UPCEA 2021 Annual Conference Pre-Conference Workshop | 2021 UPCEA Institutional Representatives Annual Briefing: The Pandemic's Domino Effect on PCO (separate registration required)
Open to all UPCEA Institutional Representatives (IRs) and Chief Online Learning Officers (COLOs).
Registration for this event is free and not dependent on conference registration; information about full conference registration is found here.

Cultivating Emerging Leaders in Continuing and Online Education #
Business & Operations | Applied | Tag: Best in Show -South
Often, individuals feel inadequately prepared for a new leadership role because they have never had the opportunity to wrestle with and consider the complexities of leadership concepts until that time. In this session, you will learn how we established a leadership discussion group for our emerging leaders, how we broached difficult topics such as racial injustice and the complexities of crises leadership, and gain insights into the format and management of the program.

• Susan Seal, Mississippi State University

Moderator: Jessica Brinker, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Digital Badges and Industry-Aligned Credentials: A Case Study in Higher Education, Workforce, and Industry Partnerships for Skills-Based Hiring and Education #
Community and Economic Engagement | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
Digital badges and related alternative or micro- credentials demonstrate great promise as a strategy for closing the skills gap and supporting the alignment of industry skills with traditional and nontraditional higher education programs. In partnership with state and local workforce agencies, employers, and industry organizations, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has launched an innovative series of digital badges leading to industry-aligned credentials in fields such as Chemical Technician, Quality Assurance, and Food Science.

• Courtney Breckenridge, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Mary Ettling, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
• Tony Fuhrmann, Madison County Employment and Training Department

Moderator: Pat Leonard, Credly

Diversity, Equity and Inclusion in Online Graduate Management Curricular and Co-Curricular Programs &
International | Applied | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Faculty-Related
As we seek to improve all students’ success in college and graduate programs, the inclusion of individuals with diverse backgrounds through methods of teaching and learning must be an educational imperative. This presentation will provide an overview of ways to integrate diversity, equity and inclusion in course content and andragogy. Topics include integration vs. separate courses, infusion, add-on and transformational approaches. Examples will be provided from graduate management courses.

• Michele Paludi, Excelsior College
• Li-Fang Shih, Excelsior College
• Khamel Abdulai, Excelsior College

Moderator: William Bajor, East Stroudsburg University

Minimum Viable Products in Online Course Development: A COVID Success Story #
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
Following a lean start-up model, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Digital and Lifelong Learning unit developed, tested, and deployed a new facilitated course development model within weeks, increasing the team’s course production by 1000%. Despite the rapid scaling and speed of implementation, faculty gave the experience outstanding reviews. Based on participant surveys, the program has now been redeployed for long-term use. Yes, there is a place for MVPs in higher education and we’re here to show you how!

• Tyler Ritter, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Paul Wolff, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Katie Meersman, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Moderator: Daniel Vopat, ed2go

Lights! Camera! Pandemic? Create Adaptive Content that Connects to Prospective Students #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Foundational | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Best in Show - Central
Storytelling can be a powerful tool for grabbing the media’s attention, increasing awareness of your institution, and recruiting students. Now is the time to leverage, repurpose and reuse content for maximum impact. Attendees will receive practical tips that are applicable to any medium: a testimonial, blog, email campaign, video interview or social media post. Case studies include a news release video, relaunching a social media campaign and repurposing content for microcasts.

• Sarah Whorton, University of Missouri

Moderator: Christina Trombley, Drake University

Measuring the Value of the Bundled and Unbundled OPM Relationship: The Research Agenda for 2021 &
Online Administration | Applied  
Offering online education in the future is expected to be more competitive and complicated as a result of a new economy, more providers and changing politics.  Recognizing that it is a two-way street, UPCEA will be researching the OPM relationship between providers and institutions. The goal of the research will be gather input, feedback and data to measure the value of services provided, identify hurdles and barriers in full or partial OPM adoption, determine the key factors in effective partnerships, and understand financial needs and investments.

• Jim Fong, UPCEA
• Josh Kim, Dartmouth College

Moderator: Michele Gribbins, University of Illinois, Springfield

Federal Policy Update: Insights from DC #
Business & Operations | Strategic | Tag: Policy
Please join us for a session that will discuss the varied and busy education agenda in Washington. The Department of Education has recently released regulations regarding major issues of importance to the distance and adult education community. The results of the election have enormous implications for higher ed initiatives. We’ll walk you through what to watch and what has been going on. Hear from legal and policy experts on a host of issues in governance and regulation.

• Jordan DiMaggio, UPCEA
• Chris Murray, Thompson Coburn LLP

If You Build It, Will They Come?: Lessons Learned in Designing a Digital Space to Enhance the Online Student Experience Through Organic Engagement, Community-Building, and Fostering Sense of Belonging &
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Diversity & Inclusion
In 2017 UF Online launched a new digital space designed to promote community for online students. This project raised a key question: If you build it, will they come? This session will reflect on the unique challenges of promoting student engagement for remote or fully-online learners, reviewing UF Online’s iterative process of expanding the Plaza, and the development of a mobile app. The results: A 15-fold increase in student activity in less than 18 months.

• Evangeline Cummings, University of Florida
• LaKendra Cook, University of Florida
• Eric Ryan, University of Florida

Moderator: Marleigh Perez, Oregon State University

Pedagogy: The Secret to Successful HyFlex Courses  #
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
What makes a successful HyFlex course? The magic ingredient is good pedagogy. Our session will share the small, but impactful, teaching practices we use in our classrooms to foster active learning and build community between in-person, live online, and on-demand students. We will also discuss how we assess which courses are best suited for HyFlex delivery and how we scale and structure support for our faculty.         

• Adrienne Phelps-Coco, Harvard University
• Karina Lin-Murphy, Harvard University

Unbundling Credit Programming into Non-Credit Offerings #
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Pandemic/Virus-Related
With the rising demand for online learning from audiences of all ages, it’s time for institutions to rethink their educational offerings to offer a wider range of opportunities for personal and professional growth. Unbundling credit programs provides learners with fast and consumable options that will help get them back into the workforce, adjust to new roles, and apply skills and knowledge in real-time, real-world settings where it matters most.

• Beth Romanski, Maryland University of Integrative Health

Moderator: Chris Edwards, MindEdge

Online Global Learning Experiences: Guidelines and Best Practices #
International | Applied
In this lively session, the recently published guide “An Education Abroad Professional’s Guide to Online Global Learning Experiences,” will be discussed and attendees will have opportunities to imagine how it can be leveraged for the PCO space.

