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.
📌 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.
How CBE Programs Are Reimagining Tuition Models
A recent article from the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN) examines how institutions nationwide are redesigning tuition for CBE programs—balancing affordability, transparency, and sustainability. The piece compares traditional per-credit pricing with emerging approaches that better match the flexible, mastery-based pace of CBE.
Key insights from C-BEN include:
Per-credit tuition remains common but can misalign with CBE. Because students progress at different rates, per-credit pricing does not automatically improve affordability and can weaken the value proposition of flexible pacing.
Subscription or flat-rate term pricing offers the strongest alignment with CBE. C-BEN notes that subscription models reward acceleration, give learners predictable costs, and create a clear, student-friendly structure for planning progress. For institutions, flat-rate terms support scalable scheduling, simpler communication, and more reliable revenue forecasting.
Alternative models (e.g., banded or flat-rate degree pricing) underscore two essentials: transparency and predictability. C-BEN emphasizes that students choosing CBE need cost clarity up front, not variable or usage-based tuition.
At UNO, these national findings are informing the Maverick Flex Path tuition recommendation. A flat-rate per term model that centers learner affordability while ensuring long-term institutional sustainability.
As Quarter 4 comes to a close, the UNO+CBE Champion Project is completing the final design and build phase of 2025, ensuring that policies, processes, and systems are ready for the build-focused momentum of early 2026. With Quarter 5 on the horizon, teams are preparing to shift into full infrastructure development and quality assurance as we move steadily toward UNO’s inaugural CBE program launches.
Preparing for the HLC Site Visit
Planning for UNO’s upcoming Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site visit on January 26th - 27th continues to progress as the campus moves into the final stretch of preparation.
The next steps:
Draft Agenda Distribution (Mid-December): A preliminary agenda for the two-day visit will be shared, outlining session topics, participant roles, and visit flow.
Drop-In Mock Session: CCSW leadership (Erin Bass and Stephanie Larsen) will host an open, optional preparation session for anyone involved in the site visit. Dr. Laurie Graham Dodge (C-BEN), Dr. Ryan Specht-Boardman (C-BEN), and Jill Russell will join to answer questions and help participants practice key components of the review conversation.
Final Materials & Prep Binders (Mid-January): Participants will receive a finalized agenda, briefing materials, and day-of logistics to support confidence and consistency across campus interactions with reviewers
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: January 23
Update: The Steering Committee convened on December 9 to advance implementation planning for Maverick Flex Path as the project approaches launch-readiness. Discussions centered on accreditation preparation, cross-workgroup progress, and refinement of tuition models for both the inaugural graduate certificate and future program iterations. The meeting reflected steady momentum as the initiative transitions from design to operational testing in early 2026.
💡 Financial and Tuition Model Maverick Flex Path v1.0 – Pilot Program Update
The Executive Business Certificate will retain its existing flat-fee structure, with an additional CBE support fee paid to CCSW.
This structure supports launch readiness while maintaining familiarity for the college and university structures.
Maverick Flex Path v2.0 – Looking Ahead
Ongoing planning continues for a flat-rateper-term tuition model aligned with national best practices and future scalability.
Conversations will continue in Q5 2026 to inform Fall 2027 programs and beyond.
Next Steps
Faculty Senate will review the academic policy addenda this week; written documentation will be collected for the 26-27 catalog submission.
The Operations workgroup will begin operational simulation testing in January.
Marketing and Communication workgroup will have a live website by early Spring 2026; the student success coach and recruitment specialist will be ready for inquiries starting April 1.
Preparation materials and reviewer details for the HLC visit will be shared in the coming weeks.
✅ Working Decisions
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 homes will remain within their respective colleges.
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.
Update: The Academic Workgroup continues to advance the policies and instructional frameworks that will guide Maverick Flex Path. In late Q4, the team reviewed progress on academic policy addenda, faculty model development, and the emerging framework for course development and revision cycles. Several policy items are now under Faculty Senate review, with additional refinements expected before forwarding to Academic Affairs.
Q4 Highlights
Policy Development Progress: Drafts of key academic policy addenda, including quality points, GPA, credit hours, grading window, RSI, and incomplete policies, are under Faculty Senate review.
Faculty Model Drafting: The living draft of the Maverick Flex Path Faculty Model continues to evolve, informed by discussion on workload expectations, instructional support needs, and faculty onboarding.
Course Development and Maintenance Framework: The workgroup advanced its framework for course development, revisions, and maintenance cycles, including guidance on revision timelines, consistency across instructors, and integration of labor-market data.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize and advance policy addenda following Faculty Senate feedback.
Establish the finalized framework for course development and maintenance cycles to guide budgeting, instructional design, and curriculum review.
Begin work on Prior Learning Assessment (PLA/CPL) process audit and alignment with CBE learner pathways.
