Exploring Accountability from the Inside Out:

The Transparency by Design Process

WCET ConferenceFriday, October 23, 2009

Presenters:

Cali Morrison Project Coordinator, WCET & Transparency by Design

Salvatore MonacoProvost, Western Governors University

Kim PearceDirector of Assessment & Institutional Research, Capella University

Karan PowellSenior Vice President & Academic Dean, American Public University System

Brief History• 2006: – Transparency by Design initiative conceptualized by the

President’s Forum - utilizing the strengths of educating adults at a distance to help create a robust consumer information initiative

• 2007: – Pilot institutions commit to initiative and begin process of

building common data definitions:• American InterContinental University Online• American Public University System • Capella University • Charter Oak State College• Colorado Technical University • Excelsior College• Franklin University

• Kaplan University• Regis University• Rio Salado College• Southwestern College• Union Institute & University• Western Governors University

Brief History• 2008: – Transparency by Design institutions partner with

WCET to provide 3rd party quality assurance of data.– Lumina Foundation for Education provides grant

funds to build initial website which will display data for potential adult learners.

• 2009: – Transparency by Design initiative launches the College

Choices for Adults website on August 3.• Site has data for 12 institutions and over 30 programs.• Focuses on program learning outcomes and adult learners

are the differentiator from other informational sites.

College Choices for Adults Homepage

Brief History• 2009 & Beyond:

– Transparency by Design institutions and WCET are continuing to develop common data definitions for elements such as:• Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP)• Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL)• Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE)• Progress Rate• Cost of attendance

– Addition of more programs for each institution and the addition of new member institution’s data.

– WCET is also working on adding the following elements to the site which will add functionality important to prospective adult learners:• Enhanced Search functionality• Comparison Functionality • Friend, Follow and Favorite great resources from College Choices for Adults – providing an

opportunity for potential adult learners to engage with the site through social media outlets.

Membership Commitments• Commitment to the Principles of Good Practice.• Contribution of institutional data for display on

the College Choices for Adults website according to the common data set and reporting schedule approved by the Executive Committee.

• Partner in building the Transparency by Design initiative and visibility of the College Choices for Adults website.

Visit www.transparencybydesign.org for further details.

Think/Pair/Share

• Take about 5 minutes to turn to a few of those around you to discuss what this initiative means for the distance higher education community.– What’s your reaction? What barriers might you face if

you brought this idea back to your institution?• Jot down questions you have that we can discuss

during the next portion of the session.

Questions

Contact Information:

Cali Morrison Project Coordinator, WCET & Transparency by Design – cmorrison@wcet.info

Salvatore MonacoProvost, Western Governors University – smonaco@wgu.edu

Kim PearceDirector of Assessment & Institutional Research, Capella University – kim.pearce@capella.edu

Karan PowellSenior Vice President & Academic Dean, American Public University System – kpowell@apus.edu