• Amelia Deitrich, Forum on Education Abroad
  
  
  

Opening Doors to Opportunity: Increasing Access to Skills and Careers Through a Professional and Continuing Education Scholarship Fund &
Community and Economic Engagement | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Best in Show - West
In this session, we will present information about the process of setting up the UWPCE Certificate Scholarship Program. We will describe the outreach and development strategies utilized to scale the fund to increase the number of scholarships offered each year. Through sharing our experiences, we hope to continue a dialogue around the role of professional and continuing education units in addressing racial inequity, access, and growing workforce needs through expanding access to education.

• Jo Gubas, University of Washington
• Julie Scales, University of Washington
• Sandra Janusch, University of Washington

Moderator: Lynda Wilson, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Digital Transformation GPS #
Business & Operations | Strategic | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
The impacts of COVID-19 and the onslaught of technical capabilities such as ubiquitous data, unlimited connection, and massive processing have opened a (albeit bumpy) shortcut, bypassing additional years of advocacy and negotiation, to arrive at a turning point where digital dependency is now an institutional necessity. You arrived earlier than expected! However, the unexpected shortcut also left you wondering what to do now that you are here? And, to take the analogy one step further, you are not quite sure where “here” really is.  This session will focus on strategies and routes to ensure that your institution can continue to adapt and innovate.

• Robert Wagner, Utah State University
• Rene Eborn, Utah State University

Moderator: Kristine Rabberman, University of Pennsylvania

Building Institutional Partnerships to Increase Adult Learner Engagement and Success #
Community and Economic Engagement | Strategic | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related
There is a gap in adult educational attainment and missed opportunities for regional economic prosperity. ProjectAttain! seeks to increase educational attainment in the Sacramento Region by offering outreach and personalized support delivered through aligned partnerships. One partner, Sacramento State, has developed its response, HornetAttain!, which builds on best practices to assist returning adult learners through educational and social supports to help them complete their degrees.

• Brian Bedford, California State University, Sacramento
• Kaley Martin, California State University, Sacramento
• Barbara Halsey, California State University, Sacramento

Moderator: Kathleen Mahar, Shasta College

Turning the Lens on Us: Bottom-up Strategies to Create More Equitable Systems #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Diversity & Inclusion
In this session, presenters will share recent evaluation findings from a project designed to ensure underrepresented students succeed in graduate education. While many efforts are concerned with addressing student deficits, these findings suggest that we focus on broadening our understanding of who the student is and adjust existing educational and onboarding approaches accordingly. Results indicate that changes in attitudes towards, and perceptions of, students have broader impacts on faculty approaches to teaching, learning and research.

• Mary Emery, South Dakota State University
• Nicole Lounsbery, South Dakota State University
• Sana Illahe, South Dakota State University

Moderator: Kate Ludgate, InsideTrack

When Strategy and Reality Collide &
Online Administration | Strategic
How many strategic initiatives to increase online enrollment have been launched at your institution? Experiencing gridlock due to competing initiatives and associated strategies? Numerous cultural, budgetary, and policy obstacles are in play when attempting to execute strategies that require administrators, faculty and staff to think and work differently. Want to know more about how your colleagues are navigating obstacles to their strategic initiatives? Join the facilitated and highly interactive discussions around strategy and reality collisions.

• Kim Siegenthaler, Georgia State University
• Susan Elkins, University of South Carolina
• Tom Cavanagh, University of Central Florida
• Beth Rubin, Campbell University

Moderator: Matt Davis, Wilmington University

New Skills Realities and the Future of Work in the Context of the Protracted COVID-19 Economic Shock #
Program Planning and Implementation | Foundational | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
As we respond to the protracted economic shocks, this interactive session will contend that university CE is ready to upskill workers for the post-pandemic, transformed Future of Work. This presentation will introduce the top, new, applied, quantitative, digitally intensive skills sets that our workers need to attain gainful employment across all sectors and across all levels of job positions, with CE credentialing providers providing Cloud-hosted, digital sandboxes learning environments to keep up with demand.

• Anne-Marie Brinsmead, Ryerson University

Moderator: Danielle Buries, 2U

International. Virtual. Synchronous. And…Long. Oh My! &
International | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Faculty from Clark University scheduled to teach at their partner institution in Poland had to change their plans to teach virtually from the U.S. Over a 5-week period, faculty and the graduate students engaged both asynchronously and synchronously. The synchronous meeting was, oh my, almost five straight hours on Zoom. Faculty and students understood the teaching of and learning gained virtually across multiple time zones is complex, challenging and remains rewarding even under difficult circumstances.

• Siu Ming Luie, Clark University
• Leslie Hitch, Clark University

Moderator: Suzanne Rovani, Northwestern University

Conversations with Colleagues are informal, facilitated, two-way, 45-minute conversations designed for specific audience segments at the UPCEA 2021 Annual Conference, such as first-time attendees, terminal degree seekers, international educators, etc. Open to all attendees, if one of the affinity groups noted below resonates, join colleagues for a conversation!

First Time Attendees: Conference as Professional Development ~
Designed for first-time attendees, this conversation will offer informal ways for participants to reflect on their conference experience, including exploration of personal and professional goals, skill development, and intentional take-aways, with a focus on actionable next steps. Attendees will be guided in brief, small-group conversations around their own intentions and reflections of the conference, learn and share strategies for extending their learning and the utility of conference attendance, and be encouraged to create an action plan to employ after the event.

• Nicole Winget, Campbell University
• Chelsea McNeely, Southeast Missouri State University
• Denise Lauritano, University of British Columbia
• Steven Mulligan, Study Portals
• Kristlyn Thomas, Loyola University
• Matthea Marquart, Columbia University

Moderator: Andrea Carroll-Glover, Saint Mary's University of Minnesota

Terminal Degree Group: Completion Strategies ~
Join compatriots and gather insights on how to balance the demands of work, family/personal life, and the pursuit of a terminal degree. Whether contemplating the journey or already under way, this informal, facilitated conversation will help you see your goals to completion and avoid becoming ABD.

• Kelly Newell, Washington State University
• Victoria O'Malley, University of Denver
• Asim Ali, Auburn University
• Evan Silberman, New York University
• Patricia Szasz, Middlebury College

Moderator: Amanda Turner, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

International Networks ~
Representatives from national and international PCO organizations and associations are invited to gather with members of the UPCEA International Network for purposes of promoting inter-institutional networking and establishing a common programmatic and/or research agenda. Invited organizations include CAUCE, RECLA, IACEE, AIEA, ACDEAULF, eucen, UALL, Forum on Education Abroad, and CET*.

• Marissa Lombardi, Education First
• Elizabeth Valencia-Borgert, St. Cloud State University
• Sandra Janusch, University of Washington

Moderator: Breeda McGrath, Chicago School of Professional Psychology

New for 2021, Networks will host their annual gatherings via a virtual “Meeting + Spotlight” format within the Annual Conference, replacing an onsite luncheon format. Still present in these gatherings is time for Network news and announcements, sharing of upcoming deliverables, invitation to attendees to get involved with the Network, connecting with other attendees, and presentation of curated content.


