University Letter

The University is pleased to announce the formation of an Office of Extended Learning. The Office will be located within the Division of Academic Affairs.

The Office of Extended Learning will be responsible for two critical functions of UND: online and distance education for academic credit, and programs of instruction that do not generate academic credit. Lynette Krenelka, who has extensive experience in working with all the components of the Office of Extended Learning, will lead the unit and will report to the Provost & Vice President for Academic Affairs.

Formation of the unit completes President Kelley’s goal of coordinating all instruction for academic credit within Academic Affairs. The close cooperation with the non-credit instruction will enable the unit to maintain economies of scale and to employ best practices in the administration of both types of programs.

UND is nationally recognized for the quality and breadth of its online and distance courses and degree programs and for the excellence of the student support services provided to students who are enrolled in those courses. Locating the Office of Extended Learning in Academic Affairs will facilitate the adaptation to the ongoing transformation in higher education in which the delivery method of instruction is less significant than the integration of all instruction to best serve the needs of the next generations of students.

The non-credit instruction in the Office of Extended Learning includes the successful programs of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute, educator’s workshops, professional services (including conferences), non-credit courses and certificates, and summer programs and events. These programs connect UND to a broad community of lifelong learners, particularly among UND alumni and North Dakota citizens.

-- Paul LeBel, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs.