Final Report of the Distance Learning Taskforce (DLTF)
Spring 2005
Members of the Taskforce 2004-2005:
Lisa Baures, Diane Berge, Fernando Delgado, Don Descy, Kathleen Hurley, Elena
Ivanova, Mark Johnson, Rosemary Kinne, Patricia Lipetzky, Scott Page, Glen Peterson,
Ann Quade, Joan Roca, Warren Sandmann, Kathleen Trauger, Paul Wyss
Summary Statement of Taskforce:
The Distance Learning Taskforce was formed as a response to Minnesota State
University, Mankato’s Strategic Priority 3: Establish a Distance Learning Plan.
The original Distance Learning Taskforce formed during the 2002-03 academic year.
After initial discussions, the DLTF met under the leadership of then-Interim Dean of the
College of Graduate Studies and Research in Fall 2003. To address the objectives of the
charge to the taskforce, committee membership had university wide representation. Of
this representation, a number of sub-committees were formed to address particular issues
and make recommendations and proposals.
Summary Statement of Future Directions 2010:
A review of historical documents of MSU indicates that in the 1970s, a high percentage
of students were considered “off-campus” students. As the university positions to
become the first and the best of MnSCU institutions in online education, it becomes
possible to again have increased enrollment and significant involvement in new markets
resulting in enrollment increases similar to those experienced in 1975. It is projected that
by 2010, Extended Learning will generate enrollments of 1700 students for an MSU
enrollment of 15,000. Many of these students will be online students. The previous work
of the Distance Learning Taskforce as described below and current demographic trends
indicate that an aggressive growth plan could be successful. But without critical, timely
attention to sustainable funding issues, infrastructure development and access issues,
online/distance education could become just another good idea rather than an integrated
instructional delivery method opening new venues and providing growth for MSU. See
Taskforce recommendations for details.
Online Enrollment Projections:
Table 1: Enrollment Projections
Programs Sections Enrollments Credit hours FYE
UG/Grad
Year1
8
48
1200
3600
39.6 / 118.8
Year2
12
72
1800
5400
59.4 / 178.2
Year3
17
102
2550
7650
84.0 / 252.5
Year4
22
132
3300
9900
108.9 / 326.7
Year5
27
162
4050
12,150
133.6 / 400.9
Table 1 identifies the number of programs and course enrollments needed to reach the
over all enrollment target.
1
Original Charge to the Taskforce:
Minnesota State University, Mankato will create an administrative structure and funding
mechanisms that will support high quality distance learning instruction.
Objectives:
1. Create an administrative structure that enables the creation of (or further
development of currently existing) technology, e-learning, and mediated distance
courses in 3-5 programs.
Taskforce actions:
• Extended Campus/Continuing Education separated from the College of
Graduate Studies and Research, becoming a separate unit named
Extended Learning and headed by a dean;
• An instructional designer and distance learning librarian were hired;
• The Distance Learning Taskforce served as an advisory and
recommending group for online learning;
• Student and faculty needs analysis were developed and refined with
various strands implemented or scheduled for implementation in the
2004-2005 academic year;
• Coordinated and unified university student and faculty support services
for online students;
• Accreditation for blanket approval was applied for from the Higher
Learning Commission. Following a site visit September 14-16, 2004,
accreditation was received;
• MSU provides the system wide Help Desk for D2L.
Taskforce recommendations:
• Develop an online orientation for students and faculty;
• Develop an accelerated undergraduate admission process;
• Develop more sophisticated readiness and assessment tools;
• Continue investment in faculty development;
• Increase instructional design support and library support to develop new
programs and enhance existing programs;
• Provide centralized coordination of instructional design;
• Develop and implement a marketing plan to increase enrollment in online
courses and programs.
2. Create a funding mechanism that enables the creation of (or further development
of currently existing) technology, e learning, and mediated distance courses in 35 programs.
Taskforce actions:
• Incentive funding for new program development used one time funding
from various reserves.
