Z-Degrees: Four Colleges in 12 Months

Abstract

Educational Innovations at the Minnesota State system office assisted four colleges in creating Z-degrees in just 12 months. This work was made possible through a $500,000 allocation from the Minnesota state legislature. Structures and strategies were developed to assess campus readiness, apply tools and support, and provide leadership throughout implementation. Attention was also given to reporting mechanisms and program sustainability with an eye toward future implementations of new and expansion of existing Z-degree programs. From these experiences, recommendations emerge to help inform other systems considering Z-degree initiatives.