Through my research of online programs at institutions across the U.S., I discovered that the most successful ones had clear plans for success and actively engaged in continuous improvement initiatives. For any unit within an institution to be successful, continuous improvement and strategic planning must occur. Strategic planning helps units collaborate in a shared vision and clear plan for setting goals, assessing progress, producing positive results, establishing avenues for innovation, and creating opportunities for continuous improvement. It is imperative that strategic planning be collaborative and that the plan is carried out competently, steadily, carefully, and patiently. This planning allows units to anticipate and respond to changes in the environment, forecast potential opportunities, and act as a guide in making short- and longer-term decisions in alignment with the institution’s mission, vision, values, goals, and objectives. The following mission, vision, and goals are typical starting points for strategic planning in an online learning unit.
Mission
The online learning unit’s mission is to expand learning opportunities beyond physical campus spaces to provide learners with high-quality, accessible, flexible, and active online learning experiences that embody our dedication to the expansion of knowledge in the service of our community.
Vision
The online learning unit strives to be a leading institution of higher education in the delivery of high-quality online programs that serve the ever-changing needs of diverse student learners.
Operational Description
We meet our mission by:
- assisting academic units in identifying, designing, developing, and implementing innovative and engaging online academic programs;
- supporting students in their academic journey through exceptional online support and services.
- ensuring quality in online academic programs by adhering to Quality Matters (QM) higher education standards for online course design;
- preparing faculty for the successful design and facilitation of online courses and programs through professional development programs supported by best practices in online education;
- supporting the development of a student-centered online curriculum by providing instructional resources and tools that help faculty design engaging courses;
- promoting and encouraging the use of applications and systems that support the delivery of a compelling, interactive, and dynamic curriculum;
- encouraging and coordinating faculty learning communities to promote the sharing of online best practices and effective technology-enabled teaching approaches and strategies; and
- developing and maintaining strategic alliances and partnerships with other educational institutions and community organizations.
Goals
- Ensure the college’s mission is reflected and integrated into our online programs and courses to demonstrate our commitment to the service of equitable and accessible education.
- Continue to grow our portfolio of high-quality online programs to meet the needs of students and our community.
- Improve learner engagement in online courses with innovative learning activities, assessment methods, and dynamic learning technologies.
- Assist faculty developing online courses with the creation of accessible curriculum and experiences.
- Develop an engaged, diverse online faculty by offering detailed professional development opportunities focused on online course design, facilitation, and accessibility.
- Coordinate the development and enhancement of support services for online students.
- Secure strategic, collaborative partnerships with the community to promote open, diverse, and empowering online programming.
- Align marketing efforts with online degree programs, enrollment demands, and growth opportunities to achieve enrollment goals.
Dr. Matt Goff: e-Portfolio 