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University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee
College of Letters and Science 2001-2002 Course and Curriculum Committee From the Minutes of the UW System Board of Regent's Meeting of July 12, 2001 REPORT OF EXECUTIVE GROUP FOR ON-LINE LEARNING Introducing the report, President Lyall noted that the membership of the Executive Group for On-Line Learning (EGOLL) included Regent Axtell and Regent Olivieri, along with several Chancellors. The charge to the group was to work towards a policy of collaborative principles related to on-line education and to help the UW position itself better for on-line learning tasks that are larger than any one campus. To present the report, she called on Chancellor Messner, of the UW Colleges, who chaired the EGOLL group. Chancellor Messner began his report by expressing appreciation to staff who worked with the EGOLL group - - Vice President Deborah Durcan, Associate Vice President Ed Meachen, Bob Jokish, IT Planning Director, and Michael Offerman, Director of Learning Innovations. As context for this report, Chancellor Messner recalled that in May 1996 the Board adopted a major policy document: A Study of the UW System in the 21st Century. One of the important findings of that study was: "Instructional technology and distance education are essential for expanding and improving the student learning experience for all students on campus and returning adults. The underlying goal is to use these tools to develop an enhanced student-centered learning environment and to remove time and place as barriers to learning both on and off campus." The 21st Century Study focused on two fundamental goals of on-line learning - promotion of student access and educational quality. In the years that followed, there was a national shifting of emphasis toward goals of saving money or even making money through on-line learning. What was found, however, was that efficiencies were harder to come by than had been thought and profits were particularly difficult to achieve. The focus then returned to the goals of access and quality. Similarly, the EGOLL group's report is based on these two goals, while not ruling out the possibility of realizing efficiencies in certain settings or even generating profits. The focus, however, is on student access and educational quality. The vision stated in the report is as follows: "The University of Wisconsin System will develop a coordinated and collaborative approach to on-line learning with the goals of extending its educational reach, enhancing program quality, enriching on-campus education, and preparing all students, faculty and staff for learning in the future." The mission statement is as follows: "In the 21st century, Wisconsin residents and students will increasingly expect the University to provide online opportunities as part of its core mission. In order to meet these expectations, UW institutions will work collaboratively to leverage their faculty expertise and other elements of online leadership to provide broadened access to world-class education in a seamless fashion.” Chancellor Messner then outlined the following principles that had been adopted in accordance with the above mission:
Regent Krutsch commended President Lyall for appointing the EGOLL group and Chancellor Messner for chairing it. The opportunity to craft this kind of policy, she remarked, is one of the important benefits of a university system. Expressing appreciation to Regent Axtell and Regent Olivieri for serving as members of this group, she felt it will be important to have Regent input on a regular basis as the process goes forward. She encouraged further opportunities for Regents, Chancellors and System staff to work together on big picture issues. In response to a question by Regent Boyle, Chancellor Messner said the group recognized that duplication of effort among course offerings would not be a wise use of resources. While the group did not conclude that there should be no duplication at all, it was recognized as an issue and one that will be monitored by the group that will oversee next steps in the process. Regent Boyle commented that it will be necessary to flesh out the meaning of collaboration as used in the report. Chancellor Messner agreed, noting that the report is a vision and broad outline - only the beginning of what needs to be done. Regent Krutsch referred to Chancellor Messner's comment that many of the on-line programs designed to cover costs or even make money for their institutions have not had the anticipated monetary success. She asked if there is a plan to review any UW online programs that have not met fiscal goals. The Chancellor replied that the group's focus was on future programs, rather than current ones. Existing programs, he added, have undergone both institutional and system scrutiny. Senior Vice President Beaver added that there are not so many programs online at this time that there would be a concern about duplication among existing programs. There is work under way for a collaborative MBA program among four institutions: UW-Parkside, UW-Oshkosh, UW-La Crosse, and UW-Eau Claire. The challenge, he commented, will be to balance the need to allow appropriate institutional program development with concern about duplication. Adoption of Resolution 8404 was moved by Regent Randall, seconded by Regent Axtell and carried unanimously. University of Wisconsin Online Vision, Mission Statement, Principles and Action Plan University of Wisconsin System Administration |
·| © 2000 UWM-College of Letters and Science Last Updated: November 8, 2001 |
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