Ch..ch..ch..ch..changes.....

NCU has been undergoing a lot of changes lately. While many of them have resulted in chaos and confusion, at least initially, I can't help believe that what is happening will further strengthen the online programs that they offer. Online learning is pretty new, and sometimes gets a bad rap for a variety of reasons. Some people aren't familiar with online learning but have adopted a position of negativity based on ignorance...or fear...or both. Some have had online experiences that were poor, with respect to either content or framework. That's unfortunate, but it can occur within a traditionally designed program (i.e., bricks-and-mortar), as well. Some people believe it just can't be as rigorous as sitting in a classroom, but I am here to tell you it is MORE rigorous than sitting in a classroom. But, I digress.

Some prominent position staff changes have sure rocked the boat. New president, deans, provost, to name a few.....changes in academic advisors, financial folks....it's been hard to keep track of names lately. The incoming people seems to be extremely bright and intelligent, and are working hard to make needed changes to NCU.

In addition to faculty shake-up, NCU has been changing coursework content and sequence for virtually all of the program offerings. For those of us in the midst of our programs, this change has been tough. But reflecting on the old and the new, it seems readily apparent (to me, anyway), that the new is much, much better. It makes more sense, seems a bit more rigorous, and will help make NCU into a stronger online institution.

You know, a lot of schools operate on reputation. Not to pick on any college or university specifically, but you can think for yourself about some that you "just know" are good based on reputation. Does that make the education there that much better? Maybe, in some circumstances. But probably not in comparison with some other schools that just don't have that reputation. Reputation is important. It's hard to achieve, but once achieved, it just may stand the test of time. I see NCU posturing itself to start garnering a stellar reputation in the online learning community. They have the opportunity to be #1 in the nation....world, perhaps....and I am excited to be along for the ride.