Taskforce recommendations:
• See attached funding recommendation;
2
•
Eliminate out-state tuition (non-resident) tuition for online courses (media
code 03)
3. Identify 3-5 programs to create or further develop a critical mass of technology
mediated distance courses. Programs will be selected based on market studies,
replicability, possible additional external funding, and college and department
leadership and willingness to develop technology mediated distance courses.
4. Implement and evaluate the courses in the three to five programs.
5. Identify and add additional programs based on the experience with the first 3-5.
Taskforce actions:
• A total of eleven online or hybrid programs have been allocated small
amounts of incentive funding for development. A 12th program was
funded by the College of Education;
• In the first cycle (fall 2003), five programs received funding. In the
second cycle (spring 2004), four programs received funding. In the third
cycle (fall 2005), two programs received funding;
• All programs have met or are currently meeting their goals;
• As programs end their funding cycle, each program will submit an
evaluation of processes and outcomes of the program. The first five
evaluations, from the originally funded programs, will be submitted to the
Dean of Extended Learning in spring 2005.
Taskforce recommendations:
• Develop continuation of RFP process for new program development.
• Develop funding process for program enhancements;
• Implement program readiness assessment;
• Implement program and institutional assessments.
6. Communicate the plan and goals to the campus community.
Taskforce actions:
• A final plan will be submitted and open forums will be presented to the
university community.
Taskforce recommendations:
• Form a representative group from each academic and support unit to serve
as an ongoing communication link;
• Form Sub Meet and Confer for Extended Learning.
7. Prepare and submit a resource need analysis and funding plan for all
recommendations and goals.
Taskforce Actions:
• See attached.
Taskforce recommendations:
• Continually re-visit and revise funding plan.
3
Summary of Distance Learning Taskforce Accomplishments:
• Creation of an administrative structure, Extended Learning;
• Creation of infrastructure to support online/distance education (ITS, Library,
Registrar’s Office, Bookstore, Student and Faculty Sort Services);
• Received institutional Higher Learning Commission accreditation for online
programs;
• Through three funding cycles, provided development funding for 11 programs;
• Developed course and program readiness guidelines;
• Implementation of enhanced online services through student services area;
• Development of an Intellectual Property Policy, currently in the review process;
• Provide system wide D2L support;
• Active participation in the MnSCU MnOnline initiative.
Critical Outstanding Issues:
• Sustainable funding for ongoing program support, infrastructure development and
new program development;
• Eliminate out-state (non-resident) tuition for online courses (media code 03);
• Develop accelerated admission process for undergraduates;
• Develop institutional assessment tool for the online initiative;
• Complete identified student and faculty services for online courses;
• Continued development, implementation and adaptation of faculty and student
support services;
• Continuing need for instructional design support and centralized coordination of
instructional design support;
• Market planning and implementation;
• Respond to the MnOnline recommendations from the Fall 2004 HLC visit.
Future of the Distance Learning Taskforce:
The Distance Learning Taskforce recommends that its work be carried on by a new Sub
Meet and Confer, the Extended Learning Committee and Sub Meet and Confer. A draft
charge for this Sub Meet has been prepared, has been approved by the DLTF and
submitted to the Faculty Association Executive Committee. Final action by the Faculty
Association should be taken in the spring 2005.
Draft, prepared by: Pat Lipetzky, 2/14/05
Revised, 2/23/05, approved draft by DLTF2/23/05
4
DRAFT Sustainable Funding for Online Programs (Media Code 03) DRAFT
Spring 2005
As a response to the Presidential Strategic Priority 3: Establish a Distance Learning Plan,
sustainable funding is critical to the success of the online initiative. Without an ongoing
funding source, continued infrastructure development in student support services such as
library services, instructional technology and student services as well as continued faculty
development in the use of instructional technology, distance learning/online instruction
will become just another good idea rather than an integrated instructional delivery
method, opening new venues and providing growth for MSU.
The purpose of sustainable funding is to provide a revenue stream for new
program/initiatives that are market driven, demonstrating fluctuations in demand. In
addition, the purpose of sustainable funding, as the name implies, is to provide ongoing
support for time, talent and resource intensive courses and programs while ensuring the
continuation of core activities.
