The Administration of Online Programs in Statewide Systems: A Case Study of the University System of New Hampshire

Chris L. LaBelle, Patrick R. Lowenthal, Kerry Rice

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Abstract

As enrollments in postsecondary online programs have grown, many institutions have pursued a more centralized business model that consolidates their online programming under a single executive leader, a statewide system office, or a coalition of institutions that have merged operations and assets. In this study, the researchers used an exploratory case study design--using both surveys and interviews--to investigate how online programs are administered at four institutions in the University System of New Hampshire (USNH). Several findings emerged from the data. First, participants struggled finding a common vocabulary when talking about online programs and the potential benefits of system-level collaboration; second, administrators frequently prioritized their local program tasks over system-wide collaboration; and third, although there was not a strategic plan in place to help institutions collaborate, participants agreed that such a plan would be valuable.

Original languageAmerican English
Pages (from-to)1-12
Number of pages12
JournalOnline Journal of Distance Learning Administration
Volume23
Issue number2
StatePublished - Jul 2020

EGS Disciplines

  • Educational Administration and Supervision
  • Higher Education
  • Instructional Media Design
  • Online and Distance Education

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