Creating the Blended Mode University: The UNCW Story

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Creating the Blended Mode University The UNCW
Story

• John C. Cavanaugh
• Provost and Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs
• University of North Carolina at Wilmington
• Presented at the NLII Annual Meeting
• January 29, 2002
• San Diego, CA

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Overview

• Describe the problem
• Define the goals
• Discuss steps taken
• Describe outcomes
• Look to the future

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The Problem Facing UNCW

• UNCW could not afford to be on the leading edge
  of technology, but we wanted to be reasonably
  close
• Rapid growth in size and complexity
• Limited space
• Growing demand by nontraditional students

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The Goals

• Align functions, positions, and budgets
• Create new processes, protocols, and structures
• Change campus from merely a physical space to a
  dynamic hub of learning
• Integrate learning and academic support
• Create transformative partnerships

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The Blended Mode University

• What is it?
• A comprehensive and integrated system with
  transparent boundaries across the Divisions of
  Academic Affairs and Information Technology
  Systems
• A way to leverage investment and opportunity

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The Blended Mode University

• What functions are included?
• Academic programs (traditional and online)
• Student support and career services
• Administrative services
• Financial aid
• Admissions
• Academic records
• Alumni services
• Advancement
• Outreach
• Innovations and partnerships

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The Blended Mode University
Traditional Environment
Virtual Environment
Academic Programs
Admissions
Financial Aid
Administrative Services
Student Support and Career Services
Outreach
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The Blended Mode University

• How was it created?
• Joint effort led by the Provost and the Vice
  Chancellor for Information Technology Systems
• Series of discussions resulted in agreements
  concerning roles and functions
• Strategic vision created
• Budget and funding followed the plan

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How It Works E-Learning

• E-learning strategy is an example of how the
  blended mode university works
• Several key components
• Development strategy for courses/programs
• Creation of courses
• Implementation
• Key is teamwork and cooperation

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UNCWs E-Learning Model

• E-strategy goals drive structures, processes, and
  outcomesa comprehensive approach
• Developing courses vs. programs requires
  different tactics
• Common infrastructure support for traditional and
  online learningto a point

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UNCWs E-Learning Model

• Strategic cycles of development
• Entire institution is affected
• Match incentives with the need and the goals
• Team approach for planning, development,
  implementation, and follow-up support

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21 of 27 21 of 27 21 of 27
Dynamic Model Example Web Course Development
Continuous Support Model
Lead Agency CTE - Seminars Workshops Support
Agencies ITSD Help Desk UNC TLT
Collaborative Distance and Distributive Education
Committee Technology College Eduprise
Lead Agencies CTE - Tech Design
Support Technology College Support
Agencies Eduprise ITSD Help Desk Schools
departments
Initial Mentoring for fully Online Lead
Agency Prior WCDT faculty ITSD Help Desk Support
Agencies CTE Technology College Eduprise School
s departments
Ongoing Support Lead Agency CTE ITSD Help
Desk Support Agencies Technology
College Eduprise Schools departments Prior WCDT
faculty
Lead Agency ITSD / Web Course Dev Team Support
Agencies CTE - Technical Design
Support Academic Affairs Course Selection ITSD
Help Desk Eduprise Schools departments
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Outcomes of the Blended Mode University

• In 1999, no functional cooperation between
  Academic Affairs and Information Technology
  Systems too many committees without
  communication
• In 2002, tightly integrated partnership that has
  achieved transparency in funding and seamless
  integration of services all committees jointly
  chaired with good communication

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Outcomes of the Blended Mode University

• In 1999, random selection of online courses with
  no standardization
• In 2002, two complete programs (in nursing),
  major programmatic initiatives in education
  (undergraduate and graduate) and criminal
  justice, with shift from front-end to back-end
  incentives

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Outcomes of the Blended Mode University

• In 1999, considerable difficulty in planning
  renovation and construction projects
• In 2002, seamless planning for 108 million in
  projects

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Future Directions

• Continued efforts at creating joint funding
  opportunities, especially in faculty development
• Increased efforts at joint extramural funding
• Increased efforts at innovation

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• For copies of this presentation email me at
• cavanaugh_at_uncw.edu
• Thank you for your attention.