Launching or redesigning an online academic program? The Office of Online Learning’s workshop series, co-sponsored by various campus units, will guide you from initial exploration to full implementation, equipping you with essential campus resources, policy insights, and best practices. Offered in a virtual format, these sessions will connect you with peers across campus who are expanding their digital offerings. Whether you’re just starting out or refining an existing plan, you’ll leave each workshop with clear next steps and valuable campus connections.
Participants will receive a participation badge for each workshop they attend, and those who attend all workshops in the series will also receive a series certificate.
From Vision to Blueprint: Laying the Groundwork for Online Programs
Thursday, October 16, 2025 from 11 am to 12 pm
Before launching an online program, it’s important to first establish a strong foundation through careful planning. Eden Smothers and Dawn Bohn from the Office of Online Learning will share proven strategies used for online program development across campus. They’ll guide you through identifying your target audience and its needs, defining learning goals, spotting curriculum gaps, and planning for staffing and training. You will leave with a clear blueprint to move your program from vision to reality.
Facilitators:
- Eden Smothers: Project Manager, Office of Online Learning
- Dawn Bohn: Teaching Professor, Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition,
Director of Faculty and Academic Engagement, Siebel Center for Design,
Provost Fellow, Office of Online Learning
Design, Develop, Deliver: Support for Your Online Course or Program
Friday, November 14, 2025 from 1 to 2 pm
Turning your course or program vision into reality? This session will highlight the end-to-end support available to help you succeed — from market research and learning outcome design to online pedagogy and technology innovations. Whether you’re creating a brand-new course, revising an existing one, or converting it for online delivery, you’ll discover the tools, expertise, and personalized guidance available to bring your online offering to life.
Facilitators:
- Katie Dalpiaz: Assistant Director of Program Support, Center for Innovation in Teaching & Learning (CITL)
- Kelly Birky: Sr. Associate Director of Marketing & Strategic Communication, Strategic Communications & Marketing
Green Light to Go Live: Navigating Online Program Approvals
Thursday, February 19, 2026 from 2 to 3 pm
Launching or revising an online program involves multiple layers of campus and off campus approvals. In this session, Brooke Newell will guide you through the process, from planning through final notice of approval. Mary Lowry will focus on parts of the process that are different for graduate programs. You’ll leave knowing what resources are available to help you prepare your proposal application.
Facilitators:
- Brooke Newell: Director for Educational Programs, Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor
- Mary Lowry: Graduate Degree Audit Systems Specialist, Graduate College
Stackable Success: Launching Certificates & Non-Credit Programs
Monday, March 9, 2026 from 1 to 2 pm
Looking to expand your offerings to alumni and the public? This session explores the design and implementation of non-credit courses, certificates, and continuing education units — including stackable credentials that can serve as pathways into degree programs. You’ll also learn how to leverage digital credentialing platforms to launch and scale these programs effectively.
Facilitator:
- John Hart, Director of the Office for Professional Education, Professor, Siebel School of Computing &
Data Science
Link, Learn, and Leverage: Embedding Library Resources in Canvas
Tuesday, April 28, 2026 from 11 am to 12 pm
Want to strengthen your students’ research skills and make course materials more connected? In this session, the eLearning Librarian for the University Library will show you how to seamlessly integrate Library resources into your Canvas course and ensure students have access to essential collections!
You’ll explore:
- Ways to embed tutorials that support core and discipline-specific research skills
- The University Library Resources Module, which introduces students to key Library tools and services
- Options for designing custom Canvas modules tailored to your class’s needs
- How assigning the “Librarian” role in Canvas can connect your students directly with their subject liaison librarian
Discover how to link Library expertise and collections directly to your digital classroom—helping students learn, explore, and succeed.
Facilitator:
- Evie Cordell, eLearning Librarian, Assistant Professor, University Library
More workshop series are on the way—stay tuned! If you’d like to be the first to know when new sessions are announced, fill out our quick interest form and we’ll send you an update.