UWM has an increasing national reputation for innovations in online and blended program delivery. Some of the most notable initiatives are outlined below.


The Flexible Option

UWM is a leading participant in the UW Flexible Option Program (Flex), a portfolio of online degrees and certificates that are offered in a self-paced, competency-based format. Administered through a collaboration with UW-Extension, Flex is designed for adult non-traditional learners. UWM’s Flex offerings (B.S. degrees in Nursing, Information Science & Technology, Biomedical Science-Diagnostic Imaging submajor, Biomedical Science-Health Sciences submajor, an Associates of Arts and Sciences, and an undergraduate certificate in Business and Technical Communications) first enrolled students in January 2014. To date, 200+ students have graduated from UWM’s Flex Option programs.

Overviews


The DETA Research Center

Academic Affairs received a $1.48M grant from the U.S. Department of Education to establish a national Center for the Study of Distance Education and Technological Advancement (DETA). The DETA Center will 1) develop and disseminate a national research model for online education and 2) identify and evaluate effective course and institutional practices in online learning and competency-based education for all students, including those who are economically disadvantaged, students with disabilities, and adult learners. Tanya Joosten, Academic Affairs and Communication, is the director of the DETA Center. Grant partners include UW System, UW-Extension, MATC, and EDUCAUSE.