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| Concurrent Session I ~ Monday, November 16, 2:45-3:30 p.m. |
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Lisa K. Daniels, Ph.D., Director of Institutional Research, Excelsior College; Frank B. McCluskey, Ph.D., Provost and Executive Vice-President, American Public University System; Cali Morrison, M.Ed., Project Coordinator, Transparency By Design WCET; Karen L. Pedersen, Ph.D., Vice President for Professional Studies, Southwestern College
Transparency by Design (TbyD), an innovative partnership of distance learning providers, is designed to provide more complete and robust information to prospective students. This initiative emphasizes public disclosure of program-level learning outcomes and other relevant institutional information on a common Web site through a partnership with WCET. The institutions that have committed to TbyD see this pioneering effort as a means of providing increased “consumer” information while at the same time focusing institutions on continuous improvement.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Pat Brown, Dean Educational Outreach, Western Carolina University
Military students offer us many lessons in student management. The approach to serving military students has often been more ad hoc than strategic. This presentation will attempt to develop a context for understanding the military student, the driving forces behind military education support and the benefits associated with their academic success. Together we will examine how successful management of the military student can be leveraged to transform processes and practices that benefit all students.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Dr. Regis M. Gilman, Associate Dean, Educational Outreach; Dr. Robert Crow, Instructional Developer, Coulter Faculty Center, Western Carolina University
This study was a comprehensive research investigation of online learners’ – resident (on campus traditional learners) and distance learners’ utilization of instructional technologies. The study focused on Western Carolina University online students (n=667), their access to and use of technology and WCU online courses. Results from this study will be used to better understand the online course environments at WCU, including course accessibility, technologies utilized, course structure, student engagement and the diversity of online course instruction.
Theme: Transforming the young continuing education professional
Presenter: Dr. Emily C. Richardson, Dean, University College, Widener University; Dr. Patricia Lawler, Professor, Center for Education, Widener University
How long does it take to become an excellent leader in continuing education? And how does an individual perfect the skills they need to become a leader? Do we even know what skills are needed? This presentation will look at these issues from two viewpoints: theory and practicality.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Jonathan E. Messemer, Assistant Professor of Adult Learning and Development & Coordinator of the Accelerated ALD Master’s Degree Program, Cleveland State University
This session will discuss the format of the accelerated Adult Learning and Development master’s degree program at Cleveland State University. The findings from the Adult Learning and Development Student Satisfaction (ALDSS) scale will illustrate the differences in the level of student satisfaction between the accelerated and traditional graduate programs. The six factor groups: curriculum, learning format, course materials, program access, faculty instruction, and faculty advising will be discussed with respect to numerous student characteristics.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Kathleen Forbes, Director of Liberal Studies Programs, UNCG Division of Continual Learning
When UNCG’s Division of Continual Learning launched an interdisciplinary Master of Arts degree in Liberal Studies, the overriding objective was to offer adult learners a flexible way to continue their education. But the award-winning program has become much more and is literally transforming hearts and minds. Learn how the university is incorporating contemporary themes and helping students challenge their most closely held notions.
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| Concurrent Session II ~ Tuesday, November 17, 2:00-2:45 p.m. |
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Jon Horn, President, JMH Consulting
Our industry faces its greatest financial challenge in decades, yet university systems rarely track or report expenses in a business-like fashion. In some cases, programs that appear profitable may actually be costing your department thousands. Understanding your financials has never been more critical. This session proposes a model for translating university financial records into a more useful format, then analyzing the profitability of programs. You will leave this session thinking about your financials in new ways!
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Scott Beadenkopf, Director, Academic Technology, Neumann University/Drexel University Partnership; Dr. Fred Loomis, Program Director, M.S., Strategic Leadership, Neumann University; Sister Bernadette McInnis, Faculty, Neumann University
Neumann University faculty -- full time and adjunct-- filled a six-week Online Course Facilitation Course to learn the basics of technology and its use in an online environment. The course is part of a two-course Faculty Certificate Program; upon completion of each course, participants receive a Certificate of Completion and have worked on their own course to be offered fully online in an upcoming semester. Participants--as students-- become familiar with the tools of online instruction as they learn the practice of online facilitation in the main Blackboard Vista course. Participants -- as instructors-- experience online learning either in “sandbox” sections or in their own online courses. Participants are assigned to mentor groups composed of mixed disciplines. Both courses are taught by experienced online instructors who also serve as mentors. The program builds a faculty community who share common interests, experiences and enthusiasm in online technologies, to enhance and support the online academic environment of the university. Participants in the workshop take away tips and tools for creating their own online faculty programs, where faculty can transform their courses into creative online experiences!
