Only $400,000 in write offs for Vocado in March, glad to know the system is working much better.
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What was the system supposed to do? I fathom that you are asking if there are alternatives to the buy-out and de-listing or the numerous downsizing's, and of course the college operating model. Of course there were alternatives. How about change the structure, philosophy, and culture, becoming a "real" education institution instead of a corporation or business masquerading as a university? As complex and challenging as this would have been, it could have saved UOP and it least provided a veneer of respectability. But alas it is a business and it has always acted like a business. The leadership, culture, and even the vernacular are business. We call degrees products and treat them as if they are. We promote like many businesses do: from within and with little regard to competency at the next level. This assures perpetual institutionalization of the culture. And of course dissent is stifled, good people quit when they determine the culture is toxic and operations if not illegal, certainly dishonest; and when there is a pervasive lack of integrity. Take the School of Business as a primary example and President Slottow. The SOB Exec Dean did not have an academic background and basically sold soap; while Slottow did work at a prestigious university as a bean counter, he also did not have an academic background. What is almost worst, sad, and humorous is the provost has a doctorate from an institution that has a worse reputation than we do and is also a product of institutionalization. An organization cannot change when its leadership and values are the product of the very culture that needs to change. I thought Slottow might change it but unfortunately he did not have the perspective, skills, or support; maybe all 3. Plus he can't lose. He can say he tried to reform and failed (as anyone would have) or he would have been a star with a turnaround. I am afraid UOP will continue this slow slide to oblivion. Too many forces are aligned against it and few people will want to come in and help save it (if possible) unless they are promised authority (that will not be given) or a wheel-barrel full of cash. Campuses will continue to fail and online cannot match what competitors offer. Maybe 10-15 years if not sooner. ASU, Grand Canyon, Western Governors, Southern New Hampshire, and now hundreds of state and private universities are kicking UOP's a-- and the pie is being sliced thinner each day. The differentiator's UOP had have been absorbed by competitors and so far it hasn't identified any compelling new one's. The question remains: why would a competent student with a promising future come to UOP? No one at UOP can effectively answer that question.
What was the system supposed to do?
When you stop and think of all that Vocado CAN DO it is amazing that UoP still has the doors open. I do like that it rhymes avocado.