We Asked, You Answered: What Miami Online Students Are Saying in 2026
Last spring, 120 undergraduate and 58 graduate students completed the 2026 Miami Online Student Survey, sharing their experiences taking online courses at Miami University. Thank you to everyone who took the time to tell us what you think!
The annual survey helps us understand both the great and the not-so-great parts of the online student experience. Our staff carefully reviews every response, looking for patterns that help us celebrate what’s working and identify opportunities to improve.
So, what did students tell us?
Online options help students fit college into real life
73%
Among undergraduate students who responded, 73% said having online options was either “extremely” or “very” important.
When we asked what motivated students to take online courses, flexibility came up again and again. For some students, online courses eliminate a commute. For others, they make it possible to work a full-time job or simply have more time to spend with family. Being able to fit courses around already-busy schedules can make a significant difference.
One student told us:
“Without online options, I wouldn’t be able to keep my job and go to school.”
Another shared:
“As a mom, online classes are the only way I can continue my education.”
Another commented:
“The support that has helped me the most … is the professors making a connection with us and always being willing to talk.”
Students also highlighted strong course structures, feelings of support, and access to helpful resources such as advising, libraries, IT Services, and One Stop as strengths of their Miami Online experience.
Students are finding what they need in their online courses
90%
In the 2026 survey, 90% of undergraduate respondents said it was easy to find what they needed in their courses, up four percentage points from two years ago.
Many online courses at Miami University are built with the support of a dedicated learning designer, who works with faculty to create an online learning experience that goes beyond videos and auto-graded quizzes.
We asked Tina Riedy, Learning Design Manager, and their team, to explain how Learning Designers help students navigate Miami Online courses to be successful:
“Learning designers build intentional learning environments online. Our team partners with faculty to chunk information effectively, integrate engaging media, and standardize navigation structures so the environment of each course doesn’t feel entirely different from the last one, driving student retention and active learning.”
What could we do better?
Students also told us where there’s room to improve.
Some reported not knowing where to turn when they needed help, especially if they couldn’t reach a faculty member. Others expressed a desire for more opportunities to connect with other students who may also be navigating online courses while balancing work, family, and other parts of life.
We heard you. Here are some of the ways we’re responding.
More support when you need it
Based on your feedback, we hired Celeste Pies, our new Online Student Success Coach, to provide additional support when things get difficult.
Support for undergraduate online students
If you’re an online undergraduate student feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or simply looking for tips to make your online experience easier, contact Celeste Pies [email protected], or request a meeting via Navigate.
Support for graduate and undergraduate online students
Our Student Engagement Specialist can help you navigate your student journey. Contact Colin Manly, [email protected], or schedule an appointment.
And if you ever find yourself wondering, “Who do I even ask about this?”
Email [email protected].
A member of our team can help answer your question or connect you with the right Miami office or person.
Have an idea, suggestion, or question about the online student experience? You can always reach out to us. We want to keep hearing from you.
More ways to connect online
We’re also creating more opportunities for online students to connect and build community.
For graduate students, Miami Online is partnering with the Graduate School to make more online events available, including opportunities through the Graduate Student Professional Development Series.
Follow us for event info, tips, and community
The best way for all students to learn about upcoming events and connect with others is to follow Miami Online on social media. We’re planning additional virtual events for the coming school year. One of those opportunities is “Questions and Connections,” to ask us anything that’s on your mind about online studies and your Miami experience.
Your feedback helps shape the Miami Online experience
We take student feedback seriously, and your survey responses give us concrete ways to improve the experience for online students.
Just as importantly, you told us what’s working. Students value the flexibility online courses provide, access to Miami resources, and online courses that are easy to navigate. We’ll continue building on those strengths while working on the areas where you’ve told us we can do better.
Thank you again to everyone who completed the survey. Your feedback helps us make the Miami Online experience better for you — and for the students who come next.
About Miami Online
Miami Online gives learners flexible ways to build skills, earn credentials, and pursue a Miami University degree. Explore professional development opportunities that take hours or weeks to complete or pursue a 100% online degree. Whatever your goal, you can build an educational journey that fits into your life.
Content written by Miami Online staff.