Marketing, Enrollment and Student Services: Case Studies to Serve Underrepresented Students in Online Programs %
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic

• Marleigh Perez, Oregon State University Ecampus
• Dawn Nail, North Carolina A&T University
• Trevor Taylor, North Carolina A&T University
• Karina Kogan, Education Dynamics

Moderator: Melissa Feuer, George Washington University

Excellence in Online Leadership: Internal Advocacy Unmasked %
Online Administration | Strategic
The coronavirus pandemic pushed almost all institutions of higher education into a version of online learning, a spotlight often portrayed as an opportunity, but how can we leverage this extraordinary moment? Through stories from North Carolina A&T, UNC Greensboro, and UNC Chapel Hill, we will guide an exploration of institutional strategy and professional development. Together we will build a plan for internal advocacy based on our shared experience and vision for future risks and opportunities.

• Todd Nicolet, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Tonya Amankwatia, North Carolina A&T University
• Karen Bull, University of North Carolina, Greensboro

Moderator: Gary Chinn, Penn State University

Balancing Mission and Margin %
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied
The Program Planning and Implementation Network hosted a conversation in December about ways we balance mission and margin. Prior to this session, you will receive a recap of that conversation for review. Join us to share and explore ways you're currently managing to balance the increasingly important mission and margin.

• Melissa Peraino, Grand Valley State University
• Ruth Pacheco, Barry University
• Rebecca Cook, University of Arizona

Moderator: Rebecca Cook, University of Arizona

Global Leadership: A Partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum %
International Network | Applied
This session will highlight two recent initiatives that have been launched in partnership with the Nobel Prize Museum--one for learners and one for senior leaders in higher education. The first is a new scholarship program sponsored by EF and The Forum on Education Abroad, which is designed to equip learners of all backgrounds to address some of our most complex global challenges. This fully funded opportunity includes an online course focused on social justice and intercultural competence and a week-long program in Stockholm to attend the 2021 Nobel Dialogue Week. The second part of the session will provide an overview of the Global Senior Leadership Symposium, put on by The Forum on Education Abroad, AIEA, EF and its partner, the Nobel Prize Museum.  An discussion of themes emerging from the 45 schools that participated in the inaugural 2020 Symposium will be included.

• Marissa Lombardi, Education First
• Courtney Grady, Education First

Moderator: Breeda McGrath, Chicago School of Professional Psychology

The Future of Work Meets the Future of Higher Education | Innovation in the Face of Uncertainty %
Business & Operations
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused colleges and universities across the country and around the world to rethink core business functions and reimagine the ways in which they operate. While some of these adjustments have been planned, others have been implemented more spontaneously as circumstances have evolved. Institutions of higher education that have followed the same course for decades have needed to innovate in order to not only survive, but thrive. How can professionals in University business and operations roles or in any facet of the university ecosystem, harness the innovations that have occurred due to unexpected circumstances and make them a part of the day-to-day routine post-pandemic? What type of buy-in will be required from members of each university community to ensure that they evolve during these challenging times and beyond?

• Martin Ihrig, New York University

Moderator: Teri Markle, University of Denver

Columbia University School of Professional Studies Auditing and Community Programs %
Community and Economic Engagement | Applied
Columbia SPS Auditing and Community Programs manage and develop public service programs for the immediate Columbia community and beyond.  These programs engage and optimize the talents of SPS students, faculty and staff as well as partners across the university, the immediate/Harlem community and New York City. 

• George Calderaro, Columbia University, School of Professional Studies

Moderator: Dean Claud, Old Dominion University

Diversity and Inclusion Matters, Building Tactics and Tools &
Business & Operations | Strategic | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Policy
This session bridges the gap between diversity, equity, and inclusion (DE&I) theory and practice. The facilitator takes more than 25-years of experience creating DE&I programs in four different industries, including higher education, to help participants create practical tools and tips for them to use when they return to their institutions. For example, president/chancellor commitment is one of the most important items in DE&I implementation, but what does that look like? How can you measure it?

• Jason Thompson, Western Governors University

Moderator: Chris Sax, Maryland University of Integrative Health

Professor in Training--Marrying Biotech with Academic Instruction #
Community and Economic Engagement | Applied
Mount St. Mary’s University in Frederick, Maryland, established a community outreach and partnership program with Leidos Biomedical and the Frederick National Lab. Such a partnership allows for opportunities for our students to research at one of the premier biotech firms in the nation and creates academic pathways for employees of the firm to learn additional skills from the Mount’s experts in education, government contracting, organizational development and project management. Program Showcase

• Andi Overton, Mount St. Mary's University

Moderator: Heather Hodgson, Harmonize by 42 Lines

Optimize Recruitment Efforts: How to Create and Foster Collaborative Relationships for Enrollment Growth #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Foundational
This presentation won "Best in Show" at the 2019 Super Regional UPCEA Conference. Develop new techniques to revamp your communications and recruitment models in this interactive workshop. Experience how marketing and student services teams can effectively collaborate to design strategies and best practices for internal and external efforts. This hands-on session will leave you excited to implement your elevated recruitment strategies with the toolkit you build.

• Erin Drennan-Bonner, Ball State University
• Carolyn Duncan, Ball State University
• Michelle Morrison, Ball State University

Moderator: Tim Gerstmyer, Thinking Cap

Fighting Burnout and Keeping Engaged: Strategies that Work from the Frontlines to the C-Suite &
Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
With uncertainty ahead, we are increasingly concerned with how to keep our organizations strong and productive, and our employees fulfilled and engaged, now and into the future. Here, two case studies will focus on this important mission. First, Vickie Cook will share insights into 5 key areas for keeping leadership strong and burnout controlled: resiliency, empathy, transparency, unity, and inclusion. We will explore how these five key areas can assist leaders in preventing burnout during a crisis. Next, Ann Taylor and Cathy Holsing will share how to increase employee engagement…even during a pandemic. Disengaged employees can result in a loss in productivity, morale, innovation, and customer satisfaction; higher turnover; and hiring challenges. We’ll explore challenges and learn about successful strategies for creating an engaged workplace!

• Vickie Cook, University of Illinois Springfield
• Ann Taylor, Penn State University
• Cathy Holsing, Penn State University

Moderator: Kristin  Hyrnczuk, Western Michigan University 

New Models for Lifelong Learning in the Global Digital Economy: The 60 Year Curriculum #
Program Planning and Implementation | Strategic | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credit, Best in Show - New England
The “60 Year Curriculum” is a response to the emerging global economy’s profound challenge to higher education. It requires integrating instructional, advising, career development, and alumni services to impart the resilience and enable the upskilling necessary for job growth and career change in yet-to-be-invented fields. This session presents insights from a recently published book on 60YC that is based in part on case studies from UPCEA institutions.

