Objective 1.5.4 Strategies and Benchmarks
1.5.4 Based on constituents' needs and UMA's strengths, the DLC will assist the academic units in establishing priorities for the development of additional complete degree programs offered at a distance both within and beyond Maine's borders.
In FY '07 and ongoing thereafter, the Distance Learning Council in collaboration with faculty and Provost's staff will agree on priority programs and courses for incentive development funding and promote the requirement that anyone teaching online be required to participate in a training program.
In FY '07 & '08, using the Information and Library Services degrees and other appropriate models, the DLC in collaboration with UC, UMA faculty, Coordinators and Provost's staff will identify and offer solutions to matters of quality, capacity, and “partnering” involved with the delivery of the BS in MHHS and BS in Business Administration (focus on Small Business concentration) online out-of-state, and how best not to negatively affect current ITV and live course enrollments in-state. The Dean of L&DL will determine whether addition of the online option for these two degrees will require NEASC approval or updates. Marketing strategies will be prepared in collaboration with the Office of Public Information and UC and funded by UMA. Predicated upon resolving all issues, the degrees will be offered and would have been promoted for online delivery out-of-state in FY '09 at NEBHE rates.
By FY '09 identification and planning will have begun for the addition of a third online program, which is completed by May 2009 for implementation in FY '11. Admissions have increased, within the established capacities, in the MHHS and Business programs. This cycle of online program identification, planning and delivery within two years will continue as long as demand suggests UMA should continue.