Vice Chancellor Laurie Dodge joins Board of National Organization Supporting Online Education

The following content first appeared on the news page while UMass Global operated under its former name of Brandman University.

IRVINE, Calif. (Nov. 8, 2019) - Brandman University Vice Chancellor Laurie Dodge was elected to the governing board of an organization that helps standardize government approvals for colleges operating distance learning programs across state lines.

The National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (NC-SARA) oversees implementation of the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements (SARA), which help colleges and universities providing distance-learning classes across state lines operate according to shared standards.

“Laurie is nationally respected for developing alternatives to the traditional higher education model. Her invaluable service to Brandman University has enabled our faculty to offer competency-based degree programs that are tailored specifically to help working adults gain college credentials at their own pace – and in their own homes. I join the Brandman community in congratulating her,” Chancellor Gary Brahm said.

Washington Monthly named Dodge to its list of “The Sixteen Most Innovative People in Higher Education” in 2016. She earned her master’s degree and Ph.D. in school psychology from Ball State University.

Dodge, vice chancellor of institutional assessment and planning and vice provost, helped lead the creation of the Brandman MyPath competency-based education programs. Brandman MyPath programs enable students to progress to degrees at their own pace by means of subject mastery, versus the credit hour, through digital learning resources and direct assessments.

Brandman also offers degree programs in more traditional credit-hour formats, with students able to enroll in fully online or hybrid classes.

SARA provides for eligible colleges and universities receiving approvals to provide online classes in their home states to gain approval to operate in any other participating state or territory. The District of Columbia also participates in SARA. At present, California is the only state operating outside of SARA.

The Association of Independent California Colleges and Universities (AICCU) advocates for California to join SARA to enable California schools to reallocate money spent on out-of-state compliance efforts for student services, and to establish common student protections among participating institutions.

Brandman University is a member of AICCU and supports their position.

“The National Council for State Authorization of Reciprocity Agreements’ board is dedicated to ensuring students who choose online education have access to quality degree programs. Brandman University has a strong record of helping working adults earn their degrees online, and I look forward to working with other board members to improve education for all students,” Dodge said.

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ABOUT BRANDMAN UNIVERSITY
Brandman University is a private, nonprofit institution accredited by the WASC Senior College and University Commission. As part of the Chapman University System, Brandman blends a legacy of academic excellence with innovative programs and support services designed for students with busy schedules. The university offers more than 80 undergraduate, graduate, credential and certificate programs. Brandman serves about 25,000 students at more than 25 campuses in California and Washington, as well as online. Brandman offers fully-online courses for students anywhere in the United States and for military personnel serving abroad. For additional information, visit the university’s website.

Media Contacts:

Terri M. Carbaugh, Vice Chancellor of Public Affairs: Carbaugh@brandman.edu

Andrew Edwards, Senior Multimedia News Writer: Edwards1@brandman.edu