• Henry Leitner, Harvard University
• Chris Dede, Harvard University
• Jason Wingard, Columbia University
• John Richards, Harvard University

Moderator: Amanda Turner, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

Tracking the ROI of your Marketing Activities When Using Destiny One eCommerce Software #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Noncredit/Alternative Credential
“If we’re spending all this money on digital ads to drive enrollment, why can’t we see the real results of our campaigns - the applications, registrations and revenue each campaign drove?” This session will walk through the process the McGill University School of Continuing Studies and Higher Education Marketing took to optimize tracking of McGill’s ad reporting by connecting its outsourced, outgoing digital marketing campaign efforts with its in-house e-commerce platform to provide best-in-class tracking and reporting.

• Philippe Taza, Higher Education Marketing
• David Kynan, McGill University

Moderator: Hilary Culbertson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Posters are on-demand, asynchronous slide presentations showcasing research and/or programs. Some posters include additional audio narration from presenters. 

Attendees may access posters during the entire conference (and in the virtual event platform for 30 days following the conclusion of the conference), not just during the scheduled date and time for posters. Presenters include their contact information as part of their slides, so be sure to follow up with them individually for further discussion!

Virtual Events 101 - From Concept to Delivery and Every COVID-19 Consideration in Between ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
This session will talk about how Fitchburg State University has revolutionized their recruitment strategies to stay on top of the ever changing world we live in. From building new exciting events to consistently adapting our recruitment activities to be useful and accommodating to all prospective students. Learn about how we have helped our students overcome Zoom fatigue and how we plan to implement new techniques to engage students moving forward.

• Erin Turchetta, Fitchburg State University
• Amber Deschenes, Fitchburg State University

How to Make the Most of Your Marketing Efforts During a Spending Freeze ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Adapting to change is not new to marketers – but a spending freeze was something we hadn’t anticipated in the marketing department for The University of Alabama’s online degree programs.  Our marketing team saw this as an opportunity to evaluate our lead communication strategy. And while there were lots of factors in play, our results were not frozen at all: a 34% increase in online graduate student enrollment and a 17.8% increase in overall online enrollment.

• Amy Nichols, The University of Alabama
• Jessika White, The University of Alabama

From Enrollment to COVID-19: How CSU-Global's GoldieBot Offers Personalized Support at Scale ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Foundational | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Join Colorado State University - Global Campus as we discuss how AI provides a tool to get more applicants, streamline enrollment, provide scalable personalized service, and connect students with critical support during a crisis.

• Mary Frances Coryell, Ivy.ai
• Hannah Walden, Colorado State University - Global Campus
• Jerid Counterman, Colorado State University - Global Campus

A 360-Degree Approach to Lead Management During the Pandemic ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
This session provides information and guidance on how to implement a successful lead management strategy that is particularly relevant to the pandemic. You will learn about a 360-degree approach to lead management where the concept of “speed-to-lead” (how quickly a lead is contacted) is measured from three different vantage points and is then combined into one report to provide recruiters with a list of “best” leads to contact.

• Amy Stark, The George Washington University
• Sam Wimberley, The George Washington University

Examining a Teaching Assistant Model in Online Courses ╝
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Policy, Faculty-Related
In a traditional, brick and mortar setting, teaching assistants have been widely used to help a lead instructor with a wide variety of teaching-related responsibilities. In this session, we will examine the ways that a teaching assistant model helped a private university offer its online courses more efficiently. The session will also review benefits of the model as they relate to faculty training and development.

• Robert Shields, California Baptist University
• Dirk Davis, California Baptist University
• Elisa Shepard, California Baptist University

Strategies to Improve Student Success and Retention in Online Programs ╝
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
In this interactive session, Dr. Genevieve Feliu, Vice President of Academic Initiatives and Jenny Taber, Project Manager of Academic Initiatives at Capella University, will focus on their process for adopting Yellowdig and how their evidence-based approach to change management helped drive positive outcomes for their students and instructors. They will present some of their pilot study findings that informed their course implementations and improved year-over-year student and professor outcomes.

• Genevieve Feliu, Capella University
• Jenny Taber, Capella University
• Brian Verdine, Yellowdig

Constructivist Approach to Contingency Planning ╝
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
From floods and hurricanes to ice storms and pandemics whether teaching remotely for a few weeks or several quarters, learn how this small team (2 instructional designers, 2 technologists, and 4 department colleagues) not only survived the transition but earned kudos from faculty and administrators alike for providing faculty and students with the tools needed to skill up and teach/learn remotely regardless of their knowledge of online teaching and learning.

• Joy Fuqua, Central Washington University
• Ediz Kaykayoglu Kaykayoglu, Central Washington University

Views of University Administrators on the Outsourcing of Online Learning, A Case Study ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Policy, Pandemic/Virus-Related
This session will discuss the findings of a recent case study of a private research university in the US using multiple online program management providers to outsource online learning. Through this session, participants will understand how online learning at this institution became an institutional practice, and the views of university administrators on the outsourcing of online learning through university-industry partnerships with OPMs.

• Evan Silberman, New York University

Getting a Successful Apprenticeship Program Off the Ground: Examples from a Year-Long Experience at a Public 4-Year Institution ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Policy
An apprenticeship program implemented at a four-year regional public institution will be presented. Considerations that will be discussed are how to acclimate students to a higher education institution that have no prior postsecondary experience, how to adhere to FERPA while still including a robust support network that includes individuals outside of the institution, and how to work with employers in a way that is beneficial to student success and learning.

• Mark Chimel, Shippensburg University

Battling Burnout and Building Resilience within Higher Education ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
This interactive session will explore the impact of burnout and stress from the lens of both higher education professionals and students. We will further discuss strategies to employ to manage stress and build resilience to holistically support the well-being of ourselves, our students, and our university community.

• Michelle Coleman, Maryland University of Integrative Health
• Beth Romanski, Maryland University of Integrative Health

Transitioning to Accelerated, Online, and Adult Focused in Less Than a Year ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Nothing moves quickly in higher education, until 2020. The pandemic set into motion a drastic change in delivery formats. However, for Grand Valley State University’s Center for Adult and Continuing Studies, the focus changed to online, accelerated, and adult-focused. By aligning core values, structure, and employment data, the LEADS program was launched in under a year. Learn how we worked collaboratively to increase adult student enrollment amid a pandemic.

• Simone Jonaitis, Grand Valley State University
• Kate VanDerKolk, Grand Valley State University
• Jacquelyn Abeyta, Grand Valley State University
• Shawn Jenkins, Grand Valley State University

Delivering an Academic Ecosystem to Meet Learner's Needs for the 21st Century Labor Market ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Strategic | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Pandemic/Virus-Related
Excelsior College’s School of Graduate Studies is developing a suite of graduate degree programs and certificates in high-demand areas in flexible formats. The purpose of this proposal is to explore research on market trends impacting jobs of the future, examine a flexible model for stackable credentials, and to assess the demand for an interdisciplinary suite of academic programs.

