Virtual College & University Consortia SHEEO Professional Development Meeting Lake Tahoe, Nevada -- August 16, 2003 A National Study

The National VCU Study Identify and describe the types of VCU models in use by states Determine and understand statewide goals for VCUs Discover and describe policies, programs, and participation in VCUs Develop implications for policymakers

“The market forces unleashed by technology and driven by increasing demand for higher education are powerful. If they are allowed to dominate and reshape the higher education enterprise, we will find ourselves facing a brave new world in which some of the most important values and traditions of the university fall by the wayside.” James J. Duderstadt, 1999 “New Roles for the 21st-Century University” Issues in Science and Technology Disruptive Innovation

“In a world of such rapid and profound change, the most realistic approach was…to actually build several prototypes of future learning institutions…experiments, aimed at understanding and possibly defining the nature of higher education in the twenty-first century.” Richard Katz, 1999 Dancing With the Devil Disruptive Innovation

The Growth of VCUs

Understanding VCU Models Different VCUs aggregate or support different institutional sectors. There are two distinct service models (Centralized and Distributed).

State and System VCUs Multi-sector n=37 Two-year n=15 Four-year n=9 61 VCUs Identified in 45 States

VCU Operations Funding levels vary widely. Authority varies widely. Emerging self-sufficiency at some VCUs.

VCU Budget Levels

VCU Reporting Structure

VCU Funding Plans Is your VCU currently self-supporting? If not, is the VCU planning to become self-supporting in the future? 49% No plans to be Self-supporting 24% Currently Self-supporting 23% Plan to be Self-supporting

Lessons on VCU Utilization VCUs are not instructional providers. VCU students are “users” of VCU services. It’s not just about distance.

VCU Enrollment Ranges

VCU Services Online Catalog Technical Help Desk Course Hosting Marketing Faculty/Staff Training Test & Lab Proctoring Online Application and Enrollment Bookstore E-Commerce Online Library

Geographic Location of Students (n = 23)

Effectiveness While facing obstacles VCUs are identifying success. Higher centralization and funding increase perceived goal achievement.

Common Barriers Inadequate funding Inadequate staffing Lack of collaboration Fear of competition Lack of understanding by institutional and state leaders “I don’t think our institutions really understood what Georgia Globe was here to do.” Kris Biesinger University System of Georgia

Successes & Unexpected Outcomes Significant enrollment increases for campuses Rapid growth in demand for courses Cooperation in unexpected places Faculty development initiatives Student/faculty satisfaction “We learned some really good lessons from ONE about building a statewide collaborative.” Holly Zanville Oregon Network for Education

Overall Success at Meeting Goals DistributedCentralized

Challenges to Evaluation No clear metrics for performance. Limited evidence of benchmarking or sense of external competition.

VCU Benchmarking

VCU Impact Are VCUs Disrupting Traditions and Driving Transformation?

VCUs & Performance Collaboration More Efficient Models

VCU Students Taking Courses from Multiple Providers

Efficient Models Standardization “Design once, teach many times.” Scalability Ability to create multiple sections as enrollments grow using standardized course templates.

VCUs & Convenience On-campus Enrollments Use of Services

VCUs & Cost

Central Enterprise VCUs Colorado Community Colleges Online Connecticut Distance Learning Consortium Kentucky Virtual University Michigan Virtual University North Carolina Virtual Learning Community SUNY Learning Network (New York) Tennessee Board of Regents Online Degree Programs UMass Online (Massachusetts) UT TeleCampus (Texas) Washington Online Virtual Campus

Policymaker Implications Set clear expectations for the VCU. Define VCU enrollments and users. Clearly define VCU policy roles. Hold the VCU accountable for measuring progress toward and meeting its goals. Encourage sustainable business practices.

For More Information Contact: Rhonda Epper Myk Garn Research Assistance provided by Susan Winter, SHEEO