Kelly Hermann and Doris Savron joined industry leaders to discuss accessibility and data-driven program innovation in higher education

University of Phoenix is pleased to share that two members of its leadership team presented at the WCET Annual Meeting, held October 25-27 in New Orleans, LA. Vice President, Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion, Kelly Hermann, and Vice Provost, Academic Colleges, Doris Savron, joined the proceedings to share insights around accessibility and data-driven program innovation in higher education. The three-day event brought together higher education professionals to share advances in digital learning practices and to explore emerging policy challenges facing institutions and organizations.

Savron’s session, a joint presentation with Learning Mate, titled “Data-Driven Program Design: Skills for Learners and Employers,” focused on best practices surrounding authentic assessments and the underpinning platform that supports alignment of programs, courses and skills.

“University of Phoenix has adapted skills-mapped programming to help bridge the skills gap that today’s employers are facing,” shares Savron. “The WCET meeting is a great opportunity to share how our we have transitioned to a skills-mapped curriculum that helps students identify, acquire, and validate skills as they move through their educational journey with us, as opposed to waiting until they earn a degree.”

Hermann presented a session with 1EdTech focused on inclusive learning environments titled, “Equity in Edtech: An Accessibility Vetting Rubric for Digital Learning Products.” The session explored the power of collaboration to create truly accessible digital products. Hermann’s session also highlighted her work as Accessibility Task Force Chair for 1EdTech, where she is focused on developing an accessibility vetting rubric to help institutions improve access for students with disabilities.

“Having the opportunity to develop this rubric for digital learning products is critical because effective DEIB programs hinge upon effective use of technology,” Hermann says. “I am thrilled to work alongside the knowledgeable professionals at 1EdTech and continue leveraging technology to serve our diverse student population in impactful ways.”

Hermann is the Vice President of Accessibility, Equity and Inclusion for the University of Phoenix. She has oversight of the university’s accessibility initiative, including the evaluation and remediation of curricular resources, the Student Accommodations office, which provides accommodations to students with disabilities and the Office of Educational Equity, which works with University stakeholders, community partners and corporate sponsors to create an inclusive educational environment for the students, faculty, and staff. Hermann also chairs the Accessibility Innovation Learning Network and the Accessibility Taskforce for 1EdTech, and was awarded the IMS Global award for Higher Ed Leadership in 2020.

Savron's career spans 30 years in healthcare, information technology and academia. In her role as vice provost of University of Phoenix, she oversees strategy for degree, certificate and course offerings, design of curriculum and student learning outcomes for the University. She works collaboratively with her team members to innovate academic solutions that enable the University to provide exceptional student experiences and learning environments to support student success. Savron serves on the Career Connectors Board of Directors and several committees and advisory councils, including the DEI professionals committee for the Greater Phoenix Chamber. She was recently appointed to the advisory council for UPCEAs and AACRAO’s new Converge Conference in 2023 focused on the emerging field of alternative credentials in Higher Education.

Learn more here about WCET.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world. Flexible schedules, relevant courses, interactive learning, skills-mapped curriculum for our bachelor’s and master’s degree programs and a Career Services for Life® commitment help students more effectively pursue career and personal aspirations while balancing their busy lives. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

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