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 or complete the Maverick Flex Path program interest form.
A recent article, “Fast Isn’t the Same as Simple,” highlights a critical insight for institutions designing accelerated and flexible learning models: speed alone does not ensure clarity, quality, or strong student outcomes. Nationally, demand for flexible degree pathways continues to grow, particularly among adult learners seeking options that fit work and life commitments. But as the article emphasizes, successful models are not simply faster, they are intentionally structured, with clear pathways, aligned assessments, and proactive support systems.
At UNO, this distinction is shaping Maverick Flex Path and our 8-week session model. While flexibility and shorter terms create access and momentum, the MFP program design is equally focused on building the academic policies, learner supports, and system alignment needed to ensure quality and consistency. The takeaway is clear: flexibility and accelerated pacing opportunities drive demand, but strong outcomes depend on thoughtful design.
Q5 concludes with a strong emphasis on institutional readiness, system integration, and final infrastructure completion.
As the UNO+CBE Champion Project transitions from Q5 into Q6, the focus shifts from building to testing and validation. With core design and development largely complete, we're now focused on end-to-end testing, quality assurance, and cross-functional alignment to make sure all systems, processes, and academic components are ready for launch.
Maverick Flex Path Inaugural Program Portfolio
Several graduate programs are in active development as part of the CBE initiative, with a planned start in Fall 2026 and continuing into Fall 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.
CBExchange on the Horizon
Hosted by the Competency-Based Education Network (C-BEN), CBExchange is the premier national convening for leaders and practitioners advancing competency-based education (CBE). The event brings together institutions from across the country to share innovations, lessons learned, and emerging practices shaping the future of higher education.
As UNO’s Maverick Flex Path initiative advances into its final phase ahead of launch, CBExchange offers a valuable opportunity to engage with peers, exchange insights, and showcase the progress of our work within the broader CBE community.
📅 September 30th - October 3rd, 2026 📍 The Walt Disney World Resort, FL 🔗 Learn more and stay informed here
✔️ Registration opens April 1st
We encourage faculty and staff involved in CBE efforts to consider attending and participating in this national conversation.
CBExchange 2026 Last Call for Proposals
TheCBExchange 2026 Call for Proposals Submission is due on March 31, 2026
🔗 View proposal guidelines and submit here. If you are interested in developing a proposal, please reach out. We’re happy to support idea development and collaboration.
The Steering Committee continues to guide the strategic direction of Maverick Flex Path, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and long-term sustainability as the initiative enters its final phase ahead of launch.
Next Meeting: April 1
💡Anticipated Discussion Areas
HLC & Program Approval Updates
The committee will review the latest status of accreditation and governance processes, including final IAC decision timeline and progress on HLC substantive change application for the College of Education Instructional Technology Leadership Graduate Certificate.
Finance & Tuition Models (MFP 1.0 and 2.0)
Continued discussion will focus on refining tuition structures and financial models for both the initial launch and future phases, including alignment with enrollment projections and long-term sustainability.
Marketing & Communications Strategy
Updates will highlight progress on marketing execution, including website readiness, campaign development, and alignment of messaging to support recruitment for Fall 2026.
KPI Framework & Performance Measurement
The committee will review the emerging KPI framework to track success across recruitment, student progress, and program outcomes, ensuring clear metrics are in place for launch and beyond.
Additional discussion will address overall strategic alignment, including the role of the Maverick Flex Path Executive Council and transition planning as the project moves toward launch.
✅ 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.
Q6 Focus: As the Academic Workgroup transitions into Q6, efforts are centered on finalizing remaining components of the academic model and ensuring readiness for launch. Current work emphasizes refining the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) strategy, and continuing development of the faculty orientation within Canvas. These efforts support a shift from design to validation, ensuring that academic structures, policies, and faculty support are clearly defined and operational.
Q5 Highlights: During Q5, the Academic Workgroup made significant progress on foundational elements of the academic model. Key areas included ongoing review of universal academic policies through the Faculty Senate, development of a course lifecycle framework (development, revision, and maintenance), and early planning for faculty onboarding and orientation. In addition, initial exploration of PLA approaches laid the groundwork for a more structured and equitable strategy aligned with competency-based principles.
