WCET has long been interested in multi-institutional consortia and systems. These organizations help their member institutions share resources with the goal of increasing the institutional capacity for technology-enhanced courses, programs, and student support services. WCET’s Consortia Group has focused on the organization and leadership of these partnerships for many years.
A Survey of Multi-Institution Consortia and System Leaders – 2018
WCET’s Consortia Group determined that it was time to conduct another survey to benchmark the current and future state of consortia and system (i.e., the unit of a public system responsibility for these activities) work. Respondents represented consortia and systems of all types from the United States and Canada.
Together We Can Accomplish More: A Survey of Multi-institution Consortia and System Leaders was released in October 2018.
The major findings were:
- There has been flux (openings, closures, and transitions) in these organizations, but most are strengthening.
- There is value in increasing student outcomes and operational efficiencies, as well as jointly exploring new innovations.
- A wide range of services are offered; most focus on soft skills.
- New services that these organizations are adding vary highly according to member needs. OER was mentioned most often.
- In both budgets and staffing, these organizations are maturing.
- Revenue streams for these organizations are a bit more diversified than in 2008, but are still relatively few.
Previous Work on Consortia and Systems
- Support of the 2003 publication by Rhonda Epper and Myk Garn: Virtual College & University Consortia A National Study.
- The Funding of Academic Collaborations – a survey conducted in 2008.
- E-Learning Consortia Profiles.
For more information, contact WCET. If your consortium is not listed or would like to submit a profile, contact us. We invite you to submit your information whether or not you are a WCET member.