Overcoming those barriers has led to positive outcomes, and the report notes that nearly two-thirds of CIC member institutions that offer online programs have increased both revenue and student enrollment. Three-quarters increased student access to their programs, and more than half said they have attracted students outside of what they consider their “traditional” service area.
Forty-four percent of surveyed CIC member institutions hope to increase their international student enrollment in the next two years, and 33 percent said they hope to develop competency-based education courses.
The report also offers a number of recommendations to help CIC member institutions develop and deliver online programs. The recommendations are not one-size-fits-all, but are intended to act as guideposts to build a more robust online presence.
1. Hire an online leader and appropriate staff.
2. Educate and incentivize faculty to teach online.
3. Revise policies and procedures to accommodate online faculty.
4. Use good accounting and budgeting practices.
5. Expand online offerings.
6. Save national and international marketing dollars for niche programs.
7. Accept all legitimate course credit.
8. Invest in outcomes.
9. Synthesize online and on-ground operations for a consistent student experience.
10. Offer competency-based programs and alternatives such as badges and bootcamps.
11. Provide more and better faculty development.
12. Take advantage of professional organizations.
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