The development of UW Flexible Option requires close collaboration between the UW System, UW-Extension Division of Continuing Education, Outreach and E-Learning and the System’s degree-granting institutions. The past couple weeks multiple UW System partners have been working closely on the academic and administrative development of Flexible Option.
Flexible Option Retreat
The academic and administrative representatives from across the system met for two days in July to share updates and align on key decisions related to the development and implementation of UW Flexible Option. For instance, the group discussed short-term processes that will shape the student experience from admissions through to the completion of the first subscription period. Additionally, the group identified tasks and milestones that need to be complete before the launch. It was a great opportunity for face-to-face interaction with the cross-functional teams. We plan to meet again in October.
Two-Day Meeting on Financial Aid
At the end of July, financial aid directors from UW-Milwaukee and UW-Parkside and members of the Flex Core team met with other colleges/universities that are working on competency-based education. We were able to work on both the ‘what’ and ‘how’ of managing financial aid for competency-based direct assessment programs. Financial aid experts, who were previous employees of the Department of Education, discussed core technical issues, and we heard how other institutions are handling the financial aid processes. It was a valuable meeting and provided our financial aid directors with some clarity as they develop new processes to handle financial aid for Flexible Option.