CCAPS Academic and Information Technology
For more than 15 years, the College of Continuing and Professional Studies (CCAPS) has been a leader in online and flexible learning at the University of Minnesota. Behind that work is the CCAPS Academic and Information Technology team, which helps faculty, staff, and students make the most of technology while supporting the college's mission to deliver accessible, high-quality education.
The team's work spans instructional design and academic technology, enterprise systems, student support technologies, and emerging innovations. Together, they help create the digital foundation that enables CCAPS to serve learners wherever they are and adapt to the changing needs of higher education.
Making learning possible wherever students are
Long before online learning became commonplace, CCAPS was investing in digital education. Today, the college offers five fully online graduate degrees and five fully online graduate certificates, serving learners who need flexible pathways to advance their education and careers.
A key part of that work happens through the Academic Technology and Design (ATD) team. ATD partners with instructors and subject matter experts to translate professional expertise into engaging online learning experiences.
From course design and multimedia production to academic technology support and quality testing, the team works closely with faculty to ensure courses are accessible, effective, and student-centered. This support is especially valuable at CCAPS, where many instructors are active industry professionals who bring real-world expertise to the classroom while balancing responsibilities beyond teaching.
To further support instructors, ATD has built a comprehensive faculty resource website featuring technology guidance, accessibility resources, video tutorials, and other tools that help faculty get started quickly and continue improving their courses over time. The result is a more consistent experience for instructors and a better learning experience for students.
Behind-the-scenes work that keeps the college running
While some technology initiatives are highly visible, much of CCAPS IT's impact happens behind the scenes. The team manages systems, processes, and partnerships that help reduce complexity and make it easier for faculty, staff, and students to focus on their goals rather than the technology that supports them.
One example is support for concurrent enrollment programs. Each year, CCAPS IT administers systems supporting more than 10,000 College in the Schools (CIS) registrations and approximately 1,400 Postsecondary Enrollment Options (PSEO) registrations, helping ensure thousands of learners can access University opportunities while still in high school.
The team also collaborates with the Academic Cloud Virtual Team to provide secure, managed cloud computing environments that give students hands-on experience with modern technology platforms. These cloud-based labs help prepare students for careers that increasingly require practical experience with enterprise and cloud infrastructure.
Another partnership connects students with opportunities beyond the classroom. Working with Riipen, a work-based learning platform, CCAPS ATD helps faculty integrate real-world industry projects directly into existing courses. This approach gives students meaningful experience while helping employers engage with emerging talent.
CCAPS ATD is also helping University faculty and staff explore practical applications of artificial intelligence. In partnership with CCAPS Professional Development and Lifelong Learning they developed a self-paced course, Work Smarter with AI, which is available to faculty and staff across the University and focuses on how AI can help reduce repetitive tasks, streamline administrative work, and create more time for higher-value activities.
Exploring new ways to support the University community
In addition to supporting the technologies people rely on today, CCAPS IT is actively evaluating and implementing new tools that can improve how the college engages with students and delivers services.
One recent example is the deployment of an AI-powered chatbot across several CCAPS web pages. Using the same technology platform employed by OneStop, Technology Help, and Human Resources, the chatbot helps prospective and current students find information more quickly and easily.
CCAPS was the first academic unit at the University to deploy this type of chatbot technology. Rather than expecting users to navigate complex websites or know exactly where to find information, the tool meets people where they are and provides support at the moment they need it. The college plans to expand the chatbot to additional areas in the future.
The team is also looking at new ways technology can support student wellbeing. In spring 2027, CCAPS plans to implement a student engagement platform designed to strengthen connections with students and provide additional support for mental health and overall success.
Supporting the future of applied education
Across instructional design, enterprise systems, cloud technologies, AI, and student engagement initiatives, CCAPS IT serves as a bridge between emerging technology and the college's educational mission. The team continuously evaluates where new tools can simplify processes, improve experiences, and create meaningful value for students, faculty, and staff.
By combining operational excellence with innovation, CCAPS IT is helping CCAPS advance its goal of defining applied education while ensuring learners have the technology, support, and resources they need to succeed.