Funding Request for Online/Distance Education Proposal:
• That Minnesota State University, Mankato institute in-state tuition for online
courses, deleting the out-state (non-resident) tuition rate (only for courses with
media code 03 which is a MnSCU designation for online courses that meet once
or less face to face).
• Request a base budget increase for Extended Learning of $150,000 per year for
five years. The purpose of this request is to have stable funding for the
development of a robust online initiative. (See Strategic Priority Funding request
for one time $150,000 for year 1 pending a base increase for years 2-4.)
• Request the phase in of differential tuition for online courses, $8 per credit in
Year 1 to $30 per credit by Year 5.
• Differential tuition split is 80% to Extended Learning/20% to academic
department offering online courses.
• Request review of enrollment projections and budget projections in Year 3 and
Year 5. Institute any appropriate adjustments.
Model Assumptions:
• Pending evaluation, base funding continues after Year 5.
• Faculty salary is not included in the revenue and expense models.
The following tables identify enrollment projections and budget projections along with
new line items and tuition projections.
Table 1: Enrollment Projections: This table identifies enrollment projections for the
next five years. The table begins with the number of programs offered online (media
5
code 03) and then transforms programs to sections/courses, enrollment per section
resulting in total credit hours produced and finally converts credit hours to FYE.
Enrollment assumptions include the following:
• 6 sections offered per program per year;
• 25 students per section;
• 3 credits per section;
• Year 1 is academic year 2005-2006.
Table 1: Enrollment Projections for Online Courses
Programs Sections Enrollments Credit hours FYE
UG/Grad
Year 1
8
48
1200
3600
39.6 / 118.8
Year 2
12
72
1800
5400
59.4 / 178.2
Year 3
17
102
2550
7650
84.0 / 252.5
Year 4
22
132
3300
9900
108.9 / 326.7
Year 5
27
162
4050
12,150
133.6 / 400.9
Table 2: Base Tuition Generated per Credit Hour: This table identifies number of
credit hours produced from online programs and, consistent with the Enrollment
Management Taskforce, assumes that 1/3 of credit hours will be from undergraduate
programs and 2/3 from graduate programs. Following this, amount of tuition generated is
identified using 2004-05 tuition base dollars. No attempt is made to assume or identify
consistent tuition increases. Year 0 is academic year 2004-2005. The final column of
Table 2 identifies the projected tuition growth based on the increase in credit hours.
Credit Hours / Base Tuition Assumptions:
• Year 0 is 2004-2005 academic year with an estimated online credit production of
2000;
• Tuition calculation is constant at $175.00 undergraduate/$226.00 graduate;
• 33% enrollment undergraduate/66% graduate projected;
• Credit hour variation between Table1 and Table 2 are a result of rounding and
percent calculations.
Table 2: Base Tuition Generated per Credit Hour
Credit
Credit Hours
Tuition (base)
Undergraduate/Graduate Undergraduate $175
hours
Graduate $266
Total
tuition
Year0
2000
660 / 1320
$ 414,000
Year1
3600
1188 / 2376
Year2
5400
1782 / 3564
$116K /
$298K
$208K /
$536K
$312K /
$805K
Tuition
growth
Per year
$ 744,000
$ 330,000
$1,117,000
$ 373,000
6
Year3
7650
2525 / 5049
Year4
9900
3267 / 6534
Year5
12,150
4010 / 8019
$442 K /
$1,141K
$572K /
$1,477K
$701K /
$1,812K
$1,583,000
$ 466,000
$2,049,000
$ 466,000
$2,513,000
$ 464,000
Table 3: Incremental Differential Tuition Increase: Table 3 identifies revenue
produced per credit hour based on an incremental increase of differential tuition. In
addition, Table 3 identifies the Extended Learning/Department division of differential
tuition.
Table 3: Incremental Differential Tuition Increase
Credit Hours Differential Revenue Split:80%EL/20%Dept.
