Higher education is facing its greatest challenge in decades. Our field may be at a transformational cusp where the transactional currency for education may shift from credits to competency, competency dictated by new, to-be-determined factors, shaped by our evolving economy, as well as the political landscape. Historically, and for the era, 120-credits was a fairly…
Read MoreHigher education institutions, particularly those with online and professional continuing education (PCE) units, are increasingly tasked with balancing financial sustainability and operational efficiency in a resource-constrained environment. As student demographics shift and competition intensifies, institutions are looking for innovative ways to diversify their revenue streams while optimizing operations – this is no easy task. The…
Read MoreA number of factors are converging to create a huge storm of change in higher education this coming year. Generative AI (GenAI) advances, massive federal policy shifts, broad societal economic changes, and the demographic cliff combine to create uncertainty today and change tomorrow. What are the changes we can predict today, and how can we…
Read MoreAnthropic last month took the lead in providing early access to basic AI agents for the masses. This is a huge leap forward from the chatbots that have dominated early Generative AI (GenAI) up until today. Anthropic offers the new function that enables its Sonnet version to control your computer. “Claude 3.5 Sonnet is the…
Read MoreElection Outcomes: Proposed Distance Ed Rules and Incentive Compensation Changes Unlikely to Proceed | Policy Matters (November 2024)
Major Updates Recently Proposed Distance Education Regulations, Changes to Third-Party Servicers, Incentive Compensation, Are Unlikely to Move Forward The Department of Education’s recent negotiated rulemaking session aimed to revise key regulations, including those related to distance education. However, consensus among stakeholders wasn’t reached, leaving the Department to decide on proposed language. While some, like distance…
UPCEA Releases Groundbreaking Research Report on Online Education in Higher Education
New annual study provides key benchmarks, insights and recommendations for advancing online learning. WASHINGTON (Nov. 19, 2024) – UPCEA, the online and professional education association, today announced the release of a new research report, “Benchmarking Online Enterprises: Insights into Structures, Strategies, and Financial Models in Higher Education.” The report, based on a comprehensive survey…
Using Technology to Transform Higher Education
The rapid evolution of technology is reshaping industries across the globe, and higher education is no exception. According to a 2023 survey by Inside Higher Ed, 73% of higher education institutions’ chief information officers believe digital transformation is crucial to their success in the next five years. As colleges and universities face a shifting landscape—characterized…
A new direction for the Distance Teaching and Learning Conference
Over the last three years, UPCEA engaged in an innovative partnership with the University of Wisconsin–Madison to enable the latter’s Distance Teaching and Learning (DT&L) conference to continue under UPCEA’s leadership. The partnership’s goals included making this valuable event for the distance learning community more sustainable and accessible to online practitioners focused on teaching and…
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…
Read MoreUPCEA 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…
Read MoreMilitary-connected students (veterans, active duty service members, National Guard and Reserves members, and their families) represent a valuable but often overlooked demographic in higher education. These individuals bring a strong sense of purpose, discipline, and a commitment to service to campus—qualities that make them outstanding students and future leaders. As higher education institutions seek to…
Read MoreMarketing cost per inquiry (CPI) is a primary signifier of how well your marketing is performing, but it has historically lacked a critical aspect that makes it a valuable barometer for success: its very own benchmark. Search Influence and UPCEA have addressed this crucial gap in higher education marketing with our Marketing Metrics Research Report:…
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