UW Flexible Option Team

Success Coaches: Critical to Student Success in Competency-Based Education

August 13, 2015 -

In traditional on-campus or online programs, an academic adviser guides you through scheduling classes and any issues that hinder your progress. But you might have the opportunity to talk with your adviser only once or twice a semester.

That’s not the case in UW Flexible Option. Online, competency-based education programs require you to be an independent and self-motivated student; however, help is always available in the form of an Success Coach—a new, unique approach to student advising. [Read more…] about Success Coaches: Critical to Student Success in Competency-Based Education

Busy ER Nurse Earns BSN Online in Less Than a Year Through Flexible Option

August 10, 2015 -

Meet Lori Kenyon. She loves her job as an ER nurse at the University of Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics. She has a son and daughter and travels around the world. On top of that, she earned her bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) in 11 months.

Her life is fast paced. And that’s why she chose the only program that would allow her to finish a bachelor’s degree at pace that matched her life —the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option RN to BSN online program through the UW-Milwaukee College of Nursing. She not only finished her degree in less than a year, but in May, she also became the first graduate of the much-watched competency-based BSN online program. [Read more…] about Busy ER Nurse Earns BSN Online in Less Than a Year Through Flexible Option

How Competency-Based Programs Could Address the College Degree Shortage and Why It Matters to You

June 8, 2015 -

By Lisa A. Eramo

Supply and demand. In the business world, this is a fundamental concept and the backbone of a market economy. Ideally, supply increases commensurate with demand, creating a stable equilibrium. In other words, as demand for “widget A” increases, businesses produce more of “widget A” to keep consumers happy. This relationship continues as long as consumers continue to demand and purchase “widget A.”

In the world of education, however, this isn’t always the case. With the rising cost of obtaining a college degree, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that the demand for college-credentialed individuals in the workforce is quickly surpassing the supply. In simplistic terms, employers want college-educated employees, but it seems as though there just aren’t enough of them to go around.

UW-Extension Provost Says Competency-Based Learning Supports Wisconsin Idea

March 17, 2015 -

competency-based learning interview — Click to watch the full interview about competency-based learning on WisconsinEye.

On March 2, WisconsinEye’s Newsmakers segment featured an interview with two prominent figures in University of Wisconsin continuing education:

Aaron Brower, provost and vice chancellor of UW-Extension
Jeffrey Russell, dean of Continuing Studies at UW-Madison

In the interview, Steve Walters, a senior producer at WisconsinEye, discussed the purpose and goals of the continuing education programs offered by UW-Extension and UW-Madison as well as how they will fare with the recently proposed state budget cuts. [Read more…] about UW-Extension Provost Says Competency-Based Learning Supports Wisconsin Idea

Too Busy to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree? This Story About a Student and His Information Technology Degree May Change Your Mind

February 10, 2015 -

Adam Doe is busy. He’s a man of many passions, interests, and hobbies—more than enough to fill his schedule. And yet, he’s also a UW Flexible Option student earning an information technology degree. Four things you should know about Adam right away:

He works as an IT specialist at a bank’s data center.
He plays bass. He sings. He composes music. And on his eighteenth birthday, his band opened for Lynyrd Skynyrd. [Read more…] about Too Busy to Earn a Bachelor’s Degree? This Story About a Student and His Information Technology Degree May Change Your Mind

Financial Security and Beyond: The 3 Biggest Benefits of Going Back to College

November 18, 2014 -

benefits of going back to college

When you’re working paycheck to paycheck and struggling to make ends meet, money can be a big incentive to return to college. But the benefits of earning a degree go far beyond economic security. People who graduate from college are more likely to enjoy better health and a more fulfilling life.

These findings come from the College Board study, “Education Pays,” which illustrates the benefits of higher education for people and society. The 2016 study uncovered positive impacts on all facets of life.

Let’s look at some of the benefits a college education can bring. [Read more…] about Financial Security and Beyond: The 3 Biggest Benefits of Going Back to College

Competency-Based Education in the News: CNN and NPR Talk CBE and UW Flexible Option

October 9, 2014 -

Competency-based education (CBE) programs have been all over the news lately, and a number of stories featured the UW Flexible Option. CNN included the program in the article called “Earn discounted course credits.”

It’s part of a larger piece called “Hacking College,” a self-proclaimed “cheat sheet” for a smoother college experience including tips on how to choose the right school, study smarter, and lower the cost of college.

What does it really mean to hack college?

Do the Math: How a Competency-Based Education Can Lower College Tuition

September 30, 2014 -

If you’ve been thinking of going back to school, you’ve no doubt noticed the high cost of college tuition. As a working adult, college tuition is of special concern given that you likely already have other large financial responsibilities, from a home mortgage to supporting your family.

In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the college tuition situation facing today’s aspiring degree holders and examine how the new wave of competency-based education programs could help returning adult learners like you save both time and money.

How One Ambitious Student Saved $7,500 and Nine Months in His Very First UW Flexible Option Subscription Period

August 22, 2014 -

Editor’s note: For returning adult learners, a major benefit of the competency-based UW Flexible Option is the ability to accelerate progress using existing knowledge. Flex student Dan Fitch is an exceptional case. Having completed a whopping 33 credits in a single three-month subscription period, he saved an estimated $7,500 in tuition and 9 months’ time (compared to traditional programs) in just his first subscription period alone. This is his story.

When Dan Fitch took a temp job with the Wisconsin Legislature in 1998, he thought it would be just that: temporary. Now, 16 years later, Fitch, a software developer, has worked his way through the ranks from a general software administrator to a senior programmer. He handles everything from creating websites with custom developments to apps for various departments around the legislature. While the lack of a college degree hasn’t held Fitch back, he says it’s time to take that next step, earn his degree, and broaden the opportunities to use his talents.

Harvard Business Review Predicts: Online Competency-Based Education Will Revolutionize Workforce

October 27, 2014 -

Competency-based education continues to be a hot topic in the news. Harvard Business Review recently mentioned UW Flexible Option and other trailblazing competency-based programs in “The Real Revolution in Online Education Isn’t MOOCs” on its HBR Blog Network.

The article focuses on returning adult learners looking for an “affordable, accessible, targeted, and high-quality” education to get ahead in their careers, and why businesses should pay close attention to the transformation happening in higher education.

“I’ve Been Waiting for This Opportunity”: Competency-Based Education Right Fit for Associate Degree Student

October 22, 2014 -

Norman Ramdohr wants to be in the driver’s seat of his future.

After years of fine-tuning vehicles for others, the Audi technician says he’s ready to make a change and put his skills to use at a more advanced level. Now, he’s using the competency-based education offered by the University of Wisconsin Flexible Option to jump-start the future he wants.

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