• Malcolm Oliver, Excelsior College
• Scott Dolan, Excelsior College

What Students Are You Excluding From Your Online Course? ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tag: Diversity & Inclusion
Every online learning instructor desires to teach all of their students. However, some students cannot fully participate; this group includes some students with disabilities. This problem has increased during a pandemic as thousands of courses have been moved online. The presenter will share practices supported by universal design (UD) principles that can be applied to make your course accessible to, usable by, and inclusive of all students. She will also provide resources for learning more.

• Sheryl Burgstahler, University of Washington

Entrepreneurial Graduate Programs and Administrative Unit Structure #
Business & Operations | Applied | Tag: Policy
This presentation will address the unique structural organization of the Office of Extended Studies, in relation to the greater University, and three strategies for revenue growth which has enabled OES to form an innovative business model and increase professional graduate program revenue by 79% and administrative fee revenue by 85% from 2014 to 2019.

• Lenaya Stewart, University of Maryland

Moderator: Tiffany Chapman, Wiley Education Services

Philanthropy's Connection to Extended Education #
Community and Economic Engagement | Foundational | Tag: Noncredit/Alternative Credential
Higher education is well versed in raising funds to support traditional students. Yet, adult learners enrolled in continuing education are just as deserving and often also in need of support. How can generous individuals, corporations and foundations see extended education as a worthwhile investment of philanthropic donations? Connect with development professionals to learn about national trends in giving, current successes for extended education, and strategies when setting up a fundraising program.

• Kelly Siefkin, California State University, Sacramento
• Judy Nagai, University of the Pacific

Moderator: Kevin Stuckhoff, Straighterline

How to Grow Enrollment by Leveraging Data at Every Stage of Recruitment #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
With the pandemic’s disruptions to traditional undergraduate enrollment, many professional, online, and adult education leaders are facing increased pressure to grow enrollment among adult learners. Learn how the University of Delaware expanded enrollment in 2020 across a variety of professional, online, and graduate programs by adopting data-driven techniques at every stage of their strategy—from targeting, to audience generation, campaign management, and yield. They’ll also share how data informed their response to the pandemic.

• Louis Rossi, University of Delaware
• Steven Kendus, University of Delaware
• William Lamb, EAB

Moderator: Lee Maxey, MindMax

Compromises Were Made: The UW Flexible Option Uses Five-Year Review to Transform into Flex 2.0 #
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Policy
The UW Flexible Option, over an 18 month period, underwent a major program evaluation that resulted in significant changes to how it delivers its programming. This process resulted in changing our competency-based education designation from direct assessment to credit-based, adjusting the structure of our subscription period, refocusing our finances, and dozens of other changes. Participants will learn how a mature CBE program adjusted its course to be better positioned to sustainably scale.

• Laura Kite, University of Wisconsin
• Kim Kostka, University of Wisconsin
• Ryan Specht-Boardman, University of Wisconsin

Moderator: Jesse Shaw, ed2go

Kitchen Sink: What Does Your Include? &
Program Planning and Implementation | Strategic | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Policy, Pandemic/Virus-Related
Continuing, Professional, and Online Education units continually evolve to keep pace with changing demands. Markets change, technologies change, educational pathways change, even missions change. This requires CE units to adjust to meet the needs of current and future learners. Three leaders from Universities that continue to restructure and adapt to changing competitive environments will share experiences reorganizing their units and discuss challenges and opportunities that organizational change provides. A lively Q&A session is included.

• Bob Stine, University of Minnesota
• Lisa Templeton, Oregon State University Ecampus
• Lisa Verma, Louisiana State University

Moderator: Khusro Kidwai, Johns Hopkins University

Creating a Values-focused Approach in Startup Leadership &
International | Strategic | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
While the role of any founding position is challenging, in founding a School based on international engagement, the complexity is heightened due to cross-border engagement and bringing together what may be seemingly disparate functions related to global mobility. By building your internationalization plan based on a small, very focused set of values, and organizing all initiatives under those values, internationalization can align with a university’s mission and a leader can better mobilize people to work with the team toward fulfillment of the initiatives.

• Debra Leahy, Southern New Hampshire University

Moderator: Marissa Lombardi, Education First

Grab your favorite beverage and enjoy a delightful cooking demo by Gaynor’s School of Cooking, live from Pittsburgh, PA! Gaynor has many years in the culinary industry, catering for aristocracy, pop stars, movie moguls, captains of Wall Street, TV personalities, and many others. She taught at the famed Peter Kumps in New York City and has been a member of the International Association of Cooking Professionals since 1981. 

Gaynor will showcase her talents with two artful appetizers that are not only easy and fun to prepare, but delicious, too. Follow along, ask questions in the chat, and learn how chefs make cooking an event. Recipes and shopping lists (if you want to prepare the appetizers during the session) are available to download. Sign-up in advance to receive these and you will also be entered to win one of the may prizes that will be given away as part of the event, sponsored by our UPCEA partner, Harmonize by 42 Lines. 

UPCEA and Harmonize by 42 Lines are proud to sponsor the World Central Kitchen this year and ask that you consider a donation to this worthy effort. Harmonize by 42 Lines will donate $1 for each person who registers.

Supporting the World Central Kitchen 
Founded in 2010 by Chef José Andrés, World Central Kitchen (WCK) uses the power of food to nourish communities and strengthen economies in times of crisis and beyond. WCK has created a new model for disaster response through its work helping devastated communities recover and establish resilient food systems. WCK has served more than 50 million fresh meals to people impacted by natural disasters and other crises around the world in countries including The Bahamas, Indonesia, Lebanon, Mozambique, Venezuela, and the United States. Learn more at wck.org. 

Conversations with Colleagues are informal, facilitated, two-way, 45-minute conversations designed for specific audience segments at the UPCEA 2021 Annual Conference, such as first-time attendees, terminal degree seekers, international educators, etc. Open to all attendees, if one of the affinity groups noted below resonates, join colleagues for a conversation!  

Leadership in Diversity & Inclusive Excellence ~
Join members of the UPCEA Diversity & Inclusive Excellence Committee, the UPCEA International Network, and the UPCEA Award Committee in this informal, facilitated conversation featuring the 2021 recipient of the UPCEA Leadership in Diversity and Inclusive Excellence Award, Bhaskar Pant, of MIT. Topics will include experiences in spurring cultural shifts, promoting institutional diversity, and leading a diverse group--often through myriad changes.

• Crystal Marull, University of Florida
• Olysha Magruder, Johns Hopkins University
• Clara Piloto, MIT
• Bhaskar Pant, MIT

Moderator: Kim Zaski, UPCEA



Regional Public Institutions: Challenges and Opportunities ~
Join leaders from a range of institutions in a candid conversation about the state of public, regional higher education and the challenges--and solutions, these innovative leaders are employing. Then pivot to a conversation around the ways in which UPCEA can support this vital segment into the future.

• Steve VandenAvond, Northern Michigan University
• Jenni Murphy, California State University, Sacramento
• Lorelee Isbell, Shippensburg University
  

Moderator: Julie Uranis, UPCEA

Women in Higher Education Leadership: A Focus Group ~
Join colleagues for an informal conversation around the kinds of support that UPCEA might provide for women in higher education leadership roles (or those who aspire to such roles), the outcomes of which will inform an upcoming pilot for an affinity group for women in the new series of UPCEA professional certificate courses.

• Kathleen Ives, UPCEA
• Mary Angela Baker, Firm Fortitude

Moderator: Amy Heitzman, UPCEA

Continuing and Professional Education in Hong Kong: Perspective and Prospective #
International | Strategic | Tags: Policy, Pandemic/Virus-Related
Concise summary of continuing and professional education and lifelong learning in Hong Kong including a general overview and specific examples from HKU SPACE. Also a focus on enhanced use of educational technology in coping with disruptions to learning arising from social protests and the Coronavirus, plus an exposition of the HK quality regime and of development potential in the GBA as well as opportunities for North American collaboration in the region.

• William Lee, Hong Kong University
• John Cribbin, Hong Kong University

Moderator: Erica Bova, Northwestern University

Meeting the Moment: How Boot Camp Partners Expanded Access During the Pandemic #
Community and Economic Engagement | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related
The rapid need to suspend classroom instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed for a unique, one-time opportunity to deliver new initiatives to support those who were experiencing job loss or hardship due to the pandemic. In this session, learn how one university and one education technology company were able to build on their existing partnership to accomplish three initiatives to improve access and affordability for non-credit technical training boot camps during a pandemic.

• Brian Torkkola, University of Minnesota
• Shadee Barkan, 2U

Moderator: Danielle Buries, 2U

Reinventing Student Support Services for the Learners of Today | A Conversation with Penn State University World Campus & Harvard Extension School #
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Reinventing student support for today’s learners means more than replacing in-person appointments with email and phone calls. Yet effectively supporting these students is no easy task, requiring a delicate balancing act of multichannel communication, on-demand resources and tailored interactions. Learn more about the customized, technology-enabled, scalable coaching programs at Penn State University World Campus and Harvard Extension School. These programs have increased yield and retention while scaling to meet the needs of the fastest growing student populations - online and adult learners.

• Heather Codner, Harvard University
• Margaret Oakar, Penn State University
• Jessica Hector, InsideTrack
• Amy Shackelford, InsideTrack

Moderator: Kate Ludgate, InsideTrack

Best Practices for Reaching and Serving Prospective Working Adult Students: What it means to be truly student centric &
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related
Higher Education is facing an enrollment crisis. There are 30 million working adults with some college, but no degree, and 60 million working adults with access to education benefits. Collectively, this group represents a tremendous opportunity for institutions committed to serving adult learners and addressing the needs of today’s employers. In this session, we bring together four of the leading organizations focused on providing solutions.  Michael Horn with Guild Education will share insight into the unique Jobs to be Done (JTBD) of working adult learners so institutions can better understand, and therefore more successfully recruit and serve, this population. We will get the perspective of Southern New Hampshire University, a leader in serving working adults, and learn how they uncovered the JTBD of working adult students and used them to develop successful, student-centric programs that continue to attract prospective students – even through the pandemic. Brandman University and UMass Online will share their insights and research into consumer driven attitudes and drivers that are needed to create a data-driven, student-centric approach to recruitment and retention success with adult workers.

• Jennifer Brady, UMassOnline
• Saskia Knight, Brandman University
• Adrian Marruiller, Sextant Marketing
• Michael Horn, Guild Education
• Kristin Bilodeau, Southern New Hampshire University

Moderator: Jessica DuPont, Oregon State University

Necessarily at Odds?: Aligning Administration and Faculty Perspectives #
Online Administration | Applied | Tag: Faculty-Related
We present different perspectives and metrics held by Administrators and Faculty for developing and evaluating successful online programs. We discuss how they differ and brainstorm ideas for alignment procedures. Participants will acquire insights to lead discussions at their institutions to ensure the needs of all stakeholders are met.

• Crystal Marull, University of Florida
• Brian Crose, Seminole State College

Moderator: Dave Bayley, EducationDynamics

Unexpected Positive Outcomes of the COVID-19 Pandemic &
Business & Operations | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Best in Show - Mid-Atlantic
Across the U.S. and in response to the COVID-19 pandemic the higher ed community swiftly adapted its classes, teaching, services, and operations. Despite the many disruptions to institutions and individuals, several unintended and unexpected positive outcomes arose out of such adaptations. This presentation will outline the immediate widespread positive outcomes, now poised to become systemic long-term advancements, at two universities as well as the operational and cultural strategies needed to make them happen.

• Paul Nardone, Misericordia University
• Chris Sax, Maryland University of Integrative Health

Moderator: Andrea Tessier, Penn State University

UPCEA's five Regions provide opportunities for members to examine issues of local and regional importance, to develop collaborative initiatives, and to network with area colleagues. Join colleagues from your geographical area in this informal, two-way coffee chat, and hear about (and contribute to!) upcoming regional initiatives, network with other attendees, and learn about how to get the most from your UPCEA region!

Central

• United States: CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, MI, MN, MO, NE, ND, OK, OH, SD, WI | Canada: SK, MB, NU

Moderator: Kristin Hrynczuk, Western Michigan University

Mid-Atlantic

• United States: DC, DE, MD, NJ, NY, PA, WV | Canada: ON

Moderator: Kristine Rabberman, University of Pennsylvania

New England

• United States: CT, MA, ME, NH, RI, VT | Canada: QC, LB, NF, PE, NS, NB

Moderator: Amanda Turner, University of Massachusetts, Lowell

South

• United States: AL, AR, FL, GA, KY, LA, MS, NC, PR, SC, TN, TX, VA

Moderator: Jessica Brinker, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

West

• United States: AK, AZ, CA, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, OR, UT, WA, WY | Canada: AB, BC, NT, YT

Moderator: Lynda Wilson, California State University Dominguez Hills

Supporting Faculty in the Pivot to Online Instruction: Research Insights and Successful Programming #
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
In response to the continuing COVID-19 pandemic, many colleges and universities around the world have switched quickly from delivery of face-to-face courses to remote delivery. The pandemic also required institutions to dramatically expand support and focus it on online courses. In this collaborative session, two teams of presenters will discuss ideas on how to support faculty in the transition or pivot to online instruction based on their findings. To understand how the emergency move to remote teaching has affected faculty’s perceptions and instructional practices, a mixed-method study was conducted at Georgia Tech’s Center for 21st Century Universities (C21U) using data collected from an online survey and case study interviews. C21U’s findings unveil how faculty adapted their instruction quickly and illustrate several salient challenges that arose during the transition. The study also finds faculty benefiting from various resources provided within their college and department. To meet the challenge of rapid transition to online learning, the University of Delaware’s Division of Professional & Continuing Studies (PCS) partnered with the Center for Teaching and Assessment of Learning and Library, Museums & Press to develop and facilitate Teaching Online Together (TOT), a new educational development program. TOT is a mix of self-paced asynchronous content and weekly synchronous sessions facilitated by the partners. Graduating instructors designed or redesigned courses in which over 6,500 students were enrolled in the fall semester. The presenters will invite attendees to actively share their perspectives and knowledge regarding the best practices and resources to enhance online teaching and learning.