Year1
3600
$ 8.00
$ 28,800 $ 23,040 / $ 5,760
Year2
5400
$ 15.00
$ 81,000 $ 64,800 / $16,200
Year3
7650
$ 20.00
$153,000 $ 122,400 / $30,600
Year4
9900
$ 20.00
$198,000 $ 158,400 / $39,600
Year5 12,150
$ 30.00
$364,500 $ 291,600 / $72,900
Table 4A & Table 4B: Budget Projections for Base and Revenue Funds: Table 4A
identifies line items for the use of the base budget request of $150,000. The base funding
will be used for positions and infrastructure development that will directly assist in online
credit hour production as well as assist with development of hybrid courses and the
technology use for instruction. While the primary emphasis is for the development of
online programs, all programs will benefit with the additional investment in technology
and teaching.
Table 4B: Revenue Budget Projections: Table 4B identifies anticipated tuition
differential revenue and the anticipated use of the funds. The funding would be dedicated
only to the advancement of programs and courses engaged in or intending to engage in
online programs (media code 03). Note, as identified in Table 3, the revenue budget does
not identify uses of the departmental revenue split. This funding is up to the
discretionary use of departments/programs engaged in online learning.
Table 4C One Time Request: Table 4C identifies funding for items to support current
development initiatives.
Table 4A: Base Budget Projections
Line item
Year1
Development Coordinator $ 40,000
Advertising
$ 40,000
Instructional Designer
$ 40,000
Adjunct/Summer Stipends $ 30,000
Library Licenses
Orientation support
Year2
$ 40,000
$ 40,000
$ 40,000
$ 30,000
Year3
$ 55,000
$ 15,000
$ 40,000
Year4
$ 55,000
$ 15,000
$ 40,000
Year5
$ 55,000
$ 15,000
$ 40,000
$ 30,000 $ 30,000 $ 30,000
$ 10,000 $ 10,000 $ 10,000
7
Total
$150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $150,000 $ 150,000
Table 4B: Revenue Budget Projections from Differential Tuition
Line Item
Year1
Year2
Year3
Year4
Adjunct/Summer stipend
$20,000 $35,000 $ 65,000 $ 65,000
Faculty Dev.
$20,000 $ 20,000 $ 20,000
Library License
Advertising
$ 5,000 $ 40,000 $ 40,000
Extended Learning Coordinator
$ 30,000
Instruction design
Total
$20,040 $60,000 $125,000 $155,000
Year5
$ 65,000
$ 20,000
$ 30,000
$ 40,000
$ 30,000
$ 35,000
$220,000
Table 4C: On Time Funding Requests
One Time Funding Requests
Year Item
Purpose
Year Faculty Fellow
To development and implement quality circles
1
and faculty development opportunities using
complex technologies.
Adjunct/Summer
Provide release time for faculty engaged in new
Stipends
program development and improving ongoing
programs.
Total
Amount
$45,000
$30,000
$75,000
Summary:
This funding proposal requests one rate for online courses which eliminates non-resident
tuition for courses coded media code 03; an increase in base funding and the initiation of
differential funding for online courses. The funding proposal serves multiple purposes.
First, the proposal identifies a funding process for sustainability for online programs, a
charge of Strategic Priority 3 on Distance Learning. In addition, the proposal identifies
enrollment targets consistent with the Enrollment Management Committee. Finally, the
proposal identifies a process for building a robust online initiative at MSU.
Draft/revised, prepared by Pat Lipetzky 02/17/05
Revised, approved by DLTF2/23/05
Revised, 3/1/05
8
Attachment 1: Line Item Descriptions
Line Item Descriptions
Base Line Item
Online/Distance Ed.
Development Coordinator
Advertising/Marketing
materials
Adjunct/Summer Stipends
Instructional Designer
Library Licenses
Orientation Support
Purpose
Work with faculty and other areas of development of
marketing materials and implementation of marketing
plans.
Focus, discipline based advertising, marketing materials.
Provide release time for faculty engaged in new program
development and improving ongoing programs.
