Universities in Australia and the United Kingdom have similar programs. One difference between Minnesota's initiative and other models is that the Western Governors system will directly grant credits and degrees. In Minnesota the individual colleges will maintain degree-granting powers. For example, a student can take classes from a variety of colleges in Minnesota, but they will only get a degree from one college. Which college will grant the degree is still unclear.
Officials have a number of goals for the program's future.
Wasko said he hopes the Virtual University Web site will contain a credit bank that allows students to track the credits they are taking and map out a degree program. Vinton would like to see more joint programs added to aid the development of new curriculums. Engelmann said once the Web site is complete, a committee will adopt plans for a second phase, which will begin work after the year 2000.