Learning Resources

Abstract: Dr. Doreen Larson, president of Edison State Community College in Piqua, Ohio, discusses the ways her team used the power of advance planning to take control and thrive during the COVID-19 crisis. Learn about their online initiative, expansion of technology in a rural community, and how they’re growing enrollment in an uncertain time.

Abstract: An Optimizing Academic Balance (OAB) analysis provides colleges and universities with effective tools to use in making strategic academic decisions needed to stay competitive in the context of institutional mission, program quality, market potential, cost, and revenue. The Association of Independent Kentucky Colleges and Universities recently completed a three-year statewide OAB project with the participation of 13 higher education institutions. The results supported the colleges and universities in making tough decisions.

Abstract: Support for underrepresented students must continue now and in a post-COVID-19 world. How is this getting tackled in an all-women’s undergrad program that serves underrepresented students? Pat McGuire, president of Trinity Washington University (DC), discusses her university’s approach—from crisis planning through contingency planning.

Abstract: This article presents a case study of the virtual strategic planning process at Northcentral University’s School of Business. Anchoring in practices proven successful in a face-to-face environment, we describe the unique challenges of effective strategic planning for an individual school—when complicated by a solely virtual, distributed environment. We share the tools and techniques we leveraged for each phase of our work, which facilitated overcoming the distance among members of our school community.

Abstract: Institutions usually spend more on providing courses for some academic programs than others. Stakeholders need to decide where and how to allocate resources to support instruction. This session introduces recent best practices using the Delaware Cost Study data to facilitate 1) the identification of under-resourced academic programs and 2) decision making in faculty budgeting and staffing. You will leave this session ready to re-evaluate the metrics you use to support instructional budgeting decisions so you can identify under-resourced programs and accurately understand faculty hiring needs.

Abstract: Working across boundaries is essential for student success, but also incredibly difficult to do. This session looks at the collaboration between enrollment management and departmental faculty—specifically the planning, monitoring, and communication of student progress in an online doctoral program. You will learn techniques to improve communication between departments that historically work independent of each other, along with opportunities for future interdepartmental partnerships that improve student success.

Abstract: This article discusses furthering research on distance education and technological advancements across institutions through the launching of a national research center. Specifically, the authors discuss developing an institutional capacity to conduct research, harnessing resources to support research, leading research initiatives and collaborations, and mapping the future of data collection and analysis.

Abstract: In February 2008, the U.S. Army and Fayetteville State University established a partnership that has changed the process of healthcare education for active duty social workers. Before this time, the army relied on public universities to be solely responsible for recruiting, evaluating, and educating active duty social workers to serve the needs of service members and their families. However, to meet an immediate need for more social workers to deal with the wounds caused by the War on Terror and to help it get the best possible return on its educational investment, the army decided to partner with a university to establish a distance education Master of Social Work program at the Army Medical Department Center and School at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. Fayetteville State University in Fayetteville, North Carolina was the university partner selected. This article outlines the background of the partnership and the issues other public universities should consider if they want to partner with the military or another federal agency. The article also highlights the benefits of such a partnership.