The document summarizes the Transparency by Design initiative, a voluntary consortium of online institutions that share common data about their programs on the College Choices for Adults website. The initiative launched in 2009 with data from 12 institutions on over 30 programs. It focuses on learning outcomes and the adult learner experience. Members commit to contributing institutional data according to common standards and expanding the amount of data and number of member institutions over time. The goal is to provide more robust information for prospective adult students to make informed choices.

1. Exploring Accountability from the Inside Out: The Transparency by Design Process WCET Conference Friday, October 23, 2009

2. Presenters: Cali Morrison Project Coordinator, WCET & Transparency by Design Salvatore Monaco Provost, Western Governors University Kim Pearce Director of Assessment & Institutional Research, Capella University Karan Powell Senior Vice President & Academic Dean, American Public University System

3. Brief History 2006: Transparency by Design initiative conceptualized by the President’s Forum - utilizing the strengths of educating adults at a distance to help create a robust consumer information initiative 2007: Pilot institutions commit to initiative and begin process of building common data definitions: American InterContinental University Online American Public University System Capella University Charter Oak State College Colorado Technical University Excelsior College Franklin University Kaplan University Regis University Rio Salado College Southwestern College Union Institute & University Western Governors University

4. Brief History 2008: Transparency by Design institutions partner with WCET to provide 3 rd party quality assurance of data. Lumina Foundation for Education provides grant funds to build initial website which will display data for potential adult learners. 2009: Transparency by Design initiative launches the College Choices for Adults website on August 3. Site has data for 12 institutions and over 30 programs. Focuses on program learning outcomes and adult learners are the differentiator from other informational sites.

5. College Choices for Adults Homepage

6. Brief History 2009 & Beyond: Transparency by Design institutions and WCET are continuing to develop common data definitions for elements such as: Measure of Academic Proficiency and Progress (MAPP) Priorities Survey for Online Learners (PSOL) Community College Survey of Student Engagement (CCSSE) Progress Rate Cost of attendance Addition of more programs for each institution and the addition of new member institution’s data. WCET is also working on adding the following elements to the site which will add functionality important to prospective adult learners: Enhanced Search functionality Comparison Functionality Friend, Follow and Favorite great resources from College Choices for Adults – providing an opportunity for potential adult learners to engage with the site through social media outlets.

7. Membership Commitments Commitment to the Principles of Good Practice. Contribution of institutional data for display on the College Choices for Adults website according to the common data set and reporting schedule approved by the Executive Committee. Partner in building the Transparency by Design initiative and visibility of the College Choices for Adults website. Visit www.transparencybydesign.org for further details.

8. Think/Pair/Share Take about 5 minutes to turn to a few of those around you to discuss what this initiative means for the distance higher education community. What’s your reaction? What barriers might you face if you brought this idea back to your institution? Jot down questions you have that we can discuss during the next portion of the session.

9. Questions

10. Contact Information: Cali Morrison Project Coordinator, WCET & Transparency by Design – cmorrison@wcet.info Salvatore Monaco Provost, Western Governors University – smonaco@wgu.edu Kim Pearce Director of Assessment & Institutional Research, Capella University – kim.pearce@capella.edu Karan Powell Senior Vice President & Academic Dean, American Public University System – kpowell@apus.edu