New Series - Optimizing Partnerships and DIY: A Roadmap for Building Online Capacity
Based on feedback received from previous articles, I’ve decided to continue to publish pieces related to online operations. Now more so than ever, small colleges and universities face a critical challenge: how to develop and manage effective online learning operations. Whether you're considering bringing your online programs in-house or looking to optimize existing partnerships, the path forward can seem daunting and unclear.
Being on both sides partnerships and building in-house, I understand the complexities involved. That's why I'm excited to announce a new 10-part series aimed at helping small colleges navigate these complex decisions. My goal is to walk you through each crucial step, offering practical strategies and actionable advice tailored to the unique needs of smaller private universities.
Why is this important now? Recent surveys show that 75% of higher education institutions are looking to expand their online offerings, yet many lack the internal expertise to do so effectively. Combine this with the latest CHLOE survey which showed over 40% do not have online learning as part of their strategic plan. This series aims to bridge that gap, providing knowledge and skills necessary to develop modern, scalable online operations within your institution.
Here’s the topics you can expect over the next ten articles, focusing on key areas critical to online program success:
Assessing Institutional Readiness: Evaluating your current resources and capabilities for online education.
Goal Setting and Strategic Planning: Aligning online initiatives with your institutional mission and objectives.
Financial Modeling and Budgeting: Developing sustainable financial models for your online programs.
Project Management and Prioritization: Structuring effective teams and workflows for online education management.
Staffing and Resource Allocation: Identifying and nurturing the talent needed to drive your online initiatives.
Process Standardization and Optimization: Establishing efficient, scalable processes for high-quality online course development and delivery.
Marketing and Student Recruitment: Developing cost-effective strategies for attracting and enrolling online students.
Student Support Services: Creating comprehensive support systems to ensure online learner success.
Data Analysis and KPI Tracking: Using analytics to inform decisions and improve your online programs continuously.
Scaling and Future Planning: Preparing for growth and adapting to emerging trends in online education.
The goal of each article is to provide practical strategies, real-world examples, and considerations tailored to the needs of smaller institutions. Each situation is different, and I want to offer a balanced perspective that can help you make informed decisions about your online education approach, whether that involves optimizing existing partnerships or developing in-house capabilities.
Throughout this series, you'll gain insights into financial planning, project management, staffing strategies, process development, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement techniques. These are the building blocks of successful, modern online operations.
By the end of this series, you'll have a roadmap to guide your institution towards a successful, sustainable online education model. You'll be equipped with the tools to navigate the changing landscape of higher education and position your institution for future success.
I invite you to join me on this journey. Whether you're just starting to explore online education or looking to optimize your existing programs, this series will provide valuable insights to help your institution thrive.
As always, I'd love to hear about your experiences. What challenges has your institution faced in online education? What successes have you achieved? Your insights will help ensure this series addresses the most pressing issues facing our community of small private colleges.
Let’s connect, I promise I’ll pick up the phone (or zoom call). jeremiah@fractionalcolo.com