The Observatory UMassOnline October 31, 2012 TM

Objective of this Meeting Does the Observatory continue to add value to our strategic direction? Define the value and how do we measure its effectiveness? What are the roles & responsibilities needed to make it successful? Do we continue to refer to this effort as the Observatory? Should HEA continue to be a part of the Observatory?

Observatory – why was it established? Originally created to engage both the UMass campuses and the community regarding current and future practices in online learning. Pin point those activities & trends related to online & distance learning that the campuses may overlook. To promote activities to improve and inform practice. To serve as a catalyst for the creation of new services that are rooted in the community. To help support decision making.

Observatory – Original Primary Activities The UMassOnline Speaker Series July 2010 – May 2012 A State-wide conference on Online Learning never established Commission reports on pressing issues HEA

Observatory – is it aligned with our strategic goals? The strategic direction of UMOL is being redefined through the review process Online education has matured New demands and trends in the industry are happening Is this an appropriate forum to explain our value proposition? Further extend education to the underserved people of Mass & the world Lower expenses, thus increasing access for underprivileged learners Reduce costs associated with redundant/replicated services Capitalize on investments and innovation across the University & Commonwealth

Speaker Series – a look back Original intent was to provide a forum to discuss issues relevant to distance and online learning. 14 events since July, 2010 Some topics covered include specialized web based tools, educational policy, social media, Higher Education Authorization and enrollment management. Average attendance between 20 – 35 as well as virtual attendance. Budgets were not accurately tracked making it impossible to evaluate costs & effectiveness.

Speaker Series – where do we go from here? Who is managing the effort? Is this a marketing effort or business development? Have we been targeting the right audience? Attendance in the past has been inconsistent Review distribution list Consider other targets What are the budget implications? Do we have dedicated resources to support this?

HEA – how has UMOL supported the impact to online programs ? Amendments to the Higher Education Act included changes in regulations for state authorization UMOL acts as the administrative manager of individual state requirements Provide regular briefings to the UMass Campuses State Authorization Updates communicated regularly Most recently – asked to be a part of the process to develop a State Authorization Reciprocity Agreement (SARA) This effort has required many UMOL staff hours

HEA – UMass is a resource for colleagues across the country! The HEA site has had more than 1,700 visitors since May, 2012 Why we need to make changes: Easier navigation, improve look & feel Make the user’s life easier Ability to better inform users of the latest changes Quick snapshot of state and/or program status Positive effects resulting from repackaging Add to the feeling of community Positive reflection on UMOL efforts to support campuses Is the Observatory the right location for HEA?

UMassOnline Newsletters UMOL currently has two newsletters: External – distributed to prospective students to support the open registration before each semester Internal – originally distributed to select campus contacts defined by CE. List recently expanded to system office, folks throughout all five campuses and our hosted partners (COF, QCC, etc.). Technology is conceptualizing their own newsletter to reach SIGS and current users Newsletters are not currently part of the Observatory

UMassOnline Newsletters – a consistent message? Have we siloed our efforts to reach our community? What is the overall communication strategy? What are our opportunities?

Other Considerations Other positive activities that should be highlighted: Grant Activities Conferences Partnerships

Determine Next Steps Does the Observatory continue to add value to our strategic direction? Is it aligned with our communications strategy? What is the value and how do we measure it? Does this outreach benefit the community we support? How do we measure it? Is it through new clients, PR, direct feedback Do we want to continue to refer to this effort as the Observatory? Do we have the resources & budget to support it? What are the roles & responsibilities required to make it successful? Should HEA continue to be a part of the Observatory? The site demands improvement in navigation and ease of use