The document discusses three models of higher education - Northeastern University, the University of Massachusetts Amherst, and Southern New Hampshire University. It outlines each school's profile, highlights, and reviews from students. Key aspects discussed include Northeastern's strong focus on experiential learning through co-ops, UMass Amherst's large size but sense of community, and SNHU's flexibility through online options. Overall, the document examines alternatives to the traditional university model through these three case studies.

1. Three Models of Today’s Higher Education Marie Singleton Emerging Trends in Education Fall 2011

2. “For too long, colleges have stuck with the same business model. They have hesitated to take courses online, to cater to adult and part-time students, and to offer courses at any time other than on weekdays between 9 and 5.” (Van DerWerf and Sabatier, 2009).

3. Student Concerns A Vision of Today’s Students by the students at Kansas State University and their professor, Michael Wesch: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGCJ46vyR9o Rising tuition Debt Larger focus on athletics than academics Unemployment post-graduation Courses unrelated to majors Lectures unrelated to the real-world Strict, rigorous schedules

7. 8 colleges with undergraduate majors in 65 departments

9. NEU Class Sizes Student-faculty ratio 13:1 Source: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/northeastern-university-2199

11. “The big picture may be to big to cover in this space, but NU is a co-op school. It’s a school for students who are looking for an urban experience, and who are looking forward to being professionals. It's not the school to come to for parties, to get involved in Greek life, to involve your life with collegiate sports. We do have all of the above, don't get me wrong, but if you're looking for those things to be a central part of your college experience, look elsewhere. Our strengths lie in co-op, in the city of Boston, and in the extra-curricular experiences available to students.” -Alex, Northeastern Student (Source: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/northeastern-university-2199/reviews/3600)

12. University of Massachusetts Amherst

15. 1,450-acre suburban campus

17. Umass Amherst Class Sizes Student-faculty ratio 19:1 Source: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst-2221

19. Near UMass Amherst, in Boston, or in another part of the country

20. Boston Globe, IBM, General Electric, etcOne of the “Top Colleges and Universities Contributing to Teach For America’s 2010 Teaching Corps” during the 2009-2010 academic year

21. “UMass Amherst has an amazing atmosphere. Amherst serves as a true college town. So many of the town's venues exist only to serve the college students. There numerous coffee shops, a mall, a movie theater, book stores, bars, great places to eat, pretty much anything you'd need day to day. […] At first I thought the school was very big, but after a while you get used to the settings. After a month it all seemed perfect. You really get the feeling that it is its own community. For example, city schools have so many distractions, because there’s so much going on in metropolitan areas. However, when you're at UMass Amherst you feel immersed in it.” -Ben, Senior Biology Major Source: http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-colleges/university-of-massachusetts-amherst-2221/reviews/9653

22. Southern New Hampshire University

26. School of Business: "Best of Business Award" winner in the Best M.B.A. Program3 year programs in business, creative writing, justice studies and integrated studies Dual Enrollment for high school students

27. Student Reviews of SNHU “SNHU Online is flexible and fits my work schedule and they made getting my degree the greatest decision I ever made” -Daniel Naranjo '06 “I like the flexibility of online education,” she says. “It has really helped me to retain my job, because I can arrange my class schedule around my work schedule. And since the courses are concentrated and take less time to complete than classroom courses, I’ve been able to wrap up my undergraduate education quicker.” -Kate McCaughey ’10 Source: http://www.snhu.edu/485.asp

28. Characteristics of a Successful University More academic-focused, not business driven Smaller, more personal class sizes Interactive, hands-on experiences Online classes Using technology to enhance the curriculum Blackboard, mobile apps, electronic books, Flexible schedules (nights, weekends, hybrid) Professional experience, extra-curricular activities, volunteer opportunities