ABSTRACT
Distance Learning University (DLU) is a graduate institution that offers masters and doctoral degree programs in four academic divisions; Education; Health and Human Services; Management; and Psychology. The nature of the university, as a distance education institution, makes a study of faculty culture unique. Faculty members at Distance Learning University have responsibilities that vary depending on whether they are part-time or full-time employees. The part-time faculty role involves more than teaching; there are other components such as being sensitive to the student-centered culture. One full-time faculty member remarked "At DLU, a focus is on being student-centered and that's a very high priority. A faculty member who does not understand the culture of the online environment at DLU will not do well. The institution is not afraid to use innovative teaching methods that fit the needs of their students, as exemplified in the KBA (knowledge-based areas) method of instruction.
