credit and non-credit thinking

University College needs to be in the middle of the credit / non-credit issue. We can -- should be -- the validators of learning by serving as the bridge between non-credit and credit. Look at the Lumina proficiency model for one example. It's quite simple: map external competencies to course course credits at SU. The TEDCenter has already done some of this. We extend their work to create a learning validation system that we can place in front of people interested in completing a degree with SU.

We're looking at the emergence of a new credential -- an occupational credential that is post-AAS and pre-BS. MOOCs are the lever of change in this space. It's quickly becoming no longer an issue of rigor, demonstrable learning, knowledge assessment, credentialing and offering credit. It an issue of building a framework and business processes to support all of this.

Let's forget the pressure or false hope of the $10,000 degree. It really isn't possible when we have to account for tech, advising, services, operations, etc. It's only realistic when bundled with all of the opportunities noted above -- brokering and leveraging all of a students learning experiences. 

We have to stop worrying about the Khan Academies and Universities of the People. These opportunities exist outside the credentialing system. The students taking these courses are non-consumers of our product -- the college degree.