It’s called the Forward-Focused Digital Transformation Initiative. Old Dominion University announced it last fall — and it’s caused tension between faculty members and university leadership ever since.
The plan includes increasing technology in classrooms, using AI and preparing students for a job market defined by fast-paced change. More controversial among faculty members, it proposes shortening online classes to eight weeks from the standard semester-long 16 weeks.
It also proposes changing all online classes to an asynchronous format — meaning students will access recorded materials on their own time, rather than attending classes together at a set time — starting fall 2026…