Dean and Directors Institute
Is the CE Unit Independent or Integral to the 21st Century University?

    In these times of economic constraint, technological and professional change, and major demographic shifts, many deans are finding their responsibilities redefined and institutional expectations increased. Meanwhile their constituencies are expanding, and there is an explosion of new pathways to higher education via the Internet. The 2010 Deans and Directors Institute will examine the range of roles that professional and continuing education leaders are expected to fulfill both internally and externally. Perhaps no other academic leadership role is as fundamentally challenging and exciting in our era.
    The Institute will focus on four central dimensions of what it means to be a dean or director: leadership, stewardship, citizenship, and partnership. Deans and directors are first leaders of their own organizations. They are also stewards of their programs and their institution’s brand. They are engaged citizens in academic, regional, and even global communities. And they are expected to partner with many within as well as beyond their institutions. By examining different types of institutions, with diverse missions and histories, and through leaders with varied backgrounds and perspectives, this Institute will explore how some deans and directors are recasting their key roles and relationships with their parent institutions and the broader community.

How Strategic Partnerships Can Advance a Global University
Presenter: Suh-Pyng Ku, Vice Provost, University of Southern California
    This session will discuss collaborative partnerships for new academic programs at the University of Southern California (USC). USC has strategically engaged partners to improve pedagogical methods, reach new and expanded audiences, and respond to local workforce development needs. This session will share some insights from recent experiences at USC.

How an Online Consortium Is Enabling Independent Colleges and Universities to Compete in a Rapidly Changing Education Marketplace
Presenter: William J. Husson, Vice President for Professional Studies and Strategic Alliances, Regis University
    The Online Consortium of Independent Colleges and Universities (OCICU) is a collaborative effort of 80 colleges and universities providing online courseware for its members using a retail/wholesale distribution model to bring a wealth of highly developed online courses to its members, without significant investment in design and infrastructure. This and other consortia models will be discussed in terms of their opportunities and benefits for breaking into online learning.

Summary
Presenter: Jay A. Halfond, Dean, Metropolitan College, Boston University