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Rebecca Beatty, Associate Director of Continuing Education at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus; Dr. Elizabeth Lasher, Lead Career Counselor at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park Campus
Penn State Continuing Education has been transforming our programs and services in order to better meet the educational needs of our rural counties in the center of Pennsylvania. Learn how we are changing our curriculum and delivery to reach rural adult learners and help them transform into knowledge workers as manufacturing jobs are lost. Learn about the expanded services we have launched to help students not just access learning, but transform their lives.
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Theresa Shank, Director of Continuing Education, Penn State Mont Alto
Course development, coordination, scheduling, marketing, finding instructors and taking registrations are tasks associated with any classes, vocational or academic. Penn State Mont Alto Continuing Education is housed at the Franklin County Career and Technology Center, managing their adult education courses in addition to PSU courses and customized training programs. The facility is in use both days, for the high school students, and nights for the adult learner. This session will help you identify potential partners.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Jay A. Halfond, Dean, Metropolitan College and Extended Education, Boston University
Continuing education units often must walk a fine line within their own institutions. Typically, courses and programs in business and management are the most successful. But these also might collide with the institution’s business school and accreditation requirements and how the institution positions itself in its markets. This workshop will explore some of the issues and solutions for how continuing education can co-exist with business schools and AACSB accreditation standards and successfully respond to the management educational needs of adult learners.
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Jane LeClair, Ed.D., Program Director, Technology, School of Business and Technology, Excelsior College; Peter Connell MS Ed., Senior Education Specialist Professional Development Program, Rockefeller College of Public Policy and Public Administration, University at Albany
"How Continuing Education Is Transforming Public Service” is designed for the novice, intermediate as well as more experienced Continuing Education Administrators. It discusses the potential and substantial impact Continuing Education Programs can have in transforming how public service staff and state-run programs perform. It will provide participants with ideas for new continuing professional education opportunities in their communities and ideas on how to enhance partnerships with state agencies to provide continuing professional education programs. Questions are welcomed during the presentation. Participants will be provided with valuable handout information to “take-away” to their home institutions to continue this discussion.
Theme: Transforming the young continuing education professional
Presenter: Wendy Flint, Ph.D., Senior Vice President, Boston Reed College; Paulette Millette, Director of Continuing Education, York County Community College
The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts a need for 5.3 million health care jobs in the next five years. Discover how colleges and universities in 20 states have done occupational outlooks for allied health jobs and found that the community, the industry, and the student prospects want short-term courses through continuing education with on-the-job training and placement.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Marisa Michaud, Senior Analyst, Eduventures
CE units are investing more of their budget and time in Internet-based marketing and promotion. Based on original research, this discussion will explore case-study-based best practices and budgetary benchmarks for effective marketing to adult learners via online channels such as search engines, directory sites, and more, as well as staff skill sets for effective online marketing ROI. Participants will gain ideas, examples, and data to make better-informed decisions about their marketing investments and strategies.
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Concurrent Session III ~ Tuesday, November 17, 3:15-4:00 p.m. |
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Patricia Stafford, Director, ETSU at Kingsport; Lisa Elliott, Academic Advisor, ETSU at Kingsport
Local high school teachers, parents and students have expressed the need for more career and college information at the high school level. To assist high schools, ETSU at Kingsport staff developed four programs to provide additional college and career information. This presentation will describe the origins of the current program, the partnership with local high schools and the benefits to both the high school and the university.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Jerry H. Hickerson, Ph.D., Director, Interdisciplinary Studies and Professor of English,
Winston-Salem State University (HBCU); Denise M. Hart, Ed.D., Director, Adult Education and the Success Program and Professor of Education, Fairleigh Dickinson University
Adult learners, like traditional students, are empowered (one might say transformed) by earning a postsecondary degree. Next to that is empowerment that comes from receiving credit toward the degree for college-level learning gained through experiences outside the college or university. Adult-focused institutions use a variety of approaches to assess such learning. The focus of this workshop will be developing and refining the approach to PLA, especially portfolio assessment, according to various types of institutions and systems.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Diane E. Dutton (Doctoral Candidate) Simon Fraser University; Susan Burgess, Program Director Management and Professional Programs Continuing Studies, Simon Fraser University
Continuing Studies at Simon Fraser University has mandated a process of program reviews to be conducted by an external reviewer. Using the recent Management and Professional Programs review as a case study, this session will discuss the review’s guiding questions and methodology, summarize the key findings, and highlight the implications and decisions regarding program positioning & growth that resulted. Our lessons learned will bring the session to a close.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Nicole Foerschler, Vice President, JMH Consulting
YouTube – it’s the future of marketing and awareness building. You know you want to promote your program using video, but how do you get started? This session introduces the fundamentals of building and posting an online Web cast. We’ll examine various continuing education web casts and discuss what makes prospective students tune in and enroll. This presentation will provide the foundation you need to create a Web cast that connects with students and sells your program!
