Identity Management: Jesuit Universities Preserving Mission and Identity With Online Program Managers
Abstract
This qualitative study explores how five Jesuit universities in the United States maintain their mission and identity when partnering with online program managers (OPMs) to develop and support online degree programs. Focusing on the history of online learning and Ignatian spirituality and pedagogy, and using cultural reproduction theory as a lens, this study involved semi-structured interviews with 15 participants, including administrators, faculty members, and OPM representatives. The findings revealed that although mission and identity are not explicitly included in OPM contracts, faculty engagement and providing context on Ignatian principles enables the practical integration thereof. Though OPMs aim to distinguish programs, best practices and customization generally occur based on each school’s needs and faculty members’ expertise. The results suggest that communicating the mission and involving faculty members helps mitigate risks of mission dilution. Further, the alignment of these programs with service-focused careers indicates students seek to leverage degrees to fulfill their own missions versus solely adopting a university’s mission. Recommendations include keeping instructional design responsibilities in-house and recognizing the importance of student advising, as exemplified by OPMs. Overall, careful communication of the mission and collaboration with faculty members are vital to preserving identity when expanding online learning through third-party partnerships.
Subject Area
Education|Educational administration|Educational leadership|Educational technology
Recommended Citation
Cafferkey, Alan, "Identity Management: Jesuit Universities Preserving Mission and Identity With Online Program Managers" (2024). ETD Collection for Fordham University. AAI31294054.
https://research.library.fordham.edu/dissertations/AAI31294054
