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

Who’s in the Driver’s Seat?

May 16, 2024

The saying “who’s in the driver’s seat” commonly refers to driving a car and the decision of whether one person should lead or if input is necessary. Similarly, the term “backseat driver” describes someone not in control attempting to influence or take charge. Both phrases suggest notions of control and ego. One could argue that…

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Bringing an Insider-Outsider Perspective to UPCEA’s Members

April 23, 2024

Shortly after pivoting twelve years ago from a deanship to a faculty position, I realized the only job better than being a dean was now being able to help other university leaders. A highlight of this career change has been visiting campuses as part of a consulting or accreditation team and conducting numerous solo consulting…

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

The AI-Augmented Professor of 2024

May 8, 2024

It is early August 2024.  I am about to begin the fall term of teaching, research, administrative tasks and advising with the help of Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) tools and assistants.  My syllabus was already submitted a couple of months ago so it is available online to all who may want to register. I did…

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Higher Education and the Four Industrial Revolutions

April 25, 2024

This is not the first time that western civilization and American higher education has encountered a massive change impacting the mission, technologies and vision of higher learning. We would be wise to take a moment to reflect on the ways in which higher education has adapted to radical change in society, technology and culture in…

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

What is Regular and Substantive Interaction? The Term That Has Defined Online Learning Still Lacks Clear Definition (Elearning Inside)

There’s an issue with online higher education that has yet to be resolved. For learners to apply for federal student loans, and for institutions to receive these Title IV funds, online or distance programs must demonstrate “regular and substantive interaction” (RSI) between students and instructors. There’s just one issue in following this guideline. No policymaker…

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Extend financial aid to cover more alternative education programs, groups say (edscoop)

Despite a surge of regulations in the 1980s designed to prevent fraudulent use of financial aid funds for online courses, the Department of Education still struggles to balance consumer protections with a growing need for short-term and distance education to offer student aid, according to a report released Wednesday by higher education policy advocates. The report — authored…

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Higher ed groups ask for flexibility with online learning rules (EducationDIVE)

Dive Brief: As regulators and industry representatives hash out a potential future for higher education accreditation, particularly rules governing online learning, three industry groups have put forward their own policy recommendations. Covering topics such as competency-based education (CBE), regular and substantive interaction and state authorization, the policy briefs were written by the Online Learning Consortium (OLC), the…

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Education Organizations Release Federal Policy Briefs Addressing Needed Modernizations To Higher Education Regulations

Briefs Authored by UPCEA, OLC, and WCET Cover Competency-Based Education, Financial Aid, Regular and Substantive Interaction, and State Authorization WASHINGTON, DC – February 27, 2019 – Today, three organizations in higher education—UPCEA, OLC and WCET—have issued a set of policy briefs relating to necessary changes to federal regulations affecting the professional, continuing, and online education…

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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.

DIYing an OPM: Build, outsource, or blend?

May 3, 2024

Learner preference for digital experiences continues to rise as questions about the OPM model mount from regulatory bodies and OPM customers. UPCEA’s recent snap poll found that 61% of higher ed leaders anticipate making changes to their OPM partnerships in the next 1–2 years.   As colleges and universities contemplate developing internal capacity and expertise for…

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Higher Ed Marketing: A Corporate Approach for Institutional Success

February 28, 2024

By Kevin Phang, VP, Partnership Development, Marketing & Enrollment, Noodle Marketing plays a key role in shaping a company’s success, and in higher education it’s no different. Colleges, universities, and other institutions face more competition every year, and with market demands and trends in constant flux, the need for strategic, impactful marketing that delivers has…

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