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Dr. Dennis “Skip” Parks, Dean, Continuing Education and University Outreach and Professor-in-Residence, College of Education, California Polytechnic State University
A workforce assessment project in California revealed a significant need for undergraduate and graduate programs in disaster management and homeland security. In partnership with the Governor’s Office of Emergency Services, Continuing Education at California Polytechnic State University developed an undergraduate certificate program as a first step to fill this need. The partnership first established a state-wide certificate that enables individuals who complete courses earn academic credit as well as state and national certifications. A state-wide, multi-campus master’s degree is being developed as the next step.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. David Stewart, Assistant Dean for Program Development and Marketing, Division of Continuing Education at Kansas State University
When the Division of Continuing Education at K-State recently moved from a “flexible” to a fixed annual budget, there was concern that the capacity to stimulate program development would become severely constrained or even lost. At the recommendation of the dean, the provost approved setting aside $250,000 for the development of distance education programs. DCE sent out a call for proposals to the university. Within three weeks 28 proposals were submitted with requests totaling $500,000. This session will present how the RFP process was developed, the guidelines that were followed, how continuing education collaborated with departments and colleges, lessons learned and how the process has not only developed programs but enriched continuing education partnerships within the university.
Theme: Practices, Partnerships, and Paradigms
Presenter: Dr. Fred Snow, Compass Knowledge Group
This session highlights extraordinary successes in six key areas of adult learning: academic outcomes, enrollment quantity and quality, retention, rewarding faculty/student experiences, brand exposure in the marketplace, and financial performance. The anecdotes are actual case studies of university outreach activities. The statistics are benchmarks provided for each of the areas above. Each case study was a full partnership in action between vendors and the university.
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| Concurrent Session IV ~ Wednesday, November 18, 10:30-11:15 a.m. |
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Sandria S. Stephenson, Ph.D., CPA, Assistant Professor-EAPS
This study used a qualitative methodology to examine continuing education’s strategic responses to the political economic context of higher education. The results show, among others, that 1) continuing education is an academic capital advantage, providing greater returns to higher education than the investment made in supporting its strategic position; 2) entrepreneurialism, as a strategy within continuing education, is limited in classical applicability and scope relative to higher education’s traditional cultural context; 3) continuing education units are disenfranchised with respect to shared governance
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Karen Goodman, Director, Continuing Education, Southern New Hampshire University, Nashua Center; Linda Richelson, Director, Continuing Education, Southern New Hampshire University, Salem Center
The Advantage Program was created by Southern New Hampshire University to provide a university level academic experience to potential students who find they are not yet ready for the full on-campus academic experience. Small cohorts, morning classes, and individual coaching and mentoring by academic staff, are highlights of this affordable, no-frills program. Students can earn up to 72 credits in two years, and graduate with an Associate of Arts degree.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Sallie C. Dunphy, Ph. D., University of Alabama at Birmingham
Life is a journey and a multidimensional process. The poor management of time can create havoc and stress in a professional's work life and derail a career. How can you live in harmony within your office and keep stress to a minimum? Learn healthy ways to manage time and stress in your space including techniques for self assessment, breathing, relaxation, aromatherapy, visual imagery, physical activity and nutrition.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Jennifer John, Program Management Consultant, JMH Consulting
Online learning tools are powerful complements to classroom learning. This session explores the use of blended learning as a cost-effective technique for enhancing the student experience. Professional and continuing education programs recognize increased learning retention by reinforcing and extending classroom concepts before, between and after class sessions. We’ll explore several successful approaches that maximize existing online systems already available at most colleges and universities. We will conclude the session sharing best practices through group discussion.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: John F. Azzaretto, Vice Provost, University Outreach Dean, Emerald Coast University of West Florida
Continuing higher education professionals -- including and perhaps especially those involved with branch campus administration and management -- have long considered themselves to be resourceful entrepreneurs. You have to sometimes make a lot from a very little. You have to be creative and innovative and contribute value to your organization. More often than not, continuing higher education professionals are focused on providing education that meets workforce and economic development needs, and being conscious of the “bottom-line” by cultivating and pleasing clients and identifying and enhancing revenue streams. Yet, today more than ever, we want to believe that we are contributing as well to a greater societal good, that we are making a difference in our community and in turn, our society. My remarks will focus on being a social entrepreneur: doing good, looking good while doing good, and making money doing it. This session will explore principles of social entrepreneurship and their application to continuing higher education and in particular, branch campus management.