Draft an outline for the faculty orientation in Canvas for those teaching in the Maverick Flex Path model.
The Academic Workgroup remains focused on building the academic structures that will ensure rigor, consistency, and learner-centered design as Maverick Flex Path transitions into the next phase of development.
Next Meeting: December 12th Update: The Operations Workgroup is building the technical and process infrastructure that will support Maverick Flex Path’s recruitment, enrollment, and learner experience. This quarter, the team advanced communication automation, system integrations, and key components of the early-stage student journey ahead of January launch activities.
Q4 Highlights
Communication & Automation Framework: Progress continued on email, text, and phone strategies, including defining automation triggers and Salesforce needs for lead tracking.
Website & RFI Development: The Maverick Flex Path program page and streamlined RFI form are underway, with automated messaging workflows in development.
Admissions & Enrollment Processes: Roles and workflows for application specialists, recruiters, and success coaches were clarified to improve handoffs and tracking.
Student Success Hub Setup: Preparations began for advising and coaching tools, including Mowgli texting and training needs.
PeopleSoft Program Coding: Integration requirements for the CBE program setup were reviewed to ensure accurate student record management.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize communication automations and Salesforce integrations.
Complete RFI form, website content, and launch-ready communication templates.
Prepare Student Success Hub and Mowgli for orientation and coaching workflows.
Conduct full process testing in February using a simulated student.
The Operations Workgroup remains focused on ensuring that Maverick Flex Path delivers a seamless and well-supported learner experience.
Next Meeting: TBD Update:The Finance & HR Workgroup is establishing the financial and staffing foundation for Maverick Flex Path. This quarter, the team advanced long-term budget modeling and refined hiring and resource plans to ensure a sustainable and scalable launch.
Q4 Highlights
Business Model Drafted: The team drafted the five-year financial pro forma and business plan, incorporating pilot-year enrollment projections and expense modeling.
Staffing and Budget Alignment: Work progressed on defining FTE needs, hiring triggers, and budget home structures across academic units and central administration.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize hiring timelines and HR planning for positions supporting the 2026 pilot launch.
Develop a budget philosophy guide outlining resource allocation principles between colleges and the CCSW.
Continue developing Maverick Flex Path version 2.0 budget model with a flat rate per term framework.
Smaller task force groups will be formed to take on the version 2.0 budget modeling and analysis.
The Finance & HR Workgroup is ensuring that Maverick Flex Path is built on a financially sustainable and scalable foundation that supports both learners and faculty.
Next Meeting: TBD Update:The Student Affairs/Services Workgroup is advancing a holistic, learner-centered support model designed for CBE students. This quarter, the team focused on defining advising and coaching frameworks, developing key student-facing roles, and initiating plans for orientation and integrated support services that promote accessibility and sustained engagement.
Q4 Highlights
Student Support Framework Developed: The group outlined the CBE recruitment and success coaching models, mapping learner personas and touchpoints from enrollment through completion.
Role Development: Draft job descriptions were created for Student Success Coaches and Recruitment Specialists, establishing clear expectations for student engagement and support.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize student support workflows and refine coaching caseload expectations.
Design the orientation curriculum and integrate it into UNO’s online learning environment.
Identify opportunities for cross-department collaboration to streamline advising and retention systems.
The Student Affairs Workgroup is creating a student experience centered on accessibility, support, and continuous engagement.
Update: The Marketing & Communications Workgroup is progressing from foundational research into coordinated activation efforts that will support the launch of Maverick Flex Path. This quarter, the team advanced brand alignment, expanded digital development efforts, and strengthened cross-campus collaboration to prepare for future learner outreach.
Q4 Highlights
Messaging and Branding Alignment: The team continues to refine Maverick Flex Path messaging to ensure clarity, consistency, and resonance across audiences.
Website Development: Work on the last details to fully launch the Maverick Flex Path website, including program content, user pathways, and digital storytelling assets that highlight learner outcomes and institutional strengths.
Prospective Learner Communications: Collaboration with campus partners is progressing to develop a cohesive communications plan designed to nurture prospective student leads and support enrollment in the new Maverick Flex Path learning format.
Employer Engagement Strategy: Coordination with the University-to-Business (U2B) initiative continues to expand outreach to local employers and support future workforce-aligned offerings.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize website content, structure, and lead forms in partnership with Strategic Marketing and Communications.
Advance development of the prospective learner communications plan with an emphasis on sequencing, message flow, and audience segmentation.
Begin employer and alumni focus groups to refine value propositions and testimonial materials.
The MarComm Workgroup is building awareness and momentum for Maverick Flex Path through strategic storytelling, coordinated outreach, and strengthened relationships across the UNO community.
For more information, explore the following resource links:
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