices, faculty preparation, student engagement and the realities of teaching nontraditional students online. When institutions support faculty with clear expectations, training and resources, rigor and responsiveness can work together rather than compete.”

Key findings based on five main themes in the literature reviewed

The literature review found that faculty perceptions of rigor in online courses are shaped by multiple factors, including course design, student engagement, academic integrity concerns, technology access, workload and professional development. The article identifies five main themes in the literature reviewed:

Experience with online teaching: Faculty varied in their comfort with online teaching and technology, with some reporting opportunities to learn new tools and others noting technical challenges and increased workload.Perceived effectiveness of online learning: Faculty perceptions were mixed, with some studies indicating online learning outcomes could equal or surpass face-to-face courses, while others reflected concern that online learning may be less effective in some contexts.Challenges and support needed: Faculty reported challenges related to technology, broadband access, workload and the need for professional development and institutional support.Benefits of online teaching: Faculty recognized benefits including flexibility, accessibility, opportunities to share materials and new ways to engage students.Future of online education: Many faculty indicated online and blended learning would continue to grow after the pandemic, while also noting the need for clearer expectations and sustained support.

The authors note that despite extensive research on academic rigor for students, there is less common ground on how faculty perceive the challenges of facilitating online courses for nontraditional students.

The study also points to areas for future research, including how deadline extensions affect faculty workload and perceptions of rigor, how faculty approach student requests to resubmit assignments, and how faculty manage emotionally challenging online course facilitation. The authors recommend further examination of student perceptions of rigor in online classes and the instructor’s role in shaping student expectations.

The publication contributes to broader research on online higher education at a time when institutions continue to evaluate how course quality, academic integrity, flexibility and student support intersect in digital learning environments.

About the authors

The authors are affiliates of the Center for Educational and Instructional Technology Research (CEITR), housed within the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies, which supports scholarly research and collaboration on topics related to teaching and learning, online and in-person education, educational technology strategies, and educational policies, practices and theories.

Jennifer L. James, Ph.D., is a research fellow in CEITR at the University of Phoenix College of Doctoral Studies. She is an English professor, researcher and subject matter expert with more than 24 years of experience designing and teaching developmental, introductory and advanced writing courses. Dr. James earned her Ph.D. in Higher Education Administration from University of Phoenix in 2019 and is a published scholar, certified journal reviewer, guest speaker, workshop designer and faculty mentor.

Karen Myers, DNP, is a research fellow in CEITR and an online nurse educator. She earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice with a focus in Nursing Education from Duquesne University. Myers teaches Leadership and Management for RN to BSN and MSN students and is a DNP Project Chair at University of Phoenix College of Nursing. She has been recognized with University of Phoenix Phoenix500, John Sperling Distinguished Faculty Award and Faculty of the Year honors.

Olivia Miller is a research fellow in CEITR and an online media educator. She earned her master’s degree at the University of Memphis with a focus on documenting the early digital divide in Memphis City Schools. Miller teaches online entry-level and media courses in the College of General Studies at University of Phoenix. She has been recognized with the University of Phoenix John Sperling Distinguished Faculty Award and Faculty of the Year honors.

The full article, “Studying Faculty Perceptions of Rigor in Online College Courses: Compromising or Accommodating? A Literature Review,” is available in the Journal of Educators Online, 23(1), at https://doi.org/10.9743/JEO.2026.23.1.22.

About the College of Doctoral Studies

University of Phoenix’s College of Doctoral Studies focuses on today’s challenging business and organizational needs, from addressing critical social issues to developing solutions to accelerate community building and industry growth. The College’s research program is built around the Scholar, Practitioner, Leader Model which puts students in the center of the Doctoral Education Ecosystem® with experts, resources and tools to help prepare them to be a leader in their organization, industry and community. Through this program, students and researchers work with organizations to conduct research that can be applied in the workplace in real time.

About University of Phoenix 

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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SOURCE University of Phoenix

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Technology

Stoneridge Returns to Russell 2000® Index

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NOVI, Mich., June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stoneridge, Inc. (NYSE: SRI), a leading supplier of safe, intelligent and efficient electronic technologies for the commercial vehicle and off-highway equipment markets, today announced that the Company has been added to the Russell 2000® Index as part of the 2026 FTSE Russell U.S. Indexes annual reconstitution. The reconstituted indexes became effective following the close of U.S. markets on June 26, 2026.