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Kyle Downie and Valerie Lockyer, The Training Group at Douglas College
Employers are demanding that workplace training address the unique needs of their business environment and workforce. When an employee’s foundational skills are an issue, how do you design training that meets the needs of both the worker (learner) and the employer? Learn how Douglas College has partnered with employers to develop workplace training that tie foundational skills, workplace performance and job specific training together.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Honour H. Moore, Associate Vice President for Extended Learning; Philip Moore, Assistant Vice President, Division of Extended Learning ; Christopher Quinn, Director of Academic Services for Extended Learning, Holy Family University
This presentation will demonstrate the practical application of a writing skills course in an accelerated degree program. Results, both anecdotal and statistical, will highlight the success of student performance across the board.
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| Concurrent Session V ~ Wednesday, November 18, 11:30 a.m.-12:15 p.m. |
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Mary J. Ford, Ed.D., Associate Dean of Education Programs, Granite State College; Elaine Millen, Associate Dean of North Country Region/PBTC, Granite State College
Teacher preparation has taken on a special urgency in this country to raise both the quality and quantity of our teacher work force. At the same time, we are asking teachers to increase student achievement to the highest level in history in a new outcome-based, accountability-driven system of education.
This session shares a field-based mentoring model for teacher preparation that:
a. Significantly increases highly qualified certified personnel who are accountable for the achievement of their K-12 students
b. Operationalizes Response To Intervention (RTI) model, professional learning communities, and data-driven decision making, in teacher preparation programs, by expanding the curricula and making K-12 student achievement data the primary evidence of successful completion
c. Develops a comprehensive higher education mentoring program that engages college faculty and local school district mentors to collaboratively support teacher candidates in relevant and meaningful professional learning communities, using K-12 student achievement data to guide instructional decisions.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: David Grebel and Judy Shannon, Texas Christian University
Sometimes the most difficult part of addressing community issues is getting started. This presentation provides one example of how University Continuing Education achieved significant community impact and national recognition by convening a small group of community members around a shared issue. The result is a replicable model for a community-based approach that has been effective in engaging members of the faith community in advance preparation for times of disaster; additional outcomes include publication in the Homeland Security Institute Journal and an invitation to participate in a Senior Leader’s Summit at the Homeland Security Institute where our model was incorporated as a global best practice.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Jennifer Copeland, General Manager, DemandEngine and Jennifer Wooley, Assistant Director of Client Marketing, Georgia Tech Distance Learning and Professional Education
When they visit your site, prospective students' expectations are higher than ever before. Increased competition and a challenging economic climate make it vital for prospects to leave your site identified and interested. We will share the results of a recent study of more than 300 continuing education Web sites, how they captured leads online, and how they engaged prospects in long-term relationships using e-mail marketing.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Rick Wetherill, Center of Continuing Education and Community Services, East Central University
Partnerships between small town universities and their small towns are sometimes difficult to manage. This presentation will explore the hassles, hurdles, high points and hubris behind the creation of a successful community/higher education project in rural America. The example used will be demonstrated as a best practice in partnerships and collaborative coordination led by continuing education that established a successful arts district in a small town in rural Oklahoma.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Thomas J. Yannuzzi, Ph.D., Assistant Professor, Communication Arts and Sciences, Penn State University Brandywine
