At this year’s SOLAR conference, UPCEA is launching a pioneering event-based credential pilot designed specifically for current and aspiring Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs). Anchored in UPCEA’s well-established Professional, Continuing, and Online (PCO) Competency Framework, this pilot initiative integrates select concurrent sessions with a post-event learning assessment to deliver a dynamic and meaningful professional development experience. More than just a participation badge, this credential aims to demonstrate real learning through engagement, reflection, and peer-to-peer knowledge exchange.
This two-part experience begins with specially selected conference sessions that align with targeted UPCEA competencies. Selected sessions are labeled “ COLO Credential” and feature the most timely and valued content in the field of online learning. Participating speakers have shaped their content to reinforce these competencies during and post-event. Rather than awarding a badge for passive participation, the pilot includes a co-created learning assessment—including discussion to reflection—to ensure credentialed individuals demonstrate knowledge integration. This initiative embodies UPCEA’s commitment to high-quality professional learning and elevates the SOLAR conference as a hub for both innovation and rigor in credentialing, a model UPCEA members embrace in their daily work.
July 22 - 3:00 PM
Balancing Governance and Agility: Leading Distinctive Online Programs in a Crowded Market
Pavilion East | Tag: COLO Credential: Strategic Planning & Governance
As online education grows rapidly amid increasing market congestion, institutions must strike a careful balance between academic governance, innovation, and differentiation. This session explores how universities can leverage shared governance structures to support responsive, sustainable online programs—without compromising academic integrity or agility. Blending institutional case studies and cultural insights, presenters will examine: How to navigate shared governance and academic collaboration across campuses and units; Strategies for aligning online program development with faculty senates, accreditation expectations, and state agency requirements; The role of cultural awareness, constituent understanding, and distinctiveness in positioning online programs for long-term success.; How themes from pop culture—like the satirical lens of Portlandia—can inform how we market, design, and lead programs that resonate with today’s learners. Attendees will gain insights into creating online offerings that are academically sound, culturally relevant, and competitively positioned in an increasingly crowded digital education landscape.
Moderator: Daria LaTorre, Duquesne University
July 23 - 1:00 PM
Smart Starts and Strategic Signals: Launching and Marketing Online Programs in a Shifting Consumer Landscape
Pavilion West | Tag: COLO Credential: Marketing & Enrollment
In today’s competitive and value-conscious education market, launching a new online program isn’t just about academic merit—it’s about aligning institutional capacity, market demand, and the evolving expectations of prospective students. This session explores how to make high-impact program launch decisions, across a range of institution types, and how to market those programs effectively. Panelists will share proven strategies for: Using data-informed tools, like Program Viability Analysis, Industry Insight Panels, and Financial Modeling to guide program selection and cross-campus alignment; Navigating institutional governance and securing leadership buy-in for sustainable portfolio growth; Understanding and responding to shifts in consumer mindset, including skepticism about ROI and the changing expectations of online learners; Structuring marketing efforts to maximize impact with limited resources. Whether you’re determining what to launch—or how to market what you’ve launched—this session will offer actionable insights for building online portfolios that are both mission-aligned and market-smart.
Moderator: Amy Heitzman, UPCEA
July 23 - 2:15 PM
Building and Sustaining Online Success: Financial Models and Real-World Strategies
Atrium Ballroom | Tag: COLO Credential: Financial Models & Compliance
This interactive session blends theory and practice to equip participants with the skills to build effective financial models and learn from a successful real-world case studies. Participants will first engage in a guided workshop to identify funding streams, outflows, incentives and models relevant to their institutions using the frameworks developed at Texas A&M and The University of Texas at El Paso. Then, Oregon State University will present their innovative budget model, discussing its impact on online program growth and sharing strategies for advocating for online growth incentives within evolving university budget frameworks. Participants will conclude with a collaborative discussion to share their own insights and develop actionable plans for their institutions.
Moderator: Jamal Gay, Noodle
July 24 - 9:30 AM
Beyond the Org Chart: Sustaining Impact Across Marketing and Enrollment Services
Broadway II | Tag: COLO Credential: Marketing & Enrollment
Learn how Oregon State University Ecampus built and evolved its digital-first marketing and enrollment services collaboration. Explore promising practices that span unified structures and cross-unit partnerships. Leave with actionable ideas to align teams, break silos, and support enrollment success.
Moderator: Melissa Peraino, UPCEA