Janice Thorpe teaches a variety of courses in the Communication Department at UCCS. Her main academic and research interests include online education, instructional communication, and assessment of student learning. She is also the Director of the COMM Dept. Online program, Course Director for Research Methods, as well as the Assessment Director for the Communication Department. Beyond UCCS, she is the Faculty Director for the Colorado Learning and Teaching with Technology (COLTT) conference. She an enthusiastic advocate for rigorous, quality online learning courses and programs. She has written and presented often regarding communication skills in a virtual environment, and ensuring student readiness for the 21st workplace.