Provide direction and support for new program
development and assist in refreshing update mature
programs.
As discipline areas such as Engineering and Business
develop online initiatives, there will be a need for
new/different licensing for online library materials.
Purchase software, train staff, purchase print materials to
support online orientation.
Purpose
Revenue Line Item
Adjunct/Summer Stipends Provides release time for faculty for development of new
courses.
Faculty Development
Provide introductions and skill building with new
technologies.
Extended Learning
Provide administrative support and coordination of online
Coordinator
programs.
Advertising/Marketing
Continued program promotion.
Library Licenses
Continue program support as programs grow adding
disciplines that have not previously participated in online
programming.
Instructional Design
Continued program support as programs grow refreshing
and updating original programs.
One Time Funding
Faculty Fellow
Adjunct/Summer
Stipends
Purpose
Provide instruction and development in new and complex
technologies.
Provide release time for faculty engaged in new program
development and improving ongoing programs.
9
Attachment 2: Comparable Tuition and Fees, MnSCU Data
Institution
State Universities
Bemidji State
University
Metro State
University
On Campus U.G
Tuition Fees
Total
On Campus Grad
Tuition Fees
Total
Online
Undergrad Graduate
$178.00 $79.99 $257.99 $245.00 $79.99 $324.99 $193.00
$260.00
Online Fees
Nonresident
Yes/No
$30 per credit
Y
(included in $193
and $260)
$138.00 $8.39
$146.39 $276.00 $8.39
$284.39 $192.39
$284.39
$46 per U.G.
credit
N
(included in $192)
$66 per Grad
credit
(included in $284)
Southwest State
Saint Cloud State
$136.03 $40.43 $176.46 $233.20 $40.43 $273.63 $188.45
$152.55 $24.95 $177.50 $233.00 $24.95 $257.95 $185.00
$272.00
$266.70
----$33 per credit
N
N
(included in $185)
$40 per course
(additional fee)
Winona State
University
MSU-Mankato
MSU-Moorhead
$152.60 $26.04 $178.64 $234.00 $26.44 $260.44 $152.60
$234.40
-----
Y
$175.00 $29.59 $204.59 $226.85 $29.59 $256.44 204.59
$139.06 $82.68 $221.74 $214.16 $82.68 $296.84 $153.71
256.44
$228.81
---------
Y
Y
10
Attachment 3: Funding Requests
Strategic Planning Funding Application
Purpose and brief description of proposed activity including the anticipated outcome
(25 words or less): Distance Learning Taskforce
This request is for $30,000 for adjunct funding/summer stipends to provide faculty
reassign time for continued online course and program development and enhancement.
This funding previously came from one time Extended Learning funds which now have
been depleted.
Amount of Funding Requested: $30,000
Specific Dates of Activity:
September 2005 through June 2006
Purpose of funding:
1. Describe in detail the activity for which funding is being requested including the
goals and how they will be measured.
This funding would be used for reassigned time for faculty for continued
development and enhancement of online courses. This amount of funding along
with funding gained through differential tuition would keep the “reassigned time
fund” at the current level. Without this funding, the number of new courses
developed would be very small. The goal would be measured by number of new
courses developed.
2. Briefly describe how this activity will meet the objectives of the strategic priority.
Include how the activity will be assessed.
This funding would continue the development of online courses and programs and
also include the enhancement of current online courses. Priority would be for
new courses and only for online courses.
3. Attach a detailed budget. How will this activity be sustained after the seed money
is expended?
6 adjuncts at $3,000; 3 summer stipends at $4,000
This activity would continue through the proposed differential tuition revenue.
11
Signatures:
I support the proposal and will manage it if funded
Date
I have reviewed this application: Dean or Director
Date
I have reviewed this application: Vice President
Date
Strategic Planning Funding Application
Purpose and brief description of proposed activity including the anticipated outcome
(25 words or less): Distance Learning Taskforce
Faculty Fellow – Distance Learning
This $45,000 request is to fund reassigned time for a faculty to assist faculty in the use of
complex technologies in current and future online courses. In addition, the faculty would
develop and implement quality circles for online course and program development.
