BYU-Idaho All-employee Meeting Examines Role of University in Online Education
REXBURG, Idaho — Pathway and other Brigham Young University-Idaho employees gathered on Oct. 6 as BYU-Idaho Online Vice President Jon Linford announced improvements to how the university’s online programs will meet the “enormous demand” for Church education around the world.
During the meeting, Linford presented the creation of the Online Course Council, designed to ensure that BYU-Idaho and PathwayConnect course materials prepare students to be successful both in and after their education. Pathway’s “Give Me Five” campaign was exemplified as emphasis was placed on BYU-Idaho’s unique “stackable certificate” program, which helps students learn practical, qualifying skills while working toward a degree. Linford also addressed the need for all enrolled online students to physically gather as part of their educational experience.
BYU-Idaho President Clark G. Gilbert also spoke during the meeting, urging employees to ponder the unique mission and strategy of the university. “At BYU-Idaho, we are student focused by design,” he said. “Strategy is about making choices, trade-offs; it’s about deliberately choosing to be different.”
Through PathwayConnect’s purposes, the student advising model, and the support of Church-service missionaries, PathwayConnect will continue to stay student focused as the program expands to meet the educational needs of a worldwide Church membership.
President Gilbert addresses Pathway and BYU-Idaho employees at the All-employee Meeting.