New educational paradigms often support what Packer and Greco-Brooks (1998) refer to as the “ontological work of school,” or helping “change the kinds of person their students become (p. 134).” Students are encouraged to experience and reflect upon problematic events and use these “mindful moments” to incorporate other perspectives; in turn, the become more accepting of, comfortable with, and socially effective in diverse contexts. This workshop explores the pedagogical, programmatic, and institutional complexities of doing this “ontological work” from multiple institutional perspectives.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Stephen F. Gambescia, Ph.D., M.Ed., M.B.A., CHES, Assistant Dean & Associate Professor, College of Nursing and Health Professions, Drexel University; Rocco Paolucci, Ph.D., Associate Professor & Chairman, Dept. of Information Science and Technology & Instructional Systems Graduate Program,
Cabrini College
One issue that will continue to be discussed regarding the value of online learning is academic integrity and fidelity. This session presents findings of a first-time study that 1) assessed the level of visibility given to online degree programs 2) identified the range of attributes of university online degree programs; and 3) measured how the academic fidelity and integrity attributes compare with other attributes used to market online degree program offerings to prospective students.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Barbara Hanniford, Cleveland State University
Just as continuing education can make a difference in our students’ lives, contributing to our professional literature can make a difference in our careers. With a focus on the practicalities of preparing and submitting manuscripts for publication, the session will include identifying a topic, targeting an appropriate publication, adhering to manuscript guidelines, developing an outline, preparing a manuscript, and understanding the review process. Bring potential manuscript topics for further discussion and come ready to share your writing experiences or questions.
The Crystal Marketing Award recognizes the institution that achieves significant results from a marketing communications tool through print, broadcast, or electronic medium. Come and hear the winner of this award discuss the strategic approach and results achieved including creativity, targeting the audience, financial effectiveness and measured objectives in marketing, advertising or public relations.
Western Kentucky University
Entry: Independent Learning 2008 Rebranding Initiative
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| Concurrent Session VI ~ Wednesday, November 18, 2:00-2:45 p.m. |
This session is sponsored by the ACHE Awards Committee and features program award recipients. Each recipient will discuss his or her program.
Credit Program Award:
Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education
Reach Higher: Oklahoma’s Adult Degree Completion Program
Non-Credit Program Award:
Austin Peay State University
Spanish in the Workplace for Tennessee Department of Rehabilitation Services
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Joe Molitoris, Director, Georgian Court University
Co-educational programs at a traditional women’s college are by definition transformational. Add to that the development of sites and locations that are convenient to adults and the mixture is very innovative. Best practices in administration, technology, and outreach/ partnerships are presented. Engagement with adults in non-traditional format,s as well as their children in both magnet schools and in underserved Abbott school districts are also important practices. Several innovative emerging technologies that are being used include online, VTC, and hybrid approaches; these are discussed as well, including lessons learned.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Jennifer John, Program Management Consultant, JMH Consulting
If you are responsible for designing and delivering “open house” presentations, this session is for you. Come and hear about the effectiveness of ongoing assessment and improvements to your web site and presentation content to drive increased enrollments.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Mary Rose Grant, Associate Professor of Biology and Director, Core Curriculum and Faculty Development, School for Professional Studies, Saint Louis University; Aaron Perkus, Assistant Professor of English, Associate Dean of University College, Fairfield University and Edna Wilson, Dean, Associate VP Global Relations & Community Engagement, University College, Fairfield University
Transformation is viewed as change, but it is change from within that leads to a cultural shift and a change in habits. Session presenters will discuss how learning communities cultivate self-reflection, instill a sense of institutional connection, and provide transformational opportunities to change how participants view themselves as educators, life-long learners, and future leaders. This session will examine best practices in creating, integrating, and sustaining dynamic learning communities.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Don Alava, Senior Vice President of eLearners.com
Knowing what makes online career college prospects tick gives you the upper-hand in attracting and retaining them. Hear it straight from prospects’ mouths as the results of research, secret shopping and lessons learned from peers are revealed.
