Online Playbook

Program Development

Managing the Development Timeline

When bringing a program from conception to launch, PACE follows a structured process and timeline to rigorously evaluate program viability. This includes comprehensive reviews by all PACE functional areas to ensure the program has the necessary resources and support for success. Below is an example process and timeline for program development:

  • Submission of new program idea form
  • Review by PACE Chief Officer and Associate Director
  • Market scan by program developer
  • Presentation and review in PACE Management Team meeting
  • Decision to proceed or revise based on market research
  • Drafting of scope document by program team
  • Review and finalization of scope and budget
  • Presentation and approval by PACE Management Team
  • If necessary, revision of scope/budget and approval of academic unit agreement
  • Detailed project management planning through program launch
  • Marketing plan development and execution
  • Development of course content
  • Launch and kickoff activities
  • Administration of contracts, hiring, payments, and budget reconciliation
  • Program debrief and closeout meetings

Providing Market Demand Analysis

PACE has experience in–and specialized tools for–evaluating market trends and the competitive landscape to determine the viability of a proposed program. We can assess market demand and the competitive landscape using the following:

  • Evaluate program appeal and opportunities for growth within the target market using job postings as a barometer for market need. PACE uses the labor market analytics system Lightcast, Educational Advisory Board data, and other data sources for labor market data and analytics.
  • Identify niche and fit within strategic goals.
  • Address specific university or workforce needs.
  • Align with UVM’s strategic plans, academic goals, and mission.
  • Compile a list of similar programs currently being offered at other schools to determine whether the proposed program is competitive in course offering and price. We analyze pricing, modality, number of completions, number of credits, and other distinguishing program factors.
  • Estimate costs to run the program (e.g. course development, instructor costs) compared to expected revenue (proposed tuition multiplied by the estimated number of enrollments). PACE provides budget templates to facilitate estimates.

Supporting Governance and Curricular Approval Processes for Degree Programming

The academic unit is ultimately responsible for shepherding proposals for new curriculum or academic programs through the UVM governance process; however, PACE can provide resources and support. We can: 

  • Offer market demand and program competitor data to help draft sections pertaining to comparable programming and evidence of demand or need for the program within the Proposal for a New Academic Program document listed on the Faculty Senate Curricular Resources Website. 
  • Identify, map, and adhere to suitable UVM governance timelines with academic unit partners, and recommend steps for drafting and submitting new academic proposals. 

    Example: 2023 – 2024 Timeline for Policy & Proposal Review Process

Providing Program and Course Design 

As a program develops, it will necessitate a shared project or program charter and agreed-upon scope of work. PACE can help with the following: 

  • Identifying key stakeholders
  • Developing communication plans, timelines, and project milestones 
  • Defining what is in and out of project or program scope, and disclosing potential project constraints and assumptions 

PACE’s instructional design team provides full design and development support for course developers/SMEs. In pursuit of the highest-possible program quality, our highly experienced team of online instructional design experts help guide and support all phases of the design and development processes, utilizing industry best practices and tools for online course design, development, and delivery. Some of the tools and strategies we offer include the following, which can be fully customized to the needs of your program/project:  

  • Audience and Objectives identification
  • Competency-mapping
  • Authentic assessment strategies
  • Quality rubrics for design, development, and delivery
  • Course maps, blueprints, and templates
  • Advice on program length, content, number of courses, and synchronicity 
  • LMS support

More detail around our processes and tools is available in the Course Development/Design and the Faculty/Instructor sections of this playbook.  

Supporting Finance and Contracts 

Staff at PACE can support the following: 

PACE offers budget templates adapted for a variety of program offerings: online, in-person, hybrid online/in-person, non-degree, and custom training.

PACE can do the following:

  • Draft and send instructor contracts for noncredit courses, and faculty contracts for credit courses during summer — see Noncredit Hiring and Course Cancellation Policy
  • Send intellectual property letters and process payments
  • Field questions from instructors about IP agreements and copyright matters
  • Act as a liaison with UVM HR Partners, Risk Management, and General Counsel’s offices as the need arises
  • Process client/employer contracts and route for approval/signatures

Credit Tuition rates

Non-Credit Tuition rates

Scholarships

  • PACE can work with corporate partners, Student Financial Services, and the Foundation to explore and administer scholarship opportunities.