The Z-Degree provides Zero Cost Books degree pathways for students in three majors: Business, Multidisciplinary Studies, and Associates in Science. Zero Cost Books courses are provided rough the use of Open Educational Resources and Open Access teaching and learning materials.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Medium-scale (reaches between 10 and 25 percent of its target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: We have seen the number of Zero Cost Books courses increase over the duration of the program, both in terms of total enrollment and the number of courses. Students in ZCB courses tend to have success rates (C or better) as high or higher than comparable students in the same course.

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Instructional Services

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Jerome Drain at jerome.drain@hccs.edu or 7137185261

In January 2021, the University of Texas at Arlington launched the eLearning Transformational Model (eLearning TM) program to build the foundation for sustainable and scalable transformation into a dynamic, digitally enhanced and responsive university. UTA’s eLearning TM efforts align to provide exceptional contribution to the Building a Talent Strong Texas plan, specifically in areas of increasing attainment of postsecondary credentials for adult learners and streamlining student academic and career pathways through innovative course and program redesign and enhanced support services that lead to increased credentials of value.

The eLearning TM team utilized a structured, holistic approach to supporting the implementation of a set of six short-term micro-credential (certificate) programs in high-demand employment areas (health informatics, diversity and inclusion in business, logistics engineering, military social work, and learning technologies) designed for adult learners. The 90+ members of the cross-campus eLearning team coordinated to launch these certificate programs and simultaneously identified a need for and launched eight parallel projects to provide robust and high-quality course and faculty development; offer flexible teaching and learning options through modernized technology and facilities; deliver enhanced market analysis to programs for recruitment; harness data for targeted support of learners across instructional modalities to close achievement and equity gaps.

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program is online only.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: Provost Office

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Amber Smallwood at amber.smallwood@uta.edu or 817-272-5474

"University Advising's mission is to partner with students, parents, and the community to facilitate autonomy, foster independence and develop opportunities to engage in and refine the academic advising experience. We strive to engage with students, refine academic and career goals, and advise for deliberate and goal-oriented academic progress. Whether you are exploring majors, considering health-related careers, or need a partner to facilitate your academic success plan, University Advising is here." "The majority of eXplore students declare their best-fit major within three semesters. Students who declare a major after exploration tend to persist within those majors at rates higher than those who did not explore majors."

DELIVERY FORMAT: The program has a hybrid format or has both online and in-person components.

PROGRAM SCALE: Large-scale (reaches more than 25 percent of its intended target population)

PROGRAM OUTCOMES: Students declare within 3 semesters

DEPARTMENT(S) OVERSEEING PROGRAM: University Advising

CONTACT FOR MORE INFO: Catherine Nutter, Ph.D. at catherine.nutter@ttu.edu or 8067422189