Theme: Practices, partnerships, and paradigms
Presenter: Tamara Norris, Computer Training Coordinator, Northwest State
Business networking, professional networks, social networking…how can workforce development divisions take advantage of these tools to promote their programs? In this session we will take a look at both high-touch and high-tech methods of “marketing” your programs without a large monetary investment. Topics to be discussed include types of business networking organizations as well as the use of social networking applications.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Jeff E. Hoyt, Ph.D., Assistant to the Dean for Assessment, BYU Division of Continuing Education
The session will review a degree completion program’s experience with writing assessment to evaluate direct measures of learning for accreditation. Participants will receive examples of writing prompts and rubrics for assessing writing mechanics, content mastery, and critical thinking. They will learn about the methods and processes for analytic holistic scoring and receive a manuscript on the study findings.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Mary S. Bonhomme, Florida Institute of Technology
Florida Institute of Technology (Florida Tech) made the transition from Blackboard to ANGEL in 2008. This presentation will review the processes of selection, technical implementation, training of faculty and students, follow-up surveying utilized in this transition, and most importantly the timetable used. The timetable from decision to full implementation was eight months. Conventional wisdom says such a timetable was untenable. But we achieved it. Come learn how we did it and manage to survive to tell the story. Come prepared to tell your stories of LMS transitions.
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| Concurrent Session VII ~ Wednesday, November 18, 3:00-3:45 p.m. |
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Sara Meier, Executive Director, IACET
Attracting and retaining students for your learning programs is getting harder to do in an increasingly competitive marketplace. One way to stand out is to offer continuing education units or CEUs. In this session, learn how higher education institutions have used their credibility as an International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) AP and their ability to offer IACET CEUs as a marketing tool to attract and retain students to their learning programs.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Wayne Smutz, Associate Vice President for Academic Outreach and Executive Director for Continuing and Distance Education, Penn State; and Heather L. Chakiris, Associate Director for Advising and Learner Success, Penn State World Campus
This presentation will discuss how Penn State Continuing and Distance Education is working hard to bring the Penn State community to adult learners. Topics will include statewide collaboration and the implementation of new technologies for use by adult learners both on and off campus.
Theme: Research, technology and other tools
Presenter: Jacob Ensign, Business Analyst, JMH Consulting
You already know that improving your student repeat rate will improve your bottom line and increase your community outreach; but did you know that there are simple, accessible metrics you can use to measure the health of your program? Using real world data, we’ll illustrate how easy it is to calculate and use these tools to make open-enrollment program improvements. Do not miss this opportunity to learn this innovative approach to improving your repeat rate!
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Nicole Oechslin, Associate Professor of Education and Adult Degree Program Advisor, Mary Baldwin College
Living with undiagnosed ADHD can result in consequences that range from the amusing to the tragic. For many adults, a diagnosis can trigger a liberating and empowering shift. Nicole Oechslin will share self-assessment instruments and support strategies she has incorporated into a threshold course for new adult students at MBC. Participants may sample some learning activities and experience for themselves the power all students experience when we acknowledge and embrace the hidden gifts of ADHD.
Theme: Reaching the workforce
Presenter: Darla Dye, Program Coordinator, ETSU
Initially, non-credit programs may not appear to be very exciting, and at first glance seem to be frogs, but trying a new program may well bring a happy ending to the whole kingdom. There are the expected non-credit offerings, such as Pharmacy Technician Training, Medical Billing and Coding, etc., but the “Princes” might ultimately be the off-beat, or unusual programs, such as the NASCAR Experience, Polysomnography Certification, or even the Southeastern Association of Vertebrate Paleontology. Some titles may be difficult to say, or even attempt, but they nevertheless can raise the profile of a unit, meet community or academic needs, and generate a great deal of interest in Continuing Education.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Fred Snow and Mr. Rob Bishop, Compass Knowledge Group
Marketing and recruiting are now the overwhelming cost factors in adult education, many times absorbing 30-45% of revenue. At the same time, the techniques required to attract students have become extremely sophisticated. This presentation discusses recent marketing practices of eleven extremely successful adult programs.
Theme: Reaching adult, underserved, distant, and nontraditional students
Presenter: Dr. Timothy Maciel and Dr. Jane LeClair, Excelsior College
Meeting the needs of working adults returning to school and learning at a distance is a unique challenge. A first-course experience that introduces the students to the broader purpose of higher education and the liberal arts, helps build both community and peer support networks. When this is complimented by a capstone course to assess the effectiveness of a general education core designed specifically for adult learners, they gain a new perspective on the effects of the liberal arts learning on their lives.
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