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.
National Higher Education Trends Align with Maverick Flex Path Priorities
A recent Deloitte Insights article outlines major trends shaping the U.S. higher education landscape, identifying financial sustainability pressures, shifting workforce expectations, and the need to innovate beyond traditional degree models as central challenges for institutions this year. The report, informed by conversations with college and university leaders at Deloitte’s New Era Forum, emphasizes that institutions must adapt structurally and strategically to remain resilient and mission-focused amid ongoing disruption.
These trends underscore the importance of learner-centered models that prioritize competency, flexibility, and real-world relevance. UNO’s Maverick Flex Path reflects this shift by enabling students to progress based on demonstrated competencies rather than fixed schedules, aligning directly with the report’s call for innovative approaches to curriculum and credentialing. As institutions nationwide grapple with evolving student needs and workforce demands, Maverick Flex Path positions UNO at the forefront of higher education innovation.
Quarter 5 (Build) focuses on readiness, integration, and preparation for testing.
As the Maverick Flex Path initiative advances through late Quarter 5 (Q5), focus remains on completing infrastructure, strengthening operational readiness, and aligning systems for implementation. With core design work complete, February activities emphasize validation, refinement, and cross-functional coordination to ensure readiness as the project approaches the next phase.
CBExchange 2026 Call for Proposals
The CBExchange 2026 Call for Proposals is now open.
Hosted by C-BEN, CBExchange is a leading national convening for competency-based education innovators. After a year of deep institutional work advancing our CBE model, this is a strong opportunity to share our progress, lessons learned, and emerging practices with the broader field.
We encourage faculty and staff involved in our CBE efforts to consider submitting a proposal.
If you are interested in developing a proposal, please reach out. We’re happy to support idea development and collaboration.
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.
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!
The Steering Committee continues to guide the strategic direction of Maverick Flex Path, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities, accreditation requirements, and long-term financial sustainability as the initiative advances toward launch.
Next Meeting: April 1
Update: The Steering Committee met on February 25th to review financial modeling for Maverick Flex Path 1.0 (AY 26-27) and 2.0 (AY 27-28 and beyond), review draft website and marketing efforts, and confirm next steps related to accreditation and governance transition. Discussions centered on tuition rate planning, next HLC application submission timelines, and coordinated launch preparation across units.
💡 Key Discussion Points
Finance & Tuition Model (1.0 and 2.0)
The committee reviewed the Maverick Flex Path 1.0 pilot tuition structure for the AY 26–27 Graduate Certificate in Executive Business, with discussion continuing on final program rate. Planning is underway for Maverick Flex Path 2.0 (AY 27–28 and beyond), including evaluation of a subscription-style flat rate per term model and revenue recognition approaches.
Marketing & Website Launch Readiness
Draft website pages were reviewed with a strong student-centered focus, highlighting flexibility, sequential course progression, and potential digital badging. The website is targeted for April launch, pending final IAC approval. Marketing and communications efforts remain aligned to support enrollment beginning August 25th.
HLC & Program Approvals
The committee is awaiting final IAC approval (expected March 30) for the Executive Business Graduate Certificate. Planning is underway to submit the HLC substantive change application for the Teacher Education Instructional Technology Leadership graduate certificate, targeting an April 1 submission before HLC’s revised CBE application process takes effect in September.
Launch Preparation & Risk Review
A Fall 2026 launch risk status review confirmed no major material changes since January. Efforts preparing for launch include Student Support team training, enrollment and billing task force coordination, and KPI development, which will be presented at the April 1 meeting.
✅ 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: Q5 work is now focused on completing the course development, revision, and maintenance framework, advancing the Canvas-based Maverick Flex Path 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 while positioning the program for implementation.
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. IT build efforts are underway, including registration process mapping, PeopleSoft program setup, Salesforce/RFI data flow planning, and code changes to support the new tuition model and academic calendar. VA benefits administration planning has been completed with a reporting plan in place.
Q4 Highlights: The Operations Workgroup completed several critical infrastructure milestones, including finalizing the IT project plan, SIS and transcript implementation plans, and drafting a 5×8 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.
Next Meeting: March11 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 business model and aligning budget structures to support both the inaugural programs and future expansion.
Q4 Highlights: The Finance Workgroup completed a three-year financial pro forma to support institutional planning and HLC review.
Q5 Updates: The Student Affairs & Services Workgroup hasn't met this quarter as a full group. Instead, key members of the group have been working with other key members from the marketing and communications and operations workgroups having formed a targeted task force. This task force is refining the prospective student communication and onboarding experience for Maverick Flex Path learners including the development of a student orientation. Recent discussions focused on aligning communication timelines with application status changes, improving text and email sequencing, and coordinating CRM workflows to ensure a seamless transition from recruiter to student success coach.
Q4 Highlights: The workgroup strengthened alignment between admissions, coaching, and communications workflows, clarifying timing expectations for applicant follow-up and ensuring messaging supports a student-centered, high-touch onboarding experience tailored to the Maverick Flex Path model.
Q5 Updates: This group did not meet in quarter 5. Instead key members are contributing to a targeted task force that includes key members from both operations and student affairs/services. This task force is finalizing a detailed recruitment roadmap designed to intentionally nurture prospective students from initial inquiry through enrollment. Recent refinements include updated email and text communication sequences, Salesforce task automation, and alignment of messaging timelines with application status changes and admission processes. Key communications assets, including the Maverick Flex Path website, social media content, press materials, and redesigned email templates are being developed in preparation for the spring marketing 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:
%20(1038%20x%20120%20px).jpg?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Wall%20Decor%20Store%20Header%20(1038%20x%20160%20px)%20(1038%20x%20120%20px).jpg)
%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)%20(5).png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Wall%20Decor%20Store%20Header%20(1038%20x%20160%20px)%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)%20(5).png)
%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)%20(3)-2.webp?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Wall%20Decor%20Store%20Header%20(1038%20x%20160%20px)%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)%20(3)-2.webp)
%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)-1.png?upscale=true&width=1120&upscale=true&name=Wall%20Decor%20Store%20Header%20(1038%20x%20160%20px)%20(1038%20x%20120%20px)-1.png)
