Can Programs be too Flexible? Balancing Flexibility and Strength to Improve Outcomes and Increase Success
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Undergraduate Student Education
Presentation Format Requested
Shared Concurrent Session (Approx. 12 or 20 minutes)
Session Abstract
In yoga, both flexibility and strength are equally valued. In degree programs, flexibility is necessary but can be lost when implementing quality improvement initiatives. This session explores the importance of valuing the balance of flexibility and strength when developing assessment processes and modifying degree structures.
Target Audience
Adult educators interested in program degree structure, program assessment, and quality improvement initiatives.
Learning Outcomes
Participants will:
• Identify ways flexibility can both negatively and positively impact student outcomes
• Explain how flexibility and strength can thrive together
• Discover ways assessment strengthens flexible academic programs
Session Description
Flexibility is important when working with adult and contemporary learners to accommodate their diverse needs, interests, goals, and educational histories. The Bachelor of Multidisciplinary Studies (BMS) degree at the University of Nebraska at Omaha it is an exceptionally flexible, individualized baccalaureate program that allows students’ considerable choice selecting courses and the ability to shape their program of study. The level of flexibility in the BMS program has made it difficult to develop program level learning outcomes and assessment processes, and our students and graduates have also struggled articulating the value of their degree.
Progress has been made to mitigate these challenges by modifying the BMS degree structure, streamlining degree options, and strengthening our culture of assessment, all while maintaining flexibility. This session will share how our team has worked to balance flexibility and strength to advance institutional commitment to academic quality, increase student persistence, and improve the social mobility of our graduates through degree attainment.
Format & Technique
Presenters will provide information and examples of results-oriented practices to improve student and program outcomes related to assessment and degree structure. Participants will have the opportunity to interact to share how they have harnessed flexibility and strength in their own community.
Primary Presenter
April Paschall, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Work Title
Assistant Director of Academic Affairs, Division of Continuing Studies
Additional Presenters
Christine Billings, University of Nebraska at Omaha
Work Title
Director, Division of Continuing Studies