• Jeonghyun Lee, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Farahnaz Soleimani, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Stephen Harmon, Georgia Institute of Technology
• Aviva Heyn, University of Delaware
• George Irvine, University of Delaware

Moderator: Patrick Landis, Blackboard

If You Build It, Will They Come? How to Design & Market an in-House Online Program #
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied
Hear action-driving insights from a university that has launched 6 new online programs in the last 3 years. We’ll detail lessons learned from a successful and unsuccessful launch and share the process for determining the program, including what data you need and what to consider. You’ll get a panoramic view from deciding if you should go for it, marketing it, and evaluating success - and even making the tough decision to wind down a program.

• Christa Payne, Tulane University
• Alison Zeringue, Search Influence

Moderator: Khusro Kidwai, Johns Hopkins University

From Classroom to Zoom Room: Ensuring Instructor Success #
Business & Operations | Applied | Tag: Noncredit/Alternative Credential
The rapid need to suspend classroom instruction due to the COVID-19 pandemic jeopardized the future of many university programs that had never been conducted via virtual delivery prior. In this session, learn how one university trained and supported a group of over 30 professional development instructors, most of whom had never taught courses virtually, to ensure the successful continuation of over 80 non-credit courses.

• Zack McGough, University of Minnesota
• Molly Hahne, University of Minnesota
• Avery Pierce-McGovern, University of Minnesota

Moderator: Lyla Garner, Mississippi State University

Empowering Students via Digitally Enabled Work-Integrated Experiential Learning #
International | Foundational | Tag: Diversity & Inclusion
This hands-on workshop presents innovative digital/online methods for applied project-based learning (APBL) and work-integrated experiential learning (WIEL) in the classroom. Participants will learn about new trends, discuss opportunities and pitfalls, tour a virtual APBL/WIEL library, and explore how online work- integrated learning can support enhance customization, personalization and accessibility. We will also explore how moving work-integrated learning online can enhance inclusion, accessibility and diversity goals, particularly for international students and underrepresented students.

• Lorraine Carter, McMaster University
• Dana Stephenson, Riipen

Moderator: Simone Jonaitis, Grand Valley State University

Building and Sustaining Technology-Connected Communities through Workforce Development &
Community and Economic Engagement | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Pandemic/Virus-Related
Participants will explore and walk through a new model, the Technology Learning Support Specialists (TLSS) program. TLSS addresses critical needs as faculty, teachers, parents, and caregivers, transition to distance learning through free 60 minute asynchronous “bootcamp” modules with three distinct equity-based grow your own onramps to business and teacher licensure of best practices and strategies in distance education which build into micro credentials that can be presented when applying for jobs.

• Roxanne Gonzales, New Mexico Highlands University
• Mary Earick, New Mexico Highlands University
• Marthann Schulte, New Mexico Highlands University
• Roger Gonzales, HELP New Mexico, Inc

Moderator: Dan Belyea, Maine Community College System

Innovating CPE Operations During Disruptive Times &
Program Planning and Implementation | Foundational | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Connect with your peers around motivations for working in Continuing Professional Education (CPE). Explore and discuss the challenges that exist in this environment and how innovation, processes, tools, and workflows for various operational components of programming can assist in meeting the ever changing demands of our industry. Leaders will share examples of pivot points, lessons learned, and how opportunities have risen out of challenges. The session will conclude with a forward-looking discussion on the future of CPE.

• Annette Webb, University of California, Riverside
• Christopher Cellars, University of Washington, Tacoma
• Sandra von Doetinchem, University of Hawaii at Manoa
• Lynda Wilson, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Moderator: Kim McNutt, California State University, Dominguez Hills

Posters are on-demand, asynchronous slide presentations showcasing research and/or programs. Some posters include additional audio narration from presenters. 

Attendees may access posters during the entire conference (and in the virtual event platform for 30 days following the conclusion of the conference), not just during the scheduled date and time for posters. Presenters include their contact information as part of their slides, so be sure to follow up with them individually for further discussion!

A Battle Plan for Serving Military Students ╝
Community and Economic Engagement | Foundational
Many universities and online programs miss the mark serving the modern military student. This session will provide you with a plan to better serve and grow your Active duty, Guard, and Reserve student populations. Boise State’s Military Programs team developed a model that reduces overall student cost, creates a worldwide student pipeline, with a focus on providing concierge-level student support. Participants will learn how to develop military partnerships, reduce student barriers, and impact military students.

• Sean Hunter, Boise State University
• Yanice Kirkendall, Boise State University
• Laura Porter, Boise State University

Driving Effective Enrollment Support for Learners Over 25 in a National Enrollment Decline ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Adult students over 25 account for 33% of students enrolled in U.S. public community colleges, making it critical for higher education to engage in effective enrollment strategies for adult learners. Learn how Kentucky Community & Technical College System (KCTCS) partnered with Blackboard to increase adult application conversion rates. Additionally, gain insights on how they provide a positive student experience at scale.

• Natalie Gibson, Kentucky Community and Technical College System
• Alby Salsa, Blackboard

Valued Viewpoints: Using Student Feedback to Enhance Online Student Success ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Applied | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
Developing online degree pathways often necessitates service adaptations to meet the unique needs of fully-online learners. The University of Arizona Online and the University of Florida Online each implemented formal and informal student assessments to understand the needs of their fully-online learners. These student viewpoints offered insights that were instrumental in the face of the wider institutional shift to remote learning due to COVID-19. This session will explore student-centered data collection and strategic planning.