The Russell 2000 Index measures the performance of approximately 2,000 small-cap U.S. companies and is widely used by investment managers and institutional investors as a benchmark for small-cap investment strategies. Membership in the index also results in automatic inclusion in the Russell 3000® Index, which represents approximately 98% of the investable U.S. equity market.

“Our inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index reflects the progress we’ve made in strengthening our business and executing our strategic priorities,” said Natalia Noblet, President and CEO of Stoneridge. “We believe this increased visibility will enhance awareness of Stoneridge among the investment community as we continue to focus on profitable growth and long-term shareholder value.”

The Russell U.S. Indexes are maintained by FTSE Russell and are widely used by investment managers for index funds and active investment strategies. Approximately $12.2 trillion in assets are benchmarked against the Russell U.S. Indexes.

About Stoneridge, Inc.
Stoneridge, Inc., headquartered in Novi, Michigan, is a global supplier of safe and efficient electronic systems and technologies. Our systems and products power vehicle intelligence, while enabling safety and security for on- and off-highway transportation sectors around the world. Additional information about Stoneridge can be found at www.stoneridge.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Statements in this press release contain “forward-looking statements” under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements appear in a number of places in this press release and may include statements regarding the intent, belief or current expectations of the Company with respect to the anticipated benefits of the inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index.. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the words “will,” “may,” “should,” “could,” “would,” “designed to,” “believes,” “plans,” “projects,” “intends,” “expects,” “estimates,” “anticipates,” “continue,” and similar words and expressions. The forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed in or implied by these statements.  With respect to the inclusion in the Russell 2000 Index these risks and uncertainties include, among others: the risk that inclusion in the Russell 2000® Index may not result in increased institutional ownership, analyst coverage, trading liquidity, or investor visibility, and that any such effects may not be sustained; and the risk that the Company may not satisfy the eligibility criteria to maintain its membership in the Russell indexes at future reconstitutions. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements include, among other factors:

the ability of our suppliers to supply us with parts and components at competitive prices on a timely basis, including the impact of potential tariffs and trade considerations on their operations and output;fluctuations in the cost and availability of key materials and components (including semiconductors, printed circuit boards, resin, aluminum, steel and copper) and our ability to offset cost increases through negotiated price increases with our customers or other cost reduction actions, as necessary;global economic trends, competition and geopolitical risks, including impacts from ongoing or potential global conflicts and any related sanctions and other measures, or an escalation of sanctions, tariffs or other trade tensions between the U.S. and other countries;tariffs specifically in countries where we have significant direct or indirect manufacturing or supply chain exposure and our ability to either mitigate the impact of tariffs or pass any incremental costs to our customers;our ability to achieve cost reductions that offset or exceed customer-mandated selling price reductions;the reduced purchases, loss, financial distress or bankruptcy of a major customer or supplier;the costs and timing of business realignment, facility closures or similar actions;a significant change in commercial, automotive, off-highway or agricultural vehicle production;competitive market conditions and resulting effects on sales and pricing;foreign currency fluctuations and our ability to manage those impacts;customer acceptance of new products;our ability to successfully launch/produce products for awarded business;adverse changes in laws, government regulations or market conditions affecting our products, our suppliers, or our customers’ products;our ability to protect our intellectual property and successfully defend against assertions made against us;liabilities arising from warranty claims, product recall or field actions, product liability and legal proceedings to which we are or may become a party, or the impact of product recall or field actions on our customers;labor disruptions at our facilities, or at any of our significant customers or suppliers;business disruptions due to natural disasters or other disasters outside of our control;the amount of our indebtedness and the restrictive covenants contained in the agreements governing our indebtedness, including our revolving credit facility;capital availability or costs, including changes in interest rates;refinancing risk and access to capital markets and liquidity;the failure to achieve the successful integration of any acquired company or business;risks related to a failure of our information technology systems and networks, and risks associated with current and emerging technology threats and damage from computer viruses, unauthorized access, cyber-attack and other similar disruptions;as a result of the sale of the Company’s Control Devices business in January 2026, the Company will operate as a two-segment business; the 2025 financial statements are not representative of the Company’s future operating profile; andthe items described in Part I, Item 1A (“Risk Factors”) in the Company’s most recent Form 10-K.

The forward-looking statements contained herein represent our estimates only as of the date of this press release  and should not be relied upon as representing our estimates as of any subsequent date. While we may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, except as required by law, we specifically disclaim any obligation to do so, whether to reflect actual results, changes in assumptions, changes in other factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

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SOURCE Stoneridge, Inc.

