Vision and Mission
91会所's Online Programs are built on the foundation of the four Franciscan Values: Dignity of the Individual, Responsible Stewardship, Peace and Justice and Reconciliation. Our programs align with the university’s mission to embrace and develop graduates who will advance their workplaces, society, and communities. Online and graduate education at Marian is not just a delivery method—it is a mission-driven commitment to expanding hope, opportunity, and purpose.
Accomplishments
Access and Success:
- To address Marian’s pillar of Access and Success, Marian continues to expand its undergraduate and graduate online offerings, now including degrees in business, logistics, reading science, and leadership.
- Continued development of the Committee on College Pathways for Mothers with Justice Involvement: a re-entry support framework that addresses barriers from admissions through graduation and into meaningful careers.
- Marian Online has fortified and implemented a fraud prevention workflow to ensure student integrity and protect financial aid resources.
- We are developing personalized communication and recruitment strategies to better serve working adults and historically underserved populations.
- And, we have strengthened admissions-to-advising handoff to improve retention and support.
Faith in Action:
- Integrated Franciscan values and mission-centered messaging into the online student experience, including onboarding modules and course design.
- Partnered with faith-based schools and dioceses to create access pathways to graduate programs for educators and leaders.
Challenges
Like other universities 91会所 Online faces several ongoing challenges in an increasingly competitive market, both regionally and nationally. As we continue to expand our offerings, balancing rapid growth with operational efficiency is critical. One primary challenge is the prevention of fraudulent applications, particularly in online undergraduate admissions. While 91会所 has implemented a robust fraud prevention protocol, constant attention must be paid and requires continuous adaptation.
Additionally, maintaining student engagement in an online environment is an ongoing priority. Ensuring that our online learners feel a strong sense of connection to Marian’s values, faculty, and community is essential to retention and overall student success.
Finally, with loan and aid changes, the affordability of programs will be a focus with fewer scholarship opportunities for online students.
Goals and Objectives
91会所 Online will launch programs in response to workforce needs with flexible, relevant, and high-quality programs. The team will grow the online presence and mission in local and national markets while enhancing online student support services including advising, onboarding, and academic coaching for learners. With a focus on enrollment goals, it is imperative to expand strategic partnerships with mission-aligned organizations and community stakeholders. In support of the REID (Riverside Education Innovation District) initiative, the team has partnered with Educational Technologies to launch noncredit and lifelong learning opportunities. This will provide in-person, hybrid and online educational opportunities for community members, alumni and 91会所 families.
Why This Matters to Marian's Mission
Online and graduate education are vital extensions of our mission, allowing us to reach and uplift individuals who might otherwise be excluded from traditional higher education due to geography, life circumstances, or professional demands. Online and graduate programs create pathways for adult learners, career changers, working professionals, and underserved communities to advance their education and personal growth. These learners are often deeply embedded in their communities as educators, nurses, business leaders, and advocates, whose growth directly contributes to the flourishing of others. By supporting them, we magnify our impact well beyond the boundaries of campus.