As Maverick Flex Path moves from vision to implementation, UNO is building a shared infrastructure to support all CBE programs across campus. This ensures that every program launched through Maverick Flex Path shares a consistent structure, quality standard, and learner experience.
đź“Ś All CBE programs at UNO will be designed, built, and delivered through the Maverick Flex Path model in coordination with the Center for Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development (CCSW).
Interested in proposing a CBE program or have questions about the process? To learn more, contact Dr. Erin Bass,Executive Director, Center for Competencies, Skills, and Workforce Development.
National Report Highlights CBE’s Role in Employer Trust
A new joint publication from UpSkill America and the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) highlights how competency-based education can help rebuild trust between employers and higher education by making learning outcomes more transparent and verifiable.
Released in July 2025, The Role of Competency-Based Education in Strengthening Trust Between Employers and Higher Education draws on employer perspectives to underscore growing demand for graduates who can demonstrate applied skills earned within their credentials. The report emphasizes that CBE’s focus on clearly defined competencies, authentic assessment, and evidence of mastery offers a compelling response to skills-first hiring practices.
The findings reinforce a core principle of our work: when institutions design learning around what students can do and make that learning visible—employers gain confidence in graduate readiness, and learners gain clearer pathways to opportunity.
As the Maverick Flex Path initiative enters Quarter 5 (Q5), the project focus has shifted decisively toward completing infrastructure, operational readiness, and system integration. With foundational policy, governance, and design work largely complete, Q5 centers on ensuring that academic, operational, financial, and student support systems are fully aligned and prepared for implementation.
đź“Ł Higher Learning Commission Site Visit
UNO recently hosted its Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Site Visit on January 26, marking an important milestone in the continued advancement of Maverick Flex Path.
During the visit, colleagues from across the university came together to present a clear and compelling picture of UNO’s commitment to competency-based education through Maverick Flex Path. Academic leadership, faculty, and staff demonstrated strong alignment and collaboration, reflecting the care, preparation, and shared ownership that have guided this work from the beginning.
We are deeply grateful to everyone who contributed, through planning, preparation of materials, participation in sessions, or behind-the-scenes coordination. This milestone reflects the collective dedication, professionalism, and partnership of colleagues across UNO.
➡️ As we await formal feedback from HLC, this moment stands as a meaningful step forward, reinforcing the strength of our approach and the momentum we continue to build together in support of Maverick Flex Path.
Spring 2026 Workshops
Demystifying CBE & CBL: Program vs. Practice
What’s the difference between Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Competency-Based Learning (CBL), and why does it matter at UNO?
Come learn about the difference between Competency-Based Education (CBE) and Competency-Based Learning (CBL) and why is matters at UNO. Join this virtual drop-in session to explore how these two approaches differ at UNO, from formal program development (CBE) to course-level instructional strategies (CBL). Bring your questions—there will be plenty of time for Q&A.
Faculty Skill-Badge Pilot: Embedding UNO’s Top 10 Skills
Join us to learn about UNO’s new Skills-Badge Pilot, designed to help faculty embed the UNO’s Top 10 Skills into their courses. This session will provide an overview of the pilot framework, examples of how skills can be integrated into existing assignments, and guidance on how to participate in the faculty of pilot. Attendees will leave with practical strategies and resources from the UNO Top 10 Skills Faculty Hub to begin aligning their course outcomes with the skills that prepare students for career success with verified digital skills badges!
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: February 25
Update: The Steering Committee met on January 22 to review Q5 progress and coordinate next steps as Maverick Flex Path advances through infrastructure build and launch readiness. Committee discussions focused on cross-workgroup alignment and readiness for the recent HLC site visit, and priorities related to systems, operations, financial sustainability, and student support as the initiative moves toward testing and quality assurance.
đź’ˇ Key Discussion Points
HLC Change Site Visit
Committee members reviewed final preparations and participated in discussions following the Higher Learning Commission visit, acknowledging the broad campus engagement and readiness demonstrated during the review.
