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.
Universities Lean into Competency-Based Education
Colleges nationwide are accelerating competency based education to meet workforce needs, as detailed in a recent Forbes article. The shift centers on mastery, employer alignment, and flexible credentials.
Progress by demonstrating mastery, not time in class
Tighter alignment between learning outcomes and employer defined skills
Growth of modular microcredentials and digital badges
At UNO, this momentum aligns with our mission and innovative work we've been doing already. The CCSW is laying the groundwork for scalable CBE through the UNO+CBE Champion Project as we get ready to launch Maverick Flex Path (UNO's CBE portfolio) in Fall 2026!
As we move deeper into Quarter 4, the final phase of 2025, the UNO+CBE Champion Project continues to transition from design and implementation to refinement and readiness. Each workgroup is now aligning outputs to ensure institutional integration, scalability, and compliance, paving the way for a strong start to 2026 and the final stretch toward UNO’s inaugural CBE program launches.
Preparing for the HLC Site Visit
In the months ahead, the CCSW team will begin preparing the campus community for the upcoming Higher Learning Commission (HLC) site visit. This visit will mark an important milestone in demonstrating UNO’s readiness to implement and sustain competency-based education.
Our team will provide clear communication and structured preparation for all participants, including:
A finalized visit agenda, developed in collaboration with university leadership.
Read-ahead materials and briefing summaries to ensure participants are informed and confident.
Calendar invitations for meetings, sessions, and site visits at key campus locations, including Mammel Hall.
More information will be shared in the coming weeks as the schedule and materials are finalized. Thank you for your continued support as UNO prepares to showcase its CBE progress and institutional readiness.
Conference Highlight: CBExchange 2025: Wrangling Skills in This Wild, West Environment
The CCSW team attended and presented at the CBExchange 2025, the premier national conference on Competency-Based Education (CBE), earlier this month.
Representing the UNO + CBE Champion Project,Dr. Erin Bass and Stephanie Larsen, M.A., delivered two dynamic presentations that showcased UNO’s leadership in advancing innovative, workforce-aligned education models, sharing UNO’s communication and strategy models for faculty engagement and institutional positioning in CBE. They also met with peer institutions, including the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option, University of Kansas Jayhawk Flex, and East Texas A&M, building partnerships and exchanging implementation insights.
🎤 UNO at CBExchange 2025:
“Communication as a Catalyst: Using Communication to Win Faculty Buy-In and Keep the Wagon Moving": Presented by Stephanie Larsen
“Mission Meets Market: Defining and Positioning CBE Through Institutional Strategy”:Presented by Dr. Erin Bass
The CCSW team returned with key insights and best practices to inform ongoing CBE implementation and campus-wide collaboration.
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: December 9
Update:The Steering Committee convened to advance implementation planning for Maverick Flex Path, UNO’s competency-based education (CBE) portfolio. The group focused on launch readiness, policy alignment, and accreditation preparation as the project enters the final phase of its design and build cycle.
Key Discussion Points
Higher Learning Commission (HLC) Preparation Erin Bass and Jill Russell provided an update on preparations for the upcoming HLC site visit, expected in early 2026. The team is coordinating schedules and documentation to ensure UNO’s CBE model and governance structures are well represented during the review process.
Financial and Tuition Model Susan Eldridge and Erin Bass shared the five-year Maverick Flex Path financial model. The leadership team is still working through different financial framework possibilities for Maverick Flex Path.
Operations, Systems, and Course Design Stephanie Larsen presented updates on IT systems mapping and operational integration to support the student journey, from enrollment through competency verification. She also reported progress on course development grants, where instructional designers are partnering with C-BEN to ensure consistency and quality across all pilot courses.
The committee affirmed flexible faculty workload models and celebrated the official state-level approval of the CCSW by the Nebraska Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE), a major institutional milestone that formalizes UNO’s leadership in competency-based learning.
âś… 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.
The next Steering Committee meeting is scheduled for December 9, 2025, to continue advancing Maverick Flex Path implementation and cross-campus coordination.
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 is finalizing the policies and instructional frameworks that will guide Maverick Flex Path. This quarter, the team advanced the faculty model and refined academic policies.
Q4 Highlights
Policy Development in Progress: Drafts are underway for key academic policy addenda, including quality points GPA, credit hour, grading window, RSI and incomplete/retake policies.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize policy addenda.
Establish the framework for program development versus maintenance cycles to inform budgeting and curriculum review.
Begin audit of Prior Learning Assessment (PLA/CPL) policies to ensure alignment with CBE models and learner equity.
The Academic Workgroup continues to shape the policies and instructional frameworks that will ensure rigor, flexibility, and learner success within Maverick Flex Path.
Next Meeting: December 12 Update:The Operations Workgroup is developing the technical and process infrastructure that will power Maverick Flex Path. This quarter, the team focused on systems mapping, course registration design, and financial aid alignment to ensure a seamless and transparent experience for learners.
Q4 Highlights
Systems Mapping Advanced: The team made significant progress in defining the IT systems architecture to support registration, degree audits, and transcript functionality for CBE learners.
Course Numbering Framework Established: A standardized format (e.g., BSAD 8920F) was adopted to identify Maverick Flex Path courses within UNO’s system.
Process Development Ongoing: The group continues to outline registration permissions, calendar alignment, and financial aid processes tailored to the subscription model.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize technical specifications for CBE registration and enrollment.
Develop workflow documentation for financial aid and academic calendar integration.
Continue collaboration with IT Services on testing and validation of student information systems.
The Operations Workgroup is ensuring that the infrastructure behind Maverick Flex Path supports a seamless and transparent learner experience.
Next Meeting: December 3 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
Conduct a market review to validate tuition pricing and revenue assumptions.
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.
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.
Next Meeting: TBD Update: The Marketing & Communications Workgroup is moving from research to activation, advancing brand development and campaign planning for Maverick Flex Path. This quarter, the team focused on refining messaging, designing digital assets, and preparing launch materials to engage both learners and employer partners.
Q4 Highlights
Messaging and Branding Alignment: The team is working to refine Maverick Flex Path branding.
Website Development: Work is underway on the program website, promotional assets, and digital storytelling content highlighting learner outcomes.
Employer Engagement Strategy: Collaboration with the University-to-Business (U2B) initiative is expanding outreach to local employers for co-branded microcredentials and workforce partnerships.
Next Up in Q5
Finalize website content and lead forms in collaboration with Strategic Marketing and Communications.
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 and community partnerships.
For more information, explore the following resource links:
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