Rasmussen College has entered into an agreement to license the Thuze library of eTextbooks. The low-cost, high-quality learning materials from Thuze are expected to save Rasmussen College more than $1,000,000 in instructional costs over the course of the agreement.
Thuze, launched by Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE: BPI) in 2012, offers Rasmussen College and its students other benefits besides cost savings. All Thuze content was born digital – as opposed to some other eTextbook formats that simply convert traditional textbooks – so students are given content that was conceived specifically for the digital format. The content has all been created within the past three years by respected academics from learning institutions across the country. This provides a timeliness which may be lacking from traditional textbooks that are often more than ten years old. The flexibility and convenience of the digital format allows students to study at any time and in any place on their mobile devices.
“Bridgepoint and Thuze offer a valid alternative to the traditional publisher model by providing quality digital resources in a new pricing structure that gives us long-term visibility on our investment and options for our curriculum in the future,” said Greta Ferkel, vice president, academic innovation at Rasmussen College.
Under the terms of the agreement, Rasmussen College will begin phasing in the Thuze technology during the fall of 2013. Thuze provides the flexibility to disaggregate the textbook content and place it directly into Rasmussen’s learning management system (LMS) platform, thus providing for a seamless transition.
“Bridgepoint’s Products team is pleased to share our Thuze technology platform and eTextbook content with Rasmussen College,” said Beth Aguiar, Bridgepoint Education vice president of learning resources and publishing. “Thuze will help Rasmussen College lower the cost and increase the quality of their students’ education.”
About Bridgepoint Education
Bridgepoint Education, Inc. (NYSE:BPI) improves the way individuals learn. By harnessing creativity, knowledge and proprietary technologies, such as Constellation, Thuze and Waypoint Outcomes, Bridgepoint Education has re-engineered the modern student experience with innovative solutions that advance learning. Its academic institutions – Ashford University and University of the Rockies – embody the contemporary college experience. Ashford University offers associate's, bachelor's, and master's degree programs while University of the Rockies offers master’s and doctoral degree programs. Both provide progressive online platforms, as well as traditional campuses located in Clinton, Iowa (Ashford University), and Colorado Springs, Colorado (University of the Rockies). For more information about Bridgepoint Education, visit www.bridgepointeducation.com or call Shari Winet Rodriguez, vice president of Public Relations, at 858.668.2580.
About Rasmussen College
Rasmussen College is a regionally accredited private college specializing in high-demand education programs in a supportive, student-centered environment. Rasmussen College offers certificate and diploma programs through associate’s and bachelor’s degrees online and across its 24 Midwest and Florida campuses. By combining career development expertise, high academic standards and exceptional student support services, Rasmussen College graduates gain the skills to succeed in their chosen field. Since 1900, Rasmussen College has been dedicated to being a primary contributor to the growth and development of the communities it serves. For more information about Rasmussen College, please visit rasmussen.edu.