About the Episode
About the Episode: In this episode, we are talking about a hot topic: OPMs, or online program management companies, and what they provide to universities. California Lutheran University partnered with an OPM, AllCampus, to launch 12 new online graduate and undergraduate programs, aimed at expanding access to flexible, affordable higher education. This strategic collaboration focuses on enhancing online offerings with support in instructional design, student services, and technology from a private company. This partnership is led by Tom Hoener, Associate Vice President, Enrollment Management at Cal Lutheran, and he joins me now to share his insights.
Key Takeaways
- Strategic Use of OPMs: California Lutheran University partnered with All Campus to develop 12 new online programs, addressing resource constraints and enhancing digital capabilities.
- Meeting Evolving Student Demands: Online programs allow Cal Lutheran to expand beyond its traditional geographic reach, catering to adult learners and professional students seeking flexibility.
- Overcoming Challenges: Building trust among faculty and aligning institutional priorities are crucial to the success of OPM partnerships.
- Sustainability Focus: Online courses developed through the partnership remain assets of the university, ensuring long-term value.
Episode Summary
Why Cal Lutheran Chose All Campus as its OPM Partner
Tom Hohner explains that Cal Lutheran selected All Campus after recognizing the need to expand its reach and adapt to changing student preferences. With an aging local population and limited internal resources for online program development, the university saw an opportunity to leverage All Campus’s expertise in instructional design, marketing, and student services. The collaboration aligns with Cal Lutheran’s goal of creating sustainable, high-quality online offerings that meet student demand.
Goals of the Partnership
The primary objective of the partnership is to increase access to higher education for students who require flexible learning formats. The programs focus on maintaining affordability while leveraging All Campus’s market research and analytics to price courses competitively. By providing scalable infrastructure and expertise, the partnership aims to deliver incremental growth and sustainable revenue while keeping student needs at the forefront.
Challenges and Solutions
The transition to online programs required navigating internal concerns and building relationships across the university. Faculty hesitations centered on the quality of online education and fears of outsourcing academic control. Tom emphasized the importance of transparency, trust, and collaboration in addressing these concerns. Regular meetings and involving faculty in the decision-making process were instrumental in fostering buy-in.
On the operational side, the partnership demanded significant initial effort to align IT systems, marketing strategies, and admissions processes. Tom noted the importance of a dedicated liaison to coordinate efforts between the university and the OPM.
The Importance of Faculty Engagement
Faculty involvement was critical in ensuring the success of the partnership. By focusing on the reality of online education’s growing relevance and sharing data on competitive programs, Tom and his team addressed concerns about quality and market positioning. Faculty buy-in not only helped streamline the implementation process but also highlighted the shared goal of maintaining academic integrity while adapting to new technologies.
About the Podcast: Embrace the future of higher education with Mastering the Next. Dr. Ray Lutzky takes you on a journey through the dynamic intersection of student recruitment and leading-edge technology, uncovering the next big trends in strategic enrollment management and the innovations that are transforming the academic landscape.
Whether it’s exploring AI-driven enrollment strategies, navigating the challenges of online learning platforms, or discussing the unique needs of non-traditional students, Mastering the Next is your go-to resource for staying ahead in the rapidly evolving world of higher ed.
Connect With Our Host:
Dr. Ray Lutzky
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lutzky/
About The Enrollify Podcast Network: Mastering the Next is a part of the Enrollify Podcast Network. If you like this podcast, chances are you’ll like other Enrollify shows too!
Some of our favorites include The EduData Podcast and Generation AI.
Enrollify is made possible by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.
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