Quarter 4 Snapshot

As we enter the final quarter of the year, the UNO+CBE Champion Project continues to build on strong progress from Q3 while launching several key initiatives that will shape the next phase of our 18-month infrastructure build.

Fall Drop-In Information Sessions

What’s the difference between Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Competency-Based Learning (CBL)—and why does it matter at UNO?

Join us for these virtual drop-in sessions to explore how these two models show up differently across the university—from full program structures to course-level strategies. Whether you’re developing curriculum or redesigning a single class, this session will help clarify where your work fits.

✅ Open to faculty and staff
✅ Great for both newcomers and CBE champions
✅ Live Q&A included

Introducing Maverick Flex Path

After months of stakeholder feedback, strategy development, and cross-campus collaboration, the Steering Committee has formally approved the branded name for UNO’s CBE initiative: Maverick Flex Path.

This name reflects our core values of flexibility, accessibility, and learner-driven design—while proudly connecting to UNO’s Maverick identity. The term “Flex Path” clearly communicates the essence of Competency-Based Education (CBE): flexible pacing, career relevance, and personalized learning journeys.

The name emerged as the top choice in our adult learner branding survey, which gathered over 120 responses from prospective students, alumni, and workforce partners. The Maverick Flex Path brand is now moving into trademarking and launch prep, with early marketing assets, web design, and messaging underway!

Maverick Flex Path Inaugural Program Portfolio

Four graduate programs are officially in active development and scheduled to launch in Fall 2026 and Spring 2027:

• Graduate Certificate in Executive Business (CBA)

• Graduate Certificate in Instructional Technology Leadership (CEHHS)

• M.S. in Elementary Education with Concentration in ITL (CEHHS)

• M.S. in Secondary Education with Concentration in ITL (CEHHS)

These programs represent UNO’s first step toward creating learner-centered, workforce-aligned pathways that offer flexible and practical options for adult learners.

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.

Next Meeting: November 5, 2025

Update:
The Steering Committee met on September 23 to finalize key implementation elements for Maverick Flex Path, UNO’s newly branded CBE portfolio. The group also reviewed proposed student services structures, academic policy drafts, and tuition models as the initiative enters Q4: the policy and governance planning phase.

Key Discussion Points

Branded Name: Maverick Flex Path
The Committee formally adopted Maverick Flex Path as the brand name for UNO’s CBE programs. The name was approved by General Counsel and is now undergoing trademarking. All workgroups are encouraged to begin using this name in internal and external communications.

Student Services Model
The Student Affairs Workgroup presented a draft support model, including:

• Learner personas

• A mapped support journey

• Draft job descriptions for the Student Success Coach and Recruitment Specialist

The committee discussed workload distribution and early FTE planning for pilot year implementation.

Tuition & Academic Model
Finance & HR recommended a subscription-based tuition model. The Steering Committee endorsed this recommendation for planning and modeling purposes.

Academic and operational leaders also reviewed a CBE-specific RSI policy addendum and confirmed alignment with federal guidance.

✅ Working Decisions

• Maverick Flex Path approved as the official brand name for UNO’s CBE portfolio

• A subscription-based tuition model will serve as the foundation for pilot planning
• UNO will adopt the Maverick Flex Path Learning Model put forth by the academic workgroup

• UNO will adopt the Standard Term FSA calendar with a 5x8-week structure

• UNO will pursue course- and credit-based CBE (not direct assessment)

• Programs will follow a hybrid delivery model (online-first with in-person as needed)

• The Center for Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development (CCSW) will serve as the administrative home

• Academic homes will remain within their respective colleges

The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for November 5.

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: October 30

Update: The Academic Workgroup closed out Q3 with substantial progress on policy development, faculty model design, and governance preparation. With foundational decisions in place, the team now turns to Q4 priorities: aligning academic policies, finalizing program documentation, and submitting curricula for approval.

Q3 Highlights

• Learning Model Finalized: The UNO CBE Learning Model has been sent to the Steering Committee for review and is being adapted for faculty- and student-facing use.

• Faculty Model & RSI Addendum Drafted: The group endorsed a partially bundled faculty model with three roles: Developer, Instructor & Assessor, and Mentor/Coach. A CBE-specific RSI policy addendum was also drafted to clarify expectations under federal distance education guidelines.

• Grading Policy Discussions: The group reviewed UNO’s current A–F scale and will propose a new CBE-aligned structure centered around mastery.  

Next Up in Q4

• Finalize academic policy addenda: mastery definition, grading, incomplete policy, retake policy, etc.

• Begin audit of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA/CPL) policies for CBE alignment

The Academic Workgroup is shaping the policies and instructional models that will uphold academic integrity, flexibility, and learner success in Maverick Flex Path.

Next Meeting: October 23 (small task force)
Update: The Operations Workgroup finalized the structure for a 5×8 academic calendar: Five eight-week sessions embedded within standard semesters—to provide rolling start dates while maintaining compliance with institutional systems.

Q3 Highlights

Academic Calendar & Enrollment Infrastructure

Next-phase work includes aligning registration, degree audit, and transcript systems with Maverick Flex Path, ensuring seamless integration with academic and student support workflows

Finance & HR Workgroup: Subscription-Based Tuition and Staffing Models

• Reviewing the subscription-based tuition model proposed by the Finance Workgroup, with anticipated flat-rate pricing

• Financial aid delivery under this model will initially be manual, with planning underway for policy alignment and federal compliance

Systems & Reporting

• Completed first draft of a CBE systems map and data flow diagram 

• Coordinating with Institutional Research to align CBE reporting (e.g., IPEDS) with existing campus practices

• Exploring transcript formatting for CBE learners and evaluating potential for Comprehensive Learner Records (CLR)

Next Up in Q4
The team is preparing for key policy and system decisions tied to the subscription model, and onboarding flow. Collaborative planning with Academic, Student Affairs, and Financial Aid will continue through Q4.

Next Meeting: October 22
Update: The Finance & HR Workgroup is finalizing recommendations for how UNO’s CBE programs will be funded, priced, and staffed—ensuring a model that’s sustainable, scalable, and aligned

Q3 Highlights

Tuition Model Recommendation
The group formally recommended a subscription-based tuition model to the Steering Committee at the end of September.  This approach provides:

• Flat-rate flexibility for learners

• Predictable revenue modeling for the institution

• Competitive pricing aligned with peer institutions

Workload & Budget Planning

• Began estimating expenditure categories tied to CBE enrollment

• Developing workload ratios (e.g., how many learners one recruiter, advisor, or registrar staff member can reasonably support)

• Compensation discussions continue, focusing on per-course enrollment at census as a starting point

Next Up in Q4

• Build and refine the CBE business model and pro forma

• Finalize tuition rate and budget philosophy (central vs. college-level, use of state funds, etc.)

• Determine pilot-year staffing plan, including FTE needs, hiring triggers, and cost assumptions

This workgroup is creating the financial backbone of CBE at UNO—balancing innovation with operational and fiscal responsibility.

Next Meeting: September 12
Update: The Student Affairs/Services Workgroup continues to build the foundation for a holistic, learner-centered support model that aligns with the unique needs of CBE students. The team has shifted from early planning to policy development, staffing models, and cross-campus coordination.

Q3 Highlights:

Student Journey & Support Model

• Finalizing the draft CBE learner journey map, which outlines the full lifecycle of support from inquiry to graduation

• Identified core service needs and defined coaching/advising checkpoints

• Steering Committee affirmed moving forward with this model as part of the pilot in Fall 2026 with the understanding that it may evolve. 

Next Up

• Create academic advising rules and systems in partnership with Financial Aid and the Registrar

• Assist in drafting the framework for CBE-specific student orientation 

This team is designing a student experience that’s proactive, integrated, and deeply attuned to the flexibility and accountability that CBE learners need to succeed.

Next Meeting: October 23 (small task force)
Update: The Marketing & Communications Workgroup has entered a new phase—transitioning from market research and audience testing to brand development and campaign planning.

Q3 Highlights

Survey Complete: Name Recommendation Made: In Q3, the team finalized and launched the CBE Naming & Branding Survey, which gathered feedback from over 120 adult learners, prospective students, and partners. Insights from the survey helped shape the formal name recommendation to the Steering Committee in August.

Now in Progress

• Building the UNO+CBE marketing plan to support the inaugural program launch

• Outlining student-facing messaging, including value propositions, tone, and brand language

• Beginning website structure and campaign collateral in collaboration with Strategic Marketing

• Exploring audience segmentation strategies for graduate vs. undergraduate CBE recruitment

Next Up

• Finalize website mock-up, lead forms, and campaign content

• Develop tested outreach messaging aligned with the U2B strategy

• Begin internal asset development and soft testing of brand materials

This team is turning strategy into story—creating the foundation for how CBE at UNO will connect with learners and stand out in the marketplace.

CBExchange 2025: Wrangling Skills in this Wild, Wild West Environment

UNO is heading to CBExchange 2025, the premier national conference on Competency-Based Education. The event will take place:

🗓️ November 10–13, 2025
📍 Phoenix, Arizona

We’re excited to share that Dr. Erin Bass and Stephanie Larsen, M.A. will be presenting on behalf of the UNO+CBE Champion Project!

🎤 UNO+CBE Sessions at CBExchange:

• Communication as a Catalyst: Using Communication to Win Faculty Buy-In and Keep the Wagon Moving (Stephanie Larsen)

• Mission Meets Market: Defining and Positioning CBE Through Institutional Strategy (Erin Bass)

Whether you’re attending or just curious, we’ll be gathering takeaways to share broadly with our campus partners. 🔗 Learn more: CBENetwork.org/events