Abstract

Interviews conducted with individuals involved in the early development and current operation of the Western Governors University allowed identification of 12 themes concerning early, formative decisions and decision-making processes. These themes were subsequently grouped into 5 categories: (1) politics, (2) organizational models, (3) changing mission, (4) multiple missions, and (5) experiencing innovation. Several factors, including the need to obtain financial support and to operate independently as a degree-granting institution, were influential in the decision to focus on competency-based curricula rather than providing a repository for distance learning courses offered by institutions in the West.

Citation

Meyer, K.A. (2005). Critical Decisions Affecting the Development of Western Governors University. Innovative Higher Education, 30(3), 177-194. Retrieved August 8, 2024 from https://www.learntechlib.org/p/100110/.

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Keywords

• College Curriculum
• Competency Based Education
• distance education
• educational innovation
• Educational Objectives
• Educational Principles
• educational technology
• Financial Support
• higher education
• Institutional Mission
• Interviews
• models
• Politics of Education
• Program Development
• Virtual Universities