“It was exciting to learn about the collaborative efforts across departments and teams to develop sustainable solutions. The session was highly informative and highlighted the value of cross-functional partnership.”
— 2026 Event Attendee
Charlotte Symposium for Online Learning Highlights Collaboration and Student Success
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UNC Charlotte recently hosted the Third Annual Charlotte Symposium for Online Learning this spring, bringing together faculty and staff from across the University to share ideas and strategies for supporting online student success. Centered on the theme “Strengthening Systems. Supporting Success.”, the symposium focused on strengthening the infrastructure, partnerships and practices that support the University’s expanding online programs and the working learners who rely on Charlotte’s flexible pathways to advance their careers.
The symposium also comes at a time of continued evolution for UNC Charlotte’s online learning enterprise. The University’s Digital & Professional Learning unit, formerly known as the School of Professional Studies, now more clearly reflects the broader scope of work that powers and supports the School of Professional Studies, Charlotte Online, workforce-aligned programs and other learner-facing initiatives and centers that serve digital and professional learning at Charlotte.
The half-day event featured presentations and discussions from faculty, administrators, advisors, enrollment leaders and student success professionals, all focused on improving the online learning experience and strengthening collaboration across campus.
Over 100 faculty and staff attended this year’s event and their post-event feedback emphasized the importance of bringing together colleagues from across the University to share ideas and learn from one another. “Getting all of the online-related colleagues together from across campus was incredibly valuable,” one attendee shared.
National Rankings Reflect Continued Momentum
The symposium comes at a time of continued national recognition for UNC Charlotte’s online programs, reflecting years of investment in high-quality digital learning and student support.
In the 2026 U.S. News & World Report Best Online Programs rankings, UNC Charlotte earned several distinctions:
- #1 in North Carolina and #4 nationally for Online Bachelor’s Programs
- Top 10 nationally for five consecutive years
- #2 nationally for Best Online Bachelor’s Programs for Veterans
- #1 in North Carolina for the Online Bachelor’s in Business program, which ranked #32 nationally in its first year
Several graduate programs were also recognized with strong national rankings in nursing, education, special education and engineering, further highlighting UNC Charlotte’s growing leadership in online education.
Sessions Explore Teaching, Innovation and Systems
Throughout the morning, attendees participated in concurrent sessions that explored practical strategies for strengthening online programs and supporting student success. Topics ranged from asynchronous course design and the evolving role of artificial intelligence in academic integrity to the process of developing new online programs and strategies for teaching adult learners.
“High-quality online learning depends on strong collaboration between faculty, instructional designers, academic leaders, and program and student support teams,” said Teresa Petty, associate provost for undergraduate education and dean of University College. “The symposium creates an opportunity for colleagues across campus to share ideas and continue improving the systems that support student learning and success.”
Additional sessions highlighted how data and student insights can inform recruitment, advising and program development, while others examined the work of campus task forces focused on strengthening the policies, resources and infrastructure that support online learning across the University.
Student Perspectives Shape the Conversation
A highlight of the symposium was this year’s lunch plenary session, “Work. Life. Learn: Inside the Online Learner’s World,” where Charlotte Online students and alumni shared candid insights about balancing coursework with careers, families and other responsibilities.
Faculty and staff attendees consistently pointed to the student panel as one of the most impactful elements of the day. “Hearing directly from online learners was especially insightful,” one participant noted. “The panelists shared rich experiences that truly enhanced the conversation.”
“Sessions were great, the student panel was fantastic, and I enjoyed the opportunity to network with colleagues around this important topic. Excellent!”
— 2026 Event Attendee
Building Systems for the Future of Online Learning
According to Karri Kennedy, Senior Director of Program Management & Learner Engagement and the symposium’s organizer, the event continues to strengthen cross-campus collaboration around online learning.
“Charlotte has incredible expertise across campus when it comes to teaching, advising and supporting online learners,” Kennedy said. “The symposium creates a space for us to bring those perspectives together, learn from one another and continue building systems that help our students succeed.”
As UNC Charlotte continues expanding its online portfolio, the Charlotte Symposium for Online Learning remains an important forum for sharing ideas, strengthening partnerships and advancing the University’s commitment to innovative, high-quality online education.
“This was the best one yet. Keep heading in this direction.”
— 2026 Event Attendee