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Perspectives on Online and Professional Education
from UPCEA’s Research and Consulting Experts

Jobs of the Future…and the Present: What Will Happen in Accounting?

September 27, 2024

The accounting profession is undergoing transformation as technology rapidly reshapes the field. The job outlook for accountants over the next decade remains generally positive but varies based on the profession’s ability to adapt to these advancements. While automation may reduce some traditional roles, there will continue to be strong demand for accountants with advanced skills…

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Water Sustains Life – Data Sustains Institutions

August 27, 2024

Earth. Where we live. Often referred to as The Blue Planet. The reason? About 70% of its surface is covered by water, a blue sphere when viewed from space. And liquid water is necessary for the survival of all known living things. For this reason, astrobiologists, when searching for other bodies in our solar system…

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Unique biweekly insights and news review from Ray Schroeder, Senior Fellow at UPCEA

Practice What You Preach

August 20, 2018

Online: Trending Now #139 We all are in higher education; we encourage prospective students to enroll; we extol the benefits of continuing to learn throughout life; the question is, how well do we practice what we preach?  With a commitment to higher education and with many of us in professional and continuing education, one would…

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Can an LMS Be Designed for Humans First, Tech Second?

August 6, 2018

Despite the evolution of learning management systems over the past two decades, LMSs seem to remain tech-oriented rather than learner oriented – is this likely to change?  Online: Trending Now #138 Learning management systems have been around since the last century.  The World Wide Web, of course, provided great impetus to the LMS through the…

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Your one-stop shop for the latest Association happenings, policy updates, plus thoughts from the desk of CEO Bob Hansen.

Best Colleges Ranking – 2025 (WalletHub)

Insights from Ray Schroeder, Senior Fellow at UPCEA – The Online and Professional Education Association and Professor Emeritus of Communication – University of Illinois Springfield Are Ivy League and other “name- brand” schools worth the high sticker price? Wise consumers of higher education should begin with the outcome. What career or job is your desired…

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Motivating Students Who Have Some College but No Credential (Inside Higher Ed)

“A survey of roughly 1,000 learners with some college credits but no credential found that many of these former students distrust higher ed and question the value of a degree. The study, highlighted in a new white paper released Tuesday, was conducted by StraighterLine, an online course provider, and UPCEA, the online and professional education association….

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Stopped-out students are confident in their academic skills — but financial concerns remain (Higher Ed Dive)

“Facing the rapidly approaching demographic cliff — an expected dropoff in high school graduates starting around 2025 — many colleges are pivoting to reengaging students who attended college but left before earning a credential. Officials see significant enrollment potential among this group, as the nationwide pool of stopped-out students is large and growing. By July 2022,…

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New Study Reveals Keys to Re-Engaging the 41.9 Million Americans with Some College, but No Credential

Students’ Perception of the Value of a Degree Drops 50% After Stopping Out WASHINGTON, D.C. (October 15, 2024) — StraighterLine, the leading provider of flexible, affordable post-secondary online courses and industry credentials, and UPCEA (the online and professional education association) released findings from a new study examining the motivations, challenges, and readiness of individuals with…

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Musings on trends and updates from UPCEA CEO Bob Hansen.

UPCEA Brand Evolution in an Era of Change

March 26, 2024

The pandemic upheaval forced rapid adaptation across campuses, accelerating the digital transformation that had been underway for decades. Online and professional education is at the forefront of this transformation, addressing strategic questions about business models and learner needs. In this ever-evolving landscape of higher education, adaptation isn’t just an option; it’s a necessity. UPCEA recognized…

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UPCEA Seeks Full-Time Controller 

March 15, 2024

UPCEA is currently seeking a full-time Controller for a fully remote position with the association.   The Controller will oversee and manage all aspects of the organization’s accounting functions. This includes ensuring financial accuracy, compliance with relevant regulations, and providing timely financial reports for internal and external stakeholders. The Controller also plays a key role in…

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Valuable insights from UPCEA's trusted corporate partners.

Convergence 2024: All Learning Matters

October 21, 2024

The recent Convergence Conference in New Orleans brought together thought leaders from across the higher education spectrum, offering profound insights on how institutions can evolve to better meet the needs of learners in an era of rapid change. This was our fourth UPCEA-hosted event and the second time at Convergence, but my first time attending….

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Beyond “Thank You for Your Service”: A Higher Ed Guide to Supporting Student Veterans this Veterans Day

October 18, 2024

As Veterans Day approaches, universities and colleges nationwide often reflect on how to honor student veterans on their campuses. Instagram posts may already be scheduled with some version of “Thank You for Your Service” typed across a proudly waiving American flag. While expressions of gratitude are a step in the right direction, going beyond annual…

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