Consider the various stages of the program planning process from an administrative lens, including identifying program and service gaps that are addressed in the development and redevelopment of learning solutions, acquiring talent, program development planning, implementation and oversight, as well as the application of program evaluation practices. Gain practical steps and mechanisms that provide a framework for program planning and execution in your continuing education context. 

Examine the complex continuing education environment, its influences and impacts, and investigate not only how various learning environments develop, but how they impact the design and process of learning within a continuing education context. Come away with a better understanding of the administrative and educational structures that support and hinder adult learning.

Investigate the process required to design and develop learning solutions within a continuing education context. You’ll be guided through an overview of the different learning solution types, their delivery modalities, and the administrative and operational conditions required to pursue successful solution design, development, implementation, and review. Learn new approaches for planning and developing learning solutions, both from a direct enrolment (in-house approach) and custom and contract perspective (partnership approach).

Explore current global trends impacting today’s lifelong learners and examine how traditional and non-traditional learner needs are changing the shape of continuing education. We’ll emphasize the skills and competencies that lifelong learners are asked to acquire to meet the changing needs of workplace and professional environments — to respond to the “skills gap” often identified by employers, for example — and how these needs are addressed by continuing education programs and offerings.

Explore the critical importance of a talent strategy to successfully establish and grow a continuing education division, including your processes for recruiting, hiring, onboarding, supporting, and offboarding talent. You’ll explore the Talent Lifecycle from the perspectives of continuing education needs, financing, information technology (IT) and operational systems, and marketing. Come away with practical tools and strategies for fostering and supporting talent development within your continuing education unit.