Memorandum

To: Public Health Associate Director

From: Cybele Wu, Managing Director of Instructional
Technology
Date: July 31, 2016
Subject: ITDE Proposal

I understand that you have been interested in bringing the Master's of Public Health degree to an
online format. Graciously, you have provided some fantastic data, including the budget,
demographic information, as well as some of your intentions for the department. It has been seen
through my conversation with you that, as well as the budget that you shared that your budget is
rather small. Through the conversation with you, you indicated that you could have more money
to spend once the Bachelor's in Public Health Degree is up and running.
After looking at your budget and realizing that you do not have the funds to bring the program
fully online, I believe that having a format that is cost efficient and will allow instructors to
lecture or use technology to facilitate while having discussions and lab in class, on campus is a
better option. I had hoped that you could receive funding from Carilion. Realizing this isnt
possible; it is better to obtain grants and contracts from other sources. For instance, the USDA
Rural Development has a grant for Distance Learning and Telemedicine that is targeted to rural
institutions looking at medicine and distance learning.
To sum it up, it is best to apply for the distance learning and telemedicine grant, while also
starting the Bachelor's Degree Program. That way, you can begin to bring your program online,
at least partially while also earning funds towards a fully online program through the Bachelor's
Degree Program. Once funds have been collected, it is suggested that the program to be designed
in a blended/hybrid format where lectures and content are obtained online and discussions and
lab time is conducted on campus in a face-to-face format.

I have attached your new ITDE proposal that outlines the best plan of action for bringing your
program online. It is suggested that you read the report carefully and contact me should you have
further questions. Once you have read the report and have decided to move forward, it is
important to begin the grant application process early so that you do not miss out on muchneeded funds. For the USDA Rural Development grant for Distance Learning and Telemedicine,
the application must be in by January. The grant awards are presented in June so, apply early so
that you can take advantage of these funds so that you can move your program online in a
blended format.

CC: Public Health Director, Public Health Assistant Director, and the Informational Technology
Director
Attachments: ITDE Final Draft