Newlane University - Questions for the founder?

[ritz]

I have a meeting to speak with Ben Blair, the founder of Newlane University, in the coming weeks. Some background on myself, a BS in Legal Studies from UMGC & Graduate student @ Johns Hopkins, I am utilizing Newlane to study philosophy for mostly enjoyment, but also to better round myself out.
With all that being said, does anyone have questions for the founder of the school? I am willing to ask them during our meeting. Additionally, I am willing to answer any questions you may have for a current student of Newlane as well.

[TINASAM]

He's a really easy going guy, I think you'll be great!

[bjcheung77]

Just curious, why are you having a meeting with them? Is this for an admissions interview or something? There have been posts and threads in regards to Newlane. I recall an area where you have the professors or teachers go through questions or interviews with you. I guess it's to make sure you know your material before you move forward. Interesting to say the least... Here's the review thread: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...nce-so-far

My questions are pretty much similar to what was asked in that thread I linked. I'm still curious why they went for ASIC UK before they turned to DEAC (NA) instead of another option. The other thing I was interested in was the newer degree programs they're thinking of releasing or if they're in the works of newer programs at all, maybe a masters in the next little while. And if they're going to be partnering with other institutions (RA) or ACE/NCCRS providers, etc.

[ritz]

Just curious, why are you having a meeting with them?  Is this for an admissions interview or something?  There have been posts and threads in regards to Newlane.  I recall an area where you have the professors or teachers go through questions or interviews with you.  I guess it's to make sure you know your material before you move forward.  Interesting to say the least...  Here's the review thread: https://www.degreeforum.net/mybb/Thread-...nce-so-far

My questions are pretty much similar to what was asked in that thread I linked.  I'm still curious why they went for ASIC UK before they turned to DEAC (NA) instead of another option.  The other thing I was interested in was the newer degree programs they're thinking of releasing or if they're in the works of newer programs at all, maybe a masters in the next little while.  And if they're going to be partnering with other institutions (RA) or ACE/NCCRS providers,

I asked him for a meeting because I have a lot of questions about the future of the school & where he sees it going. I’m already admitted and have been taking classes.
I will ask the question about the accreditation process but I believe they were in the process of DEAC accreditation for several years before they were actually awarded it. I have also seen in multiple places that they are developing the curriculum for a master and expect that by fall 2026, but I was going to ask about this as well. I believe in the short term they also plan to release an art history major & a few others. I was personally going to ask about multiple degree programs.
Thanks for the suggestions!

As far as ACE & partnerships, they do have a direct partnership with StraighterLine I believe.

[armstrongsubero]

How about if they have plans to offer a masters program?

[SteveFoerster]

As an aside, one might be surprised how often entrepreneurs and other businesspeople will agree to an informational interview with someone who is simply genuinely interested in what they're doing.

[ritz]

How about if they have plans to offer a masters program?

I have seen elsewhere that they have confirmed the current development of a master’s curriculum, but I am going to ask what majors they plan specifically. I would assume they would start with Philosophy