Q6 Focus: As the Operations Workgroup enters Q6, efforts are centered on finalizing system configurations and advancing end-to-end testing across the full learner lifecycle. Current priorities include completing IT coding and infrastructure development, aligning financial aid (Title IV) processes, and validating data flows across SIS, CRM, and LMS systems. The team is also focused on confirming enrollment, registration, and billing workflows, ensuring all operational processes are clearly defined and ready for implementation ahead of launch.
Q5 Highlights: During Q5, the Operations Workgroup made substantial progress in building the technical and operational foundation for Maverick Flex Path. Key milestones included drafting the academic calendar structure, advancing registration and enrollment process design, and progressing tuition model implementation and supporting system updates. The team also completed VA benefits administration planning, initiated IT system integration and data flow mapping, and established initial frameworks for billing, enrollment timelines, and student onboarding processes, positioning operations for final validation in Q6.
Q6 Focus: As the Finance and HR Workgroup enters Q6, efforts are centered on finalizing the tuition model, billing structure, and financial processes to support the Maverick Flex Path launch. Current priorities include confirming the flat rate tuition approach for the inaugural program, refining billing and invoicing timelines, and aligning processes across student accounts, admissions, and academic units. The team is also advancing solutions for an innovative tuition and revenue model to be implemented in Fall 27.
Q5 Highlights: During Q5, the Finance and HR Workgroup made progress in shaping the financial and operational framework for Maverick Flex Path 1.0. Key efforts included advancing the tuition model and billing approach. The group also worked to define enrollment, invoicing, and payment workflows, while coordinating closely with operations and student services teams to ensure alignment across systems and processes in preparation for launch.
Q6 Focus: As the Student Affairs / Services Workgroup enters Q6, efforts are centered on finalizing and validating ahigh-touch, relationship-driven student support modelfor Maverick Flex Path. Current priorities include completing the online student orientation experience, finalizing advising, coaching, and onboarding workflows, and ensuring all student-facing communications and support processes are fully operational. The team is also focused on testing the student experience across the full lifecycle to ensure a seamless and supportive journey from inquiry through progression.
Q5 Highlights: During Q5, the Student Affairs / Services Workgroup made significant progress in advancing a comprehensive student support framework. Key efforts included continued development of the Maverick Flex Path student services model, expansion of automated and personalized communication strategies while aligning on a self-enrollment process supported by permit numbers, and exploring modifications to existing employer reimbursement processes to better support CBE learners in cooperation with finance and operations teams.
Q6 Focus: Moving into Q6, efforts are centered on executing the launch-ready marketing and communications strategy for Maverick Flex Path. Current priorities include finalizing and deploying nurture campaigns, refining the program website experience, and aligning messaging across channels to support the planned mid-April launch. The team is focused on ensuring that all student-facing communications are clear, cohesive, and aligned with institutional goals as outreach efforts scale.
Q5 Highlights: During Q5, the marketing and communicationsWorkgroup advanced key components of the Maverick Flex Path marketing strategy. Recent efforts included a comprehensive review of the nurturing process, website development, and overall campaign approach to ensure readiness for launch. The team also continued developing student-facing messaging, value propositions, and marketing assets, positioning the initiative for a coordinated and effective rollout in the next phase.
C-BEN's Final On-Site Visit: Preparing for Launch
On Friday, April 17, UNO will host C-BEN consultant Dr. Ryan Specht-Boardman for his final on-site visit as part of the UNO+CBE Champion Project. This milestone marks the transition into Quarter 6 and serves as a key moment to validate institutional readiness ahead of the planned Fall 2026 launch of Maverick Flex Path, pending HLC/IAC approval.
Throughout the day, cross-functional teams will engage in focused working sessions to confirm alignment across recruitment, student success, academic delivery, systems, financial aid, and finance. Discussions will center on ensuring a seamless learner experience—from inquiry through enrollment and persistence—while also finalizing faculty readiness, KPI tracking, and operational workflows.
The visit will conclude with a leadership debrief to synthesize key insights, identify any remaining risks, and confirm next steps as UNO moves from development into implementation.
For more information, explore the following resource links: