We know that learning begins with asking the right questions, not answers. Let's begin this expedition by gathering all the questions that we have about this new territory we are exploring.  Here are twenty questions to get us started. 

1. Whose idea is the UW System Flexible Degree Option?
2. What are the forces behind this idea?
3. What is the problem for which this might be a solution?
4. What exactly is a "flexible" degree?
5. What is a "competency-based degree"?
6. What universities or colleges are currently offering flexible degrees?  Competency-based degrees?
7. How will the degrees be developed?  What will th campus role be?  What will UW Extension's role be? What will UWS's role be?
8. What will it take in faculty and staff time to create a flexible degree?
9. How will we ensure that the degree is high quality and highly valued?
10. What special expertise do we need that we don't currently have to create this degree?
11. How will faculty be compensated and rewarded for their work on the degree? 
12. What professional development and support will be required for faculty and staff who work on this degree?
13. Will students be given credit for "life experience"? 
14. How will students' knowledge and skills be evaluated?
15. Will the flexible degree option affect our accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission?
16. In which disciplines will we offer the flexible degree?  What existing degrees would be most appropriate for conversion to this new method of delivery?
17. Can any academic department participate?
18. What is the timeline for creating and offering this degree?
19. What is the relationship between the collaborative BAAS with UW Waukesha and the flexible degree option?
20. How can we use the flexible degree option as an opportunity to create 'curriculum maps' for shared learning goals as well as the learning goals for specific majors?
21. What internal division of labor will be necessary to successfully design, launch and maintain such as degree?  What will be the role of the colleges and academic departments?  CCP?  Enrollment Services?
22. What is the role of the University of Wisconsin Extension in the flexible degree option?
23. How does the Flexible Degree Option align with UW Parkside's academic plan and priorities?
24. What is the role of shared governance in the decision-making process?

Please post your questions about the flexible degree option below.