The “Flex Degree” Program at University of Wisconsin – A conversation with Aaron Brower
Channel: Center for Online Innovation in Learning
Date: 08/09/2014

The "Flex Degree" Program at University of Wisconsin.
Originally Held: November 21st, 2013

During this COIL Conversation, we focused on the innovative “Flex Option” offered by the University of Wisconsin which:

- Offers working adults a more affordable way to earn a UW degree or certificate. Instead of paying by course or by credit, the Flexible Option lets learners either pay a flat rate for a three-month “all you can learn” subscription period ($2,250) or work on a single competency set during the three-month subscription period for $900. Learners can start a subscription on the second day of any month.

- Gives learners access to an Academic Success Coach who will help develop a learning plan and timeline, recommend learning resources, and help learners prepare for assessments.

- Begins with a two-part “Flex-Fit Self Assessment” that allows learners to assess whether they are well-suited for this type of learning. It is designed to measure factors such as learning style, life circumstances (such as how much time the learner has to devote to learning, and access to resources), computer skill, typing speed, and more.

Our presenter, Aaron Brower is interim provost and vice-chancellor at the University of Wisconsin-Extension and special assistant to UW System President Kevin Reilly for new educational strategies. Aaron formerly served as vice-provost for teaching and learning at UW-Madison where he had also served as a professor in the School of Social Work, Integrated Liberal Studies, and Educational Leadership and Policy Analysis.

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