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Bitwise Announces Updates to ETF Lineup

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SAN FRANCISCO, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bitwise Asset Management, the global crypto asset manager with $11 billion in client assets (As of April 1, 2026), plans to close and liquidate the Bitwise COIN Option Income Strategy ETF (ICOI), Bitwise MARA Option Income Strategy ETF (IMRA), Bitwise MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF (IMST), Bitwise GME Option Income Strategy ETF (IGME), Bitwise CRCL Option Income Strategy ETF (ICRC), and Bitwise Ethereum Option Income Strategy ETF (IETH).

Ticker

ETF Name

Listing
Exchange

Last Day to
Purchase
Creation
Units

Last Day of
Trading

Final NAV
Calculation
Date

Liquidation Date

ICOI

Bitwise COIN
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

IMRA

Bitwise MARA
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

IMST

Bitwise MSTR
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

IGME

Bitwise GME
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

ICRC

Bitwise CRCL
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

IETH

Bitwise
Ethereum
Option Income
Strategy ETF

NYSE Arca

July 31,
2026

July 31,
2026

August 9, 2026

August 10, 2026

Shareholders who do not sell their shares of the ETFs by Friday, July 31, 2026, will have their shares automatically redeemed for cash based on each ETF’s net asset value (NAV). The redemption is expected to be provided to shareholders through their brokers or other financial intermediaries on or around Monday, August 10, 2026.

About Bitwise

Bitwise Asset Management is a global crypto asset manager with more than $11 billion in client assets and a suite of 70 investment products spanning ETFs, staking, vaults, custom option income SMAs, tokenized funds, and private funds. The firm has an eight-year track record and today serves some of the world’s leading institutional investors, crypto exchanges, digital asset treasury companies, and high-net-worth individuals. Bitwise also works with more than 5,500 private wealth teams, RIAs, and family offices, and over 20 banks and broker-dealers.

Risks and Important Information

Carefully consider a Fund’s investment objectives, risk factors, charges, and expenses before investing. This and additional information can be found in each Fund’s full or summary prospectus, which may be obtained by visiting: for ICOI, icoietf.com; for ICRC, icrcetf.com; for IETH, iethetf.com; for IGME, igmeetf.com; for IMRA, imraetf.com; for IMST, imstetf.com. Investors should read it carefully before investing.

Investing involves risk, including the possible loss of principal. There is no guarantee or assurance that a Fund’s methodology will result in the Fund achieving positive investment returns or outperforming other investment products.

The technology relating to crypto assets and blockchain is new and developing. Trading in crypto assets or crypto asset derivatives comes with significant risks, including volatile market price swings or flash crashes, market manipulation, and cybersecurity risks and risk of losing principal or all of your investment. In addition, crypto asset markets and exchanges are not regulated with the same controls or customer protections available in equity, option, futures, or foreign exchange investing.

Bitwise ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC, which is not affiliated with Bitwise or its affiliates.

Media Contact
Tova Kaufmann
pr@bitwiseinvestments.com

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SOURCE Bitwise Asset Management

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Republic Services, Inc. Sets Date for Second Quarter 2026 Earnings Release and Conference Call

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PHOENIX, June 30, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) will release its second quarter 2026 financial results after market close on Thursday, Aug. 6, 2026, and host an investor conference call at 5 p.m. Eastern Time that day.

A live audio webcast of the conference call can be accessed by visiting the company’s Investor Relations website at investor.republicservices.com.

Participants also can dial into the conference call at (844) 890-1789 or (412) 717-9598 (International), passcode “Republic Services.” Dial-in participants can pre-register at dpregister.com to receive a unique PIN that will bypass the call operator.  

A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after the end of the live call through Aug. 13, 2026, at investor.republicservices.com or by calling (855) 669-9658 or (412) 317-0088 (International), access code 4246369.

Republic Services participates in investor presentations and conferences throughout the year. A schedule is available at investor.republicservices.com.

About Republic Services
Republic Services, Inc. is a leader in the environmental services industry. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, solid waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Republic’s industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on its vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world. For more information, please visit RepublicServices.com.

Contacts:

Media Inquiries                               

Investor Inquiries

Roman Blahoski, (480) 757-9770     

John Weeks, (480) 718-0309

media@republicservices.com             

investor@republicservices.com

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SOURCE Republic Services, Inc.

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