• Carmin Chan, University of Arizona
• Joshua Steele, University of Florida

Making the Transformational Change from Online Content to True Online Learning ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Foundational | Tag: Pandemic/Virus-Related
In the spring of 2020, college administrators and leaders were forced to move residential and in-seat courses online with very little warning. University leaders and faculty responded and adapted, preserving the semester and in some cases maintaining those same online and distance course options over the next two semesters. Early feedback from students revealed key shortcomings with the abrupt change to online education. Institutions and their leadership must now evaluate the effectiveness of their courses in achieving learning objectives as well as student satisfaction. How can institutions learn from this experience and embrace the challenge presented during this time of a global pandemic? In this session, RNL experts and UT Martin will discuss how to develop an online course development strategy focused on ensuring remote instruction is front and center even if the intention is to be taught face to face.

• Rob Green, RNL
• Phil Cavalier, University of Tennessee at Martin
• Aaron Mahl, RNL

Simplicity as Success: Increasing Enrollment Through Simplifying Services ╝
Marketing, Enrollment, & Student Services | Strategic
Growing enrollments is a primary goal for many online programs. While increasing marketing and awareness, Indiana University Online focused on reducing or eliminating logistical barriers that traditional systems presented to online students. Fundamentally, this meant a holistic re-assessment of how to serve students from initial interest, to admission, to coaching and advising. This session will explore IU Online's approach to organizational change and how it resulted in simpler systems that ultimately grew enrollments.

• Chris Foley, Indiana University Online
• Whitnie Shay, Indiana University Online

Making Connections: Designing a Portable, Blended Classroom for the New Normal ╝
Online Administration | Applied | Tags: Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
Our innovation team designed a “Portable Blended Classroom,” easily set up in any room, at fairly low cost. Our prototype’s primary camera tracks the faculty member and captures board work without needing a human videographer. Designed with more functionality than a simple “Zoom call on a cart”, our system ensures that instructors, online and on-campus students see and hear each other optimally, potentially allowing blended learning models to scale without the need to renovate classrooms.

• Henry Leitner, Harvard University
• Christian Wisecarver, Harvard University
• Christian Franco, Harvard University

SARA: Access, Quality, and Value for Distance Education ╝
Online Administration | Applied
The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) offers institutions a way to conduct distance education across the United States while avoiding the cost and bureaucracy of having to seek authorization state by state. In this session attendees will learn about state authorization and what is required to participate in SARA, as well as student consumer protections and institutional cost savings through participation.

• Melanie Booth, NC-SARA
• Marianne Boeke, NC-SARA
• Rachael Stachowiak, New England Board of Higher Education

Purposeful Learning: A Framework for Institutionalizing Effective Online Learning ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
All agree that the response to the COVID pandemic crisis has clearly shown we need a sustainable change to higher education teaching and learning. A clear starting point should be to evaluate clearly where your institution stands. MERLOT/SkillsCommons and O’Donnell Learn will showcase their Capability Maturity Model for strategic and sustainable transition to quality online instruction and provide examples of how you can implement this change management framework at your institution.

• Carrie O'Donnell, O'Donnell Learn
• Brett Christie, O’Donnell Learn
• Gerry Hanley, California State University, Long Beach

An On-line Graduate Research Symposium as a Form of Experiential Learning ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Diversity & Inclusion, Pandemic/Virus-Related, Faculty-Related
In this presentation we discuss the inaugural on-line graduate research symposium sponsored by Excelsior College in November 2020. The theme of this symposium was “Leadership: Share the Vision.” We review the stages of the symposium planning, implementation and evaluation. We discuss the symposium as an example of experiential learning that aligns with and augments and enhances standard curricular goals. Our goal was to provide graduate students with an opportunity to foster inter-professional collaborations.

• Anna Zendell, Excelsior College
• Michele Paludi, Excelsior College
• Caroline Mosca, Excelsior College

Redefining the Mortuary Science Learning Experience ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Foundational
Learn how Worsham College of Mortuary Science built a highly specialized online program with a focus on quality student-centered program design. We will share how we moved through the process of creating a holistic online program and strategies to keep quality and improvement at the forefront during the development and maintenance of the program. We will examine how these program planning, development, and design, and the improvement decisions have informed our continuing education initiatives.

• Leili McMurrough, Worsham College of Mortuary Science
• Penny Ralston-Berg, Berg Instructional Design and Consulting Services
• Heather Braatz, Worsham College of Mortuary Science

Medical Emergency: How UNC-Chapel Hill Fast-Tracked a Modified Nurse Refresher Program in Response to COVID ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tags: Noncredit/Alternative Credential, Pandemic/Virus-Related
When COVID struck, UNC-Chapel Hill’s Nurse Refresher team realized we could offer a free, accelerated version of our online, self-paced course to help RNs return to work and ease the strain on hospital staff. Within 3 weeks of the University announcing a response to the pandemic, our ARNR program opened enrollment. This session covers what it took to fast-track program modification and launch – including getting stakeholder buy-in, marketing, enrollment, student completion rates, and managing bandwidth.

• Mike Cain, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
• Hilary Culbertson, University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Implementing Broad-Based Faculty Development Training in Online and Blended Course Structures: Shifting Culture, Ensuring Support, Empowering Educators ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tag: Faculty-Related
Embracing significant shifts in modality or creating online programs? Join us for a review of foundational elements introduced to faculty in our Mastering Online Teaching Course during the summer of 2020. We will explore the top five lessons learned and help you plot a path forward for faculty in your institutions.

• Tracy Adkins, Georgia State University
• Amy Coleman, Georgia State University
• Jennifer Hall, Georgia State University

A UDL Guide to Teaching Online by Design ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Applied | Tag: Faculty-Related
This workshop will introduce you to the basics of teaching online by designing a virtual environment to engage learners and bring your content to life. Universal Design for Learning (UDL), multimedia techniques, and best practices in online pedagogy will be outlined as we provide strategies to translate traditional teaching methods and produce captivating educational experiences. Grab your innovative spirit and join us for an enchanted time of creativity and exploration into the world of online course design.

• Melody Buckner, University of Arizona

A Secure Part of the Program Portfolio: Cybersecurity and Long-Term Trends ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Foundational | Tag: Noncredit/Alternative Credential
UPCEA and its Center for Research and Strategy will share the findings of its Cybersecurity Occupational Trends Whitepaper (in development), while the University of Miami will share its program management and success of their HackerU program.

• Jim Fong, UPCEA
• Dan Vigdor, HackerU
• Desiree Young, University of Miami

Assessment Made Simple: Leveraging Canvas Tools to Perform Program Assessment for Collaborative Online Programs ╝
Program Planning and Implementation | Strategic | Tag: Policy, Faculty-Related
Developing a program assessment process that is adaptable to meet the needs of programs of various sizes – from undergraduate programs to doctoral level programs – can be challenging, especially with limited dedicated human resources and budget. Come learn how we setup our embedded assessments to collect formative data each year and provide examples and templates attendees can use to apply our process to their own academic program, no matter if it is face-to-face, hybrid, or online.

• David Becker, Indiana University
• Hitesh Kathuria, Indiana University
• Chris Foley, Indiana University