University College hosted a full day informational seminar for 18 Central and Western New York State schools and colleges to discuss state authorization processes, organizational structures of online education and best practices for online education.
The seminar, which took place in November, began with a presentation by Josh Davis of Syracuse University’s Project Advance. Davis provided an overview on State Authorization—a process designed to ensure that postsecondary institutions are meeting acceptable minimum standards for offering programs. According to the National Governors Association, “As providers and regulators of online education, states … must simultaneously promote access and quality assurance, working in coordination with the federal government and accreditation agencies. The expectation that state regulators can ensure both access and quality will only grow with the continued expansion of online programs by public, private and for-profit institutions.”[1]
Kim A. Scalzo, director of SUNY Center for Professional Development Lead, Open SUNY Campus Partnerships, led a session on organizational structure. The group talked about the mission and strategic plans of individual institutions, including the structures they have in place for online coursework. They also addressed the process of organizational learning and its advantages, disadvantages and challenges.
John Prusch, director of online learning design and technologies from Excelsior College, ended the day with a presentation on Quality Assurance. “Vital to establishing and maintaining quality online education is support at the institutional, learner, and faculty level,” explained Prusch. “Technology support, including the LMS, email and portal infrastructures, is the underlying foundation that ensures educational quality, consistency and access across any institution.”
“The seminar was a very valuable exercise for our partners in higher educations,” said Karen Bull, manager of online programs at University College. “We had the opportunity to share ideas and best practices and learn from each other as we focus on serving the rapidly growing number of students who prefer online courses.
For more information about the seminar, contact Bull at 315-443-0487 or kbull@syr.edu.
Ransomware attacks have been in the news lately, including an attack over the Fourth of July weekend that impacted up to 1,500 organizations. In this edition of “ITS In-Depth,” we speak with Syracuse University Chief Information Security Officer Chris Croad…
A contractor is making pedestrian and accessible ramp improvements on the north side of the intersection at Skytop Road and East Colvin Street beginning today. Due to the work, sidewalk and accessible ramps on that side of the intersection will…
Earlier this year, a new financial wellness workshop series, Build Your Financial Know-How, was introduced to faculty and staff. The workshops were provided through Carebridge, the University’s faculty and staff assistance program. Three separate workshops were offered virtually and conducted…
Maxwell’s advisory board has a vital role in guiding the school’s efforts in diversity, equity and inclusion. At a recent Maxwell School Advisory Board meeting, member Mary Daly G’91, G’94 posed a question—or perhaps it was a challenge. As she…
Looking for a good book or two to round out your bookshelf? We asked the University’s deans to share titles they were digging into this summer, and they did not disappoint. Shop Amazon, the Campus Store or your favorite local…
If you need help with your subscription, contact sunews@syr.edu.
