--- title:  UNO+CBE Champion Newsletter --- Catch the latest from UNO+CBE Champions! | View in browser March 19, 2025 \| Volume 1 \| Issue 1   Introducing the UNO+CBE Champion Project: a groundbreaking initiative designed to build the vital infrastructure needed to support academic programs in offering CBE degree pathways. In collaboration with the Competency-based Education Network (C-BEN), we are leveraging national expertise to establish and sustain CBE at UNO. This ambitious project unites 65 dedicated champions from across our campus, organized into five specialized workgroups and a strategic steering committee. Together, they are crafting innovative recommendations to drive our mission forward. What is CBE @ UNO? CBE enhances our current student experience and programming at UNO by introducing an innovative learning pathway. It empowers us to connect with students we might not be reaching or serving to our fullest potential. Driven by our dedicated faculty, CBE programs are thoughtfully designed and crafted by the esteemed educators at UNO. Learn More Important Dates Quarter 1 Ends: March 31st Quarter 2 Begins: April 1st (April – June). The Steering Committee continues to shape the strategic direction of CBE at UNO, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and national best practices. Below are the latest decisions and updates from the most recent meeting. Facilitator: Jaci Lindburg Next Meeting: March 31   Update: The Steering Committee recently engaged in a value proposition exercise, exploring UNO’s unique positioning in the competency-based education space. This exercise will help define the guiding principles and strategic direction for CBE at UNO. The outcome will be a high-level strategy/vision statement that articulates core values and informs the decisions of all workgroups​.   Key discussion points included: Balancing innovation with institutional readiness, ensuring CBE implementation is ambitious but realistic. Flexibility vs. structure—the committee acknowledged the importance of balancing learner agency with institutional constraints. Risk appetite assessment—concerns about federal regulation changes and operational complexities were discussed, leading to decisions that prioritize scalability and compliance. Working Decisions & Affirmed Proposals The Steering Committee affirmed two key proposals submitted by the Operations and Academic Workgroups:   ✅ Decision on Course and Credit-Based vs. Direct Assessment CBE UNO will seek HLC accreditation for Course and Credit-Based CBE, which aligns with existing institutional structures and simplifies financial aid processes. ✅ Decision on Online, In-Person, or Hybrid Program Delivery UNO CBE programs will follow a hybrid model, ensuring that courses are online whenever possible, with in-person components only when required (e.g., practicums, labs)​. Below you will find key updates from each workgroup. These updates summarize the most important discussions and progress across committees, ensuring all CBE Champions are aligned with developments from other groups.   Academic \| Facilitator: Erin Bass Next Meeting: March 27 Update: The academic workgroup finalized the program modality recommendation as hybrid, emphasizing online delivery with in-person components as needed (e.g., practicums)​. The team also recommended course/credit-based CBE over direct assessment, aligning with operational and financial aid perspectives​. Currently, the workgroup is working on a proposal template for academic departments to submit inaugural program proposals, with a focus on student demand, faculty resources, and curriculum mapping.   Operations \| Facilitator: Stephanie Larsen Next Meeting: March 28 Update: The team is working on a comprehensive IT systems audit, identifying key platforms that will need modifications for CBE implementation​. They are also researching FSA academic calendar options, including standard, non-standard, and subscription-based models. The goal is to determine the best fit for UNO while ensuring financial aid compliance​. A proposal on FSA calendar recommendation will be presented to the Steering Committee in Q2.   Finance/HR \| Facilitator: Myah Lanoux-Nguyen Next Meeting: March 25 Update: The finance team has confirmed that the initial CBE program launch is covered under the CSW Hub budget, meaning no additional funding is needed at this time. The group is setting long-term financial sustainability goals, with a target to become revenue-generating within 3-5 fiscal years after program launch. They are also defining the budget philosophy for CBE programs at UNO, considering options such as revenue-sharing models with academic departments .   Student Affairs/Services \| Facilitator: Colton Janes Next Meeting: March 28 Update: The workgroup has compiled an inventory of student services, mapping available support resources and identifying gaps specific to adult and online learners. A survey is being developed to gather insights from key stakeholders on enhancing student support for CBE students. The group is also reviewing best practices from other institutions and plans to draft preliminary recommendations by the next meeting.   Marketing/Communications \| Facilitator: Moises Morales Next Meeting: March 28 Update: The team is working on branding UNO’s CBE initiative, analyzing how other institutions market their CBE programs and exploring name options. This group will benefit greatly from the strategy statement that will come from the steering committee.  For more information, explore the following resource links: UNO+CBE Champion \| Overview UNO+CBE Champion \| SharePoint UNO+CBE Champion \| Workgroup Proposals UNO+CBE Champion \| Steering Committee Decisions UNO+CBE Champion \| Quarter 1 Milestones UNO+CBE Champion \| SC/WG Scope and Membership UNO +CBE Champions Canvas Micro Course For questions or feedback about this project, please reach out to Stephanie Larsen or Dr. Erin Bass. Follow us on social media University of Nebraska Omaha, 6001 Dodge Street, Omaha, NE 68182, United States, 402.554.2800 Manage preferences | | --- |