* 5 Steps to a Painless Online Program Launch

 

Developing a new online program concept and taking it through approvals and launch can be a long, frustrating journey, which may or may not result in a thriving, viable endeavor. This session provides tools to execute the five steps to successfully take a program from initial concept to first-term launch.   

1. Concept: In a congested online marketplace, there are many variables that influence the success of an online degree or certificate program. It is imperative to become cognizant of educational and marketplace trends to make informed decisions on new online program opportunities. Prior to launching any new online endeavor, it is essential to complete a process that includes an audience profile, competitor assessment, marketing feasibility, curriculum structuring, institutional infrastructure evaluation, and financial analysis.  In addition, understanding the vendors, systems, and tools available to aid in teaching and operating online programs can make the difference in financial viability and burden of program operations. The result of gathering and analyzing this data is an online program that enhances the mission and brand of the institution. The examples discussed in this phase center around market demand, curriculum modeling and institutional infrastructure preparation.
2. Faculty buy-in: Engaging faculty early in the program concept phase results in thoughtful outcome and curriculum development as well as a more streamlined approval process. Faculty concerns often involve workload, compensation, adjunct usage, vendor selection and outcomes. Building a process to gather faculty feedback, address concerns, and utilize faculty expertise ensures a quality program. The examples discussed in this phase center around tips and tools for socializing a new program, finding a faculty champion who is on-board and excited to proselytize to their colleagues, and establishing a system for bringing together faculty and administrators. 
3. Approval process: Following a clear approval process within the institution and externally provides the opportunity to engage stakeholders as an early part of the planning process and utilize functional experts to build a holistic picture as to whether a program will be viable. Incorporating the requirements of the external accreditors into the internal review process creates an information flow that builds from one step to the next. The examples discussed in this phase center around working with finance to develop budget projections and expenses, marketing to understand the prospective student profile and channels available to reach them, and IT to map system requirements.
4. Launch planning: Planning for the program launch begins at the concept phase. Launch and steady state financial projections are more often than not required in order for a program to be approved, which means an operations blueprint is necessary. This blueprint evolves into the program launch timeline. The timeline accounts for all activities that need to take place for a new program to launch. Many items are consistent regardless of modality utilized, but others are customized to online programs.  The examples discussed in this phase center around the functional break down of launch activities (e.g., student services, marketing, recruitment, IT, course development), the timing and dependency of activities, and working across the institution to get things accomplished.
5. Class start! The first day of the term officially begins the program journey. Executing a strong student support timeline that prepares students in advance to the technology, institution, and program results in a reduced melt metric, higher student satisfaction, and strong assessment outcomes.  The examples discussed in this phase center around the design of the course site, communication strategies before and during the term, and orienting students.