In September, 2003, DePaul University ’s School for New Learning announced the introduction of a Chronic Illness Initiative designed to assist students with chronic fatiguing and relapsing illnesses to obtain their BA degrees.  The program is the brainchild of Lynn Royster, PhD, a faculty member at DePaul University ’s School for New Learning, and the mother of PWC, Patrick Holaday.

“I watched my son (now 29) struggle to go to college only to be thwarted over and over again by severe relapses, heavy bureaucratic requirements and uncomprehending faculty,” she said. “After I began to teach in the Distance Education Program, I saw a way that the program (which already had features that would be PWC-friendly) could be modified to eliminate some of the additional roadblocks that chronically ill students face."    

The Chronic Illness Initiative has four main features:

1. No physical presence on campus is required. Students can obtain a DePaul degree entirely on line. However, if students wish to do so, they may also take classes on campus.
2. Flexible time requirements.  Students may take as long as necessary to complete their degrees, taking one course or a full load, as their condition dictates, and if they must drop out, they may complete a course whenever they are able.  “Online courses are archived,” points out Royster, “so a student will not have to miss out on the discussions."
3. Assistance from a special advisor.  Students who indicate their need for the special services may consult with an advisor knowledgeable about the difficulties they face. Dr. Royster is currently serving in this capacity.
4. Informed and compassionate faculty and staff.  Those who teach in the program will be given training in what to expect from students with chronic illnesses and how to respond compassionately and effectively.

The Chronic Illness Initiative is housed in DePaul’s School for New Learning (SNL), a program designed for returning students. The SNL BA program has several features in addition to the Distance Learning Program that already make it particularly appealing to PWCs.  First, because most students have jobs and family responsibilities, faculty and staff are accustomed to working with people who do not have a lot of extra time.  Second, the program has liberal transfer requirements and allows students to document previous college level learning whether acquired in class, on the job, or in the community. Once properly documented, students may receive college credit for such learning. 

Other aspects of the SNL Program include lower tuition than most private universities, state of the art technology with prompt, responsive technical support, individually designed focus areas (similar to majors) and the opportunity to earn a fully accredited DePaul University degree. Financial aid is also available.

There are a few limitations.  Students must be computer capable, they must be self-directed and they need to be able to handle the writing requirements of online classes. They should also have clear future goals, because a portion of the program is designed to assist them in their achievement of those goals.

For more information on the Chronic Illness Initiative at DePaul University contact Lynn Royster at 312-362-8001 (Toll free outside Illinois 866-765-3678) e-mail LROYSTER@SNLONLINE.NET