For-Credit Programs Call for Proposals

The Center for Academic Innovation invites academic units to submit proposals to collaborate on the development of new for-credit online and hybrid degree and certificate programs or to optimize existing programs. As higher education evolves, we are seeking bold proposals that use online and hybrid programs as strategic tools to address emerging challenges and expand access to a University of Michigan education.

Proposals that creatively integrate non-credit or open online learning components (such as self-paced course initiatives or certificate programs) are encouraged, but all models for high-quality, flexible, and accessible for-credit learning experiences will be considered. Concepts that offer new pathways for student engagement and success, empower cross-school and interdisciplinary collaboration, or enable novel structures for curricular delivery are especially encouraged.

Proposals should demonstrate alignment with institutional priorities, showcase thoughtful curricular and operational planning, and articulate a vision for how the program will advance U-M’s leadership in their discipline.

Deadline

Priority Areas

New Program Concepts

Support for developing new online or hybrid for-credit program concepts will be prioritized based on the expected reach and impact of the proposed online learning portfolio.

Proposals that intentionally combine degree programs with non-credit open online experiences to broaden access and create new pathways for learners will receive the highest level of consideration. An online learning portfolio may include a mix of the following:

• Open or non-credit online courses, such as self-paced courses that are typically completed within 5-20 hours.
• Certificate programs that serve as milestones or pathways toward advanced degree attainment, including both non-credit and for-credit options.
• Fully online or hybrid degree programs.

Proposals that thoughtfully leverage this portfolio approach, with clear curricular connections and innovative pathways for student engagement, are especially encouraged.

Optimize Existing Programs

The center is committed to partnering with academic units to increase student enrollment, improve students’ experience, and increase the operational efficiency of existing online and hybrid degree programs. Through collaborative analysis and strategic guidance, the center can help units:

• Assess and streamline program operations to identify opportunities for efficiency in program delivery and continuous improvement processes.
• Leverage data- and/or research-driven insights to evaluate current program performance, learner outcomes, and market needs, enabling evidence-based decisions that can improve retention, engagement, and overall learner success.
• Advance strategic alignment by optimizing program structures, enhancing multidisciplinary offerings, and strengthening pathways for global and lifelong learning.

The center aims to support academic units’ ability to unlock new efficiencies and adopt impact-optimizing approaches that elevate the quality and reach of their online learning portfolios.

Funding and Support

Funding and in-kind support are available to help offset the startup costs associated with developing and launching new for-credit online or hybrid programs. The initial support period is intended to complement investments made by the academic unit, subsidizing a portion of upfront costs and generally extend for up to three years. Combined with unit resources, this support aims to provide sufficient capacity to launch and sustain a program through at least the first year of student recruitment and enrollment.

By the end of the initial support period, units are expected to reinvest program revenue to provide ongoing support for program operations and continuous improvement.

Approved proposals may receive funding and in-kind support for one or more of the following program areas:

• Program Exploration: Strategic guidance on degree portfolio possibilities; market feasibility research; analysis of implications for development and launch; financial modeling and unit capacity assessment.
• Program Development: Program management; operational, regulatory, and compliance support; curricular and faculty development; course and learning experience design; media production; student services planning; and marketing strategy.
• Program Operations: Program evaluation and research; ongoing faculty development; continuing course improvements and content iterations; strategic guidance on optimizing operational processes and workflows.

Proposal Criteria

Strong proposals will:

• Further establish U-M’s position as a leading institution shaping the future of learning and higher education.
• Align with institutional priorities around multidisciplinary problem solving, global and lifelong learning, increasing impact, access, and affordability.
• Embrace the online learning portfolio model to create greater access to educational experiences through complementary non-credit learning initiatives that establish new modes of learning and engagement.
• Demonstrate pathways to financial sustainability within three years and an innovative business model that is responsive to a rapidly changing market landscape.

Proposals should also:

• Consider opportunities to leverage optimal use of resources within both academic units and centralized units such as CAI to ensure excellence and sustainability at the program, portfolio, and institutional levels.
• Increase U-M’s ability to make high-quality learning experiences accessible at scale and available for global and lifelong learners.
• Address unmet learner or market needs through innovative pedagogies, novel curricular design, and student experiences.
• Demonstrate clear alignment with academic-unit level strategy and reflect areas of existing or emerging strength.
• Demonstrate clear commitment and readiness from academic unit leadership, faculty, and other key contributors.

Proposal Submission Process

Proposal Requirements 

• Eligibility: All academic units at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor campus are eligible to submit a proposal.
• Letter of Support: Online and Hybrid Program proposals must be accompanied by a letter of support from the proposing School/College’s dean.
• Consultation: Program or academic unit leaders should plan to consult with staff at the Center for Academic Innovation prior to submitting a proposal.

Submission Process

Step 1: Request a consultation with the Center for Academic Innovation by completing the consultation request form and scheduling a meeting time with our team. Consultation sessions will be held until the deadline in the center’s office at 317 Maynard Street or via Zoom. During these sessions, center staff will be available to discuss how your idea aligns with the call, the submission process, and offer initial constructive feedback on the proposed idea.

Step 2: Meet with center team members to discuss your program/portfolio concept in detail and begin to scope your proposal.

Step 3: Work with center team members to draft your program proposal, which includes information regarding:

• A description of the program, including timeline and anticipated audience
• Details of the online portfolio your school or college hopes to develop, and how the proposed initiative connects to this portfolio
• Identification of the anticipated support needed to create the program
• Partnership and program goals

Step 4: Submit your final proposal via email to [email protected] with the subject line “Online and Hybrid Programs Call.”

Timeline

• Call for Proposals opens: September 2026
• Consultations: Consultation sessions and Appointments available
• (Optional Event) 2026 Online Learning Showcase: October 7, 2026
• Proposal deadline: December 18, 2026
• Decisions announced: Early February 2027
• Development: 2027-2028 Academic Year; development timelines determined collaboratively with selected academic unit teams

Contact

To set up a consultation or ask questions, contact [email protected].