Marketing and Communications Strategy The committee reviewed the marketing and communications strategy for the inaugural Maverick Flex Path launch, confirming a phased approach to awareness, consideration, and lead nurturing. Members discussed audience targeting and timing, with paid marketing scheduled to begin April 1 to support launch readiness and enrollment goals.
Cross-Workgroup Milestone Review
The group received consolidated updates from all workgroups, highlighting progress on academic policy adoption, IT systems planning, marketing strategy development, and financial model refinement. Steering affirmed that work remains on track toward coordinated readiness for the Fall 2026 launch.
Financial Strategy and Sustainability
The committee reviewed the emerging business model and three-year pro forma, confirming next steps for staffing assumptions, budget philosophy decisions, and revenue alignment with institutional priorities.
âś… Working Decisions
Marketing Strategy affirmed for inaugural program launch.
Policy addenda for Maverick Flex Path approved by Faculty Senate.
Maverick Flex Path approved as the official brand name for UNO’s CBE portfolio.
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 coordinating unit and shared services provider supporting all Maverick Flex Path (CBE) programs.
Academic programs will remain within their respective colleges.
These updates summarize the most important discussions and progress across committees, ensuring all CBE Champions are aligned with developments from other groups.
Q5 Updates: The Academic Workgroup finalized all required CBE policy addenda and secured Faculty Senate approval. Q5 work is focused on completing the course development, revision, and maintenance framework, advancing a CBE faculty orientation, and initiating next steps for PLA processes and student redirection pathways in preparation for testing and launch readiness.
Q4 Highlights: The Academic Workgroup completed several foundational milestones, including Faculty Senate approval of all required CBE policy addenda, effective January 2026. The Maverick Flex Path catalog description was also approved, advancing institutional and accreditation readiness.
Next Meeting: February 6 Q5 Updates: The Operations Workgroup continued advancing the technical and operational infrastructure supporting Maverick Flex Path. Q5 efforts are focused on implementing the IT project plan to support the full end-to-end learner experience, advancing academic calendar and registration process design.
Q4 Highlights: The Operations Workgroup completed several critical infrastructure milestones, including finalizing the IT project plan, SIS and transcript implementation plans, and drafting a 5Ă—8 academic calendar model. The team also developed a bursar and cashiering framework to support the flat-rate tuition model and aligned CBE academic reporting with institutional research processes.
Finance/HR | Facilitator: Dr. Erin Bass & Stephanie Larsen
Next Meeting: February 10 Q5 Updates: The Finance Workgroup is focused on strengthening the financial foundation for Maverick Flex Path, with a focus on long-term sustainability and launch readiness. Q5 focuses on finalizing the multi-year business model, confirming staffing assumptions, and aligning budget structures to support both the inaugural programs and future expansion.
Q4 Highlights: The Finance Workgroup recommended a flat-rate tuition model for the Fall 2026 Maverick Flex Path launch and completed a three-year financial pro forma to support institutional planning and HLC review.
Next Meeting: TBD Q5 Updates: The Student Affairs & Services Workgroup continued shaping a coordinated, student-centered support model for Maverick Flex Path learners. During Q5, the group will focus on operational readiness, cross-unit coordination, and ensuring staff and systems are prepared to support learners from onboarding through completion.
Q4 Highlights: A smaller taskforce initiated planning for the Maverick Flex Path student orientation, establishing early alignment around advising, coaching, and student support expectations tailored to a competency-based model.
Q5 Updates: The Marketing & Communications Workgroup continued advancing outreach and engagement strategies to support Maverick Flex Path awareness and recruitment. Q5 efforts are focused on refining student-facing messaging, optimizing digital experiences and lead workflows, and expanding employer and alumni engagement in preparation for launch.
Q4 Highlights: The Marketing & Communications Workgroup developed the CBE marketing plan for inaugural programs, including value propositions, messaging frameworks, and asset strategies. The team also created an initial website shell and digital framework for the Maverick Flex Path portfolio and began developing student-facing marketing assets, including messaging concepts, website mockups, and lead capture workflows.
For more information, explore the following resource links:
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