Through the increase in enrollment, Extended Learning has established the foundation to move beyond an auxiliary unit at WVU to an integral component in enrollment planning and a active champion for non-traditional learners. The next five years are bursting with enrollment potential for WVU and for Extended Learning. My Extended Learning vision for West Virginia University 2012 is that nearly every course will have an e-learning component. To fully integrate e-learning into the academic fiber poises WVU to be: a) quickly responsive to market interests, b) flexible in collaborative/new academic program delivery, c) prepared to address critical incidents, and d) highly invested into educational learning theory and faculty development. With this level of academic preparation and continued partnerships across WVU, our enrollment potential is only limited by our internal infrastructures.

Just a few of the projects in the works now are:

• In a partnership with WVUIT, WVU Extended Learning will provide leadership for off-campus programming and enrollment recruitment in Southern West Virginia. A proposal detailing a united WVU message in Southern West Virginia will be shared with Presidents Hardesty, Bayless and Harris in January, 2007
  
  
  • WVU Extended Learning AND WVU TECH Extended Education Joining Forces for Expanded Degree Pathways in Southern West Virginia
    
    
• A contract between the USP-Hazelton complex and WVU is making its way through the approval process at the time of this writing. The contract is anticipated to bring in $400,000 to WVU for academic and professional development services.
  
  
• A Teaching Scholars project is in initial stages. These interactive, self-paced series of modules are a collaboration initiative among HR&E, the ITRC and Health Sciences to enhance teaching at WVU.
  
  
• Three recruiters will be hired over the next six months to provide increased follow through with inquiries and Colleges. The recruiters plus over $120,000 investment in online marketing and follow-through are exciting new ventures to advance WVU enrollments.
  
  
• A new grant is in discussion to expand Colleges’ adoption of an e-learning across programs.
  

WVU has the substance and talent to flourish in the competitive online environment. The next five years will challenge Extended Learning and Colleges to respond to new demands through innovative curricula and responsive student services. We will need to collaborate on instructional technology applications that advances learning for students – whether they are on-campus, in Tibet or in virtual reality. It is my challenge to encourage, recognize and reward the contributions of our employees through energized leadership, a strong vision and a solid work ethic.