1. The Observatory UMassOnline
October 31, 2012 TM

2. 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?

3. 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.

4. 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

5. 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

6. 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.

7. 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?

8. 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

9. 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?

10. 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

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

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

13. 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