Rethinking the OPM Model: Shifting from Outsourcing to Enablement

Higher education is rapidly evolving, and so are institutional approaches to online program growth. We’re consistently finding that schools are no longer interested in handing over full control to third-party vendors. Rather, they want to build and enhance the internal capabilities of their teams, maintain ownership over their data and brand, and deliver a student experience uniquely aligned with their mission.

This approach requires a flexible partner that’s focused on enablement vs. the traditional black-box outsource model.

The traditional OPM model is flawed

In my conversations with institutional leaders across the country, a common theme that keeps emerging is the frustration with traditional OPMs and the diminishing viability of this model. Leaders feel boxed in by long-term contracts, inequitable financial terms, a lack of visibility into performance data, and limited control over the student experience.

What many institutions seek is a partner who will deeply integrate with their teams, augmenting their talent and resource gaps. An ideal partner will enhance the institution’s strengths, not replace them. In many cases, schools have ambitions to in-source certain areas of expertise over time and need support, guidance, and best practices to achieve this.

More simply stated, many schools are seeking an enablement partner.

What is enablement?

At Collegis, we define enablement as helping institutions build their own internal strengths. It’s about equipping campus teams with the data, technology, and operational expertise they need to grow. This sets them up to thrive long after our work is done.

Instead of taking the reins, we help institutions empower themselves to take ownership and control of their future over time. That distinction matters.

Our model is intentionally modular and tech-agnostic, allowing partners to engage only the services they need, when they need them. There are no bundles to untangle or one-size-fits-all solutions to force-fit. In practice, we integrate ourselves in lockstep with the institutional teams and work alongside them as trusted collaborators. This contrasts with other models where external vendors operate in a black box.

For us, enablement is about delivering lasting value, strengthening internal capacity, and helping institutions move forward and own their futures.

A real-world example of enablement in action

When institutions embrace this model, the outcomes are real and measurable.

One example comes from a public institution that was working with an OPM on some of its online programs. They brought Collegis in to help build a foundation they could truly own, starting with data strategy and enrollment support tailored to their internal goals.

Throughout our partnership, we’ve worked closely with their teams to refine processes, optimize student experience, openly share best practices, and enhance internal capabilities. The outcome? A 59% year-over-year increase in new online enrollments in the programs we support.

It’s a powerful reminder of what institutions can achieve when they choose a partner who builds alongside them, not in place of them.

Why ownership matters

When institutions retain ownership of their tech stack, data, and student experience, they stay agile and in control. They’re able to pivot when needed, maintain high standards for compliance and privacy, and continuously improve outcomes across the student lifecycle.

Our job at Collegis is to make that ownership attainable. We integrate with existing systems, design transparent reporting, and support processes that campus teams can run and refine on their own. True enablement means recommending and implementing sustainable practices that align with the mission and objectives of the institution.

Redefining “partnership” in a new digital era

Partnership today should mean transparency, collaboration, and shared purpose. And it should be built on trust.

When institutions evaluate potential partners, I encourage them to ask:

• Will we retain control of our data and decisions?
• Is this a flexible relationship or a one-size-fits-all model?
• Does this partner strengthen our internal teams?
• How will this approach improve and enhance the impact of our staff?
• Will this partnership contribute to the betterment of our student experience?

Let’s build something that lasts

Your institution shouldn’t have to choose between doing it all alone or giving it all away. There’s a better way forward that can empower your team, adapt to changing needs, and help you thrive in a competitive, fast-moving environment.

You deserve a partner who helps you lead on your terms with clarity, control, and confidence. That’s the path Collegis is committed to support.