GONZAGA UNIVERSITY

In 2004, leaders at Gonzaga University realized they had an opportunity. At that time, the Internet was becoming increasingly interactive, and the compressed video technology the school was using for its distance education programs was quickly becoming outdated. Additionally, it was becoming clear there was an opportunity to fill a gap for students seeking a Jesuit education but living in an area where none was available. For these reasons, along with a desire to increase diversity of students and faculty, Gonzaga University decided it was time to expand the school’s graduate degree program offerings into the online environment. To that end, the university conducted an internal assessment of its capabilities to develop and support online education programs and determined that they would need outside assistance. Mary McFarland, Dean of The Gonzaga School of Professional Studies, played an integral role in finding a firm that aligned with the university’s needs. Specifically, she was looking for a company with experience in higher education, professionals knowledgeable in transitioning educational programs online, and expertise supporting online students with a high level of personal touch. Gonzaga’s ideal partner would have to be capable of marketing Gonzaga’s new online programs and supporting its students in a manner consistent with the institution’s mission.

Following an initial conversation, Gonzaga administrators met with Deltak to explore a possible relationship that would satisfy their identified needs. After several months of continued conversation, an agreement was signed whereby Deltak would assist Gonzaga in establishing a clear presence for Gonzaga’s online programs by marketing each online program to a targeted population of prospective students; recruiting for the program; and supporting the online students through the duration of the program. Critical to the process was the development of a program with equal admission standards for all programs, whether offered on ground or online. Gonzaga and Deltak formed a strategic partnership that is open, honest and candid. The first program to launch was a Master’s in Organizational Leadership.

Gonzaga and Deltak set out to create successful online programs that would make a quality Jesuit education available to students who otherwise wouldn’t have access to one. The education would be of the same rigor and quality as any received at the on-ground campus. Of equal concern was the goal of establishing a diverse population of students in the online program who had not previously been well represented in the on-campus programs.

What most students find as they enter our program is that Gonzaga University’s Master’s in Organizational Leadership program online is uniquely different from many online programs throughout the country. Our online program is grounded in authentic relationships, and the learning community that is developed takes advantage of the fact that online technology allows us to draw from the whole world. Certainly we have people from every state in the United States as well as international students in our courses. Dr. Michael Carey Chairperson and Associate Professor of the Deparment of Organizational Leadership

The results of Gonzaga’s online Master’s program in Organizational Leadership prove the success of the relationship. In a given year, the on-campus program reaches approximately 150 students. Through Gonzaga’s relationship with Deltak,the number of new students admitted to online programs exceeds 500 per year. From summer 2005 to spring 2007, the online programs saw more than a combined 500% increase in enrollment (see graph on the right). Gonzaga’s online program has succeeded in attracting students across the country and around the world. Approximately 24% of the student body is from the Northwest, 24% reside in the remaining Western states, 3% are stationed in international locations, and the remaining students live in the Midwest or along the East coast. A number of Gonzaga’s online students are stationed with the military abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The ethnic diversity of Gonzaga’s online programs is much greater than the on-ground campus, which mirrors the relatively homogenous demographics of its location in Spokane, Washington. The fastest growing populations in the online program continue to be African-American and

Gonzaga has seen an incredible increase in enrollment through its partnership with Deltak and the institution is enjoying very strong fiscal returns from the program. The online programs have contributed to an expansion of the Gonzaga brand in a positive and meaningful way.

Deltak’s tracking and reporting provide Gonzaga the ability to effectively manage its online operation with a greater level of efficiency and visibility than if it were handled internally. The 24/7 help desk and dedicated student services team provided by Deltak are vital to the success of the program and are critical factors in the retention of the online students and the continued growth of the program. “The Deltak staff, through the quality of their knowledge and dependability, has been integral to the success of this relationship,” McFarland stated. “On the business side, they have consistently helped us achieve beyond our goals. On the education side, they researched our mission and recruited students that met our standards.”

Throughout their program, Deltak remains transparent to students, meaning all Deltak employees are integrated with Gonzaga staff to provide students with a seamless experience and to maintain a strong focus on Gonzaga’s mission and standards. Gonzaga’s online education programs have allowed intelligent, motivated, and busy professionals the opportunity to commit themselves to their education and enhance their future.