Annual Report | Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives

Division Of Innovative And Learning-Centric Initiatives Annual Review 2025-2026

The Division of Innovative and Learning-Centric Initiatives (ILCI) supports faculty and departments in the growth and development of online courses, programs, and student support services across the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

Services

Center for Competencies, Skills and Workforce Development (CCSW)

CCSW serves as UNO's hub for workforce innovation, bringing together initiatives that align academic programs with the evolving needs of regional and national employers.

Digital Learning

The Digital Learning team partners with departments, faculty, and instructors to redesign courses for online and hybrid learning, develop engaging instructional materials, and leverage technology to enhance digital learning.

Online Development

ILCI assists in optimizing academic programs for online delivery by providing guidance, reviewing market research, recommending resources, and navigating institutional approval processes.

Microcredentials

Microcredentials provide learners with targeted, workforce-aligned skills that address critical talent needs while creating flexible pathways for professional growth and lifelong learning.

Online and Digital Learning

ILCI partnered with faculty across all six UNO colleges to expand online and hybrid learning while advancing instructional innovation. Through instructional design support, faculty workshops, AI implementation projects, and the design, revision, and launch of online and hybrid courses, ILCI helped strengthen teaching excellence and increase access to flexible learning opportunities.

11

Online program development grants are advancing the expansion of UNO's online portfolio, including a new online-only Doctor of Social Work degree.

15

Academic programs added an online modality, including four majors and three minors.

7+

Enrollments through targeted online marketing efforts.

Instructional Design & Microcredentials

Through instructional design and microcredentials, ILCI expanded flexible learning opportunities while supporting innovation in teaching and learning.

32

New microcredentials launched during the past 12 months.

30

Partnered with 30 faculty on AI grant projects focused on responsible implementation of generative AI in teaching.

190

Launched online and hybrid courses.

36

Conducted workshops reaching 298 faculty and staff, fostering continued growth in teaching, learning, and academic innovation.

Center for Competencies, Skills and Workforce Development (CCSW)

Throughout the year, CCSW advanced UNO's commitment to workforce development by building strategic partnerships, launching innovative initiatives, and expanding competency-based education. These efforts positioned the center as a catalyst for aligning academic innovation with regional and national workforce demands.

Campus-Wide Collaboration

More than 100 individuals across UNO participated in six workgroups to bring competency-based education to campus.

Launched Maverick Flex Path

UNO received Higher Learning Commission approval and launched Maverick Flex Path, UNO's portfolio of competency-based education (CBE) programs. The first offering—the Graduate Certificate in Executive Business—is scheduled to launch in Fall 2026.

UNO Skills Report

CCSW launched the inaugural UNO Skills Report and embedded skill badges representing the Top 10 Skills for 2025–26 into 25 courses across all six colleges.

Industry Advisory Board

CCSW established its inaugural Advisory Board, bringing together 40 industry leaders to strengthen collaboration between academic programs and workforce needs.

Official Center Designation

CCSW received official center designation from the Nebraska Board of Regents and the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education (CCPE).

Thank You

Thank you to our faculty, staff, partners, and campus collaborators for your continued commitment to innovation and student success.