Amount of Funding Requested: $45,000
Specific Dates of Activity:
July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006
Purpose of funding:
1. Describe in detail the activity for which funding is being requested including the goals
and how they will be measured.
This funding would provide for reassigned time for a faculty person to work with
faculty developing online courses. The type of assistance would include assisting
with more complex technologies, increasing the interactivity and visual appeal of
MSU online courses. In addition, the Faculty Fellow would develop and
implement quality circles, showcasing current MSU online courses and also new
technologies. The goal would be measured by number of faculty (new and
returning to online) engaged in the learning opportunities as well as the adoption
of complex technologies by the faculty.
2.
Briefly describe how this activity will meet the objectives of the strategic
priority. Include how the activity will be assessed.
12
The activity will continue the development of online courses, taking the courses
to the next level of technology. Number of faculty engaged in using the
technology and refining and adapting courses will be the assessment measure.
3. Attach a detailed budget. How will this activity be sustained after the seed money
is expended?
The request is for $45,000 for reassigned time. If needed over time, the funding
would come from sustainable funding from online courses or from Extended
Learning funds.
Signatures:
I support the proposal and will manage it if funded
Date
I have reviewed this application: Dean or Director
Date
I have reviewed this application: Vice President
Date
Strategic Planning Funding Application
Purpose and brief description of proposed activity including the anticipated outcome
(25 words or less): Distance Learning Taskforce
The Distance Learning Taskforce has developed a model for sustainable funding. Part
of the model is a request for additional base dollars for Extended Learning for the online
initiative. This is a request for one time funding of $150,000 pending an increase in base
funding of $150,000 in FY07.
Amount of Funding Requested: $150,000
Specific Dates of Activity:
July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006
Purpose of funding:
13
1.Describe in detail the activity for which funding is being requested including the goals
and how they will be measured.
The funding is for positions, marketing/advertising, adjunct and summer stipends.
The purpose of these items is to begin aggressive development and marketing
online courses and programs. The outcome measures will be increased
enrollments and new students served. This request is for one time funding and
with a proposed base funding increase in FY07.
Online Enrollment Projections:
Table 1: Enrollment Projections
Programs Sections Enrollments Credit hours FYE
UG/Grad
Year1
8
48
1200
3600
39.6 / 118.8
Year2
12
72
1800
5400
59.4 / 178.2
Year3
17
102
2550
7650
84.0 / 252.5
Year4
22
132
3300
9900
108.9 / 326.7
Year5
27
162
4050
12,150
133.6 / 400.9
Table 1 identifies the number of programs and course enrollments needed to reach the
over all enrollment target.
The one time funding request is for Year 1 pending an increase in base funding
for Extended Learning.
2. Briefly describe how this activity will meet the objectives of the strategic priority.
Include how the activity will be assessed.
The Distance Learning Taskforce was charged with the development of online
courses and programs for enrollment growth. The outcome measure will be
increased enrollments in online courses and increased online courses/programs.
3. Attach a detailed budget. How will this activity be sustained after the seed money
is expended?
Line item
Development Coordinator
Advertising
Instructional Designer
Adjunct/Summer Stipends
Total
Year1
$ 40,000
$ 40,000
$ 40,000
$ 30,000
$150,000
Line Item Descriptions
14
Base Line Item
Online/Distance Ed.
Development Coordinator
Advertising/Marketing
materials
Adjunct/Summer Stipends
Instructional Designer
Purpose
Work with faculty and other areas of development of
marketing materials and implementation of marketing
plans.
Focus, discipline based advertising, marketing
materials.
Provide release time for faculty engaged in new
program development and improving ongoing
programs.
Provide direction and support for new program
development and assist in refreshing update mature
programs.
The activity will be sustained by an increase in base funding for Extended
Learning and the adoption of the differential tuition model for online courses.
Signatures:
I support the proposal and will manage it if funded
Date
I have reviewed this application: Dean or Director
Date
I have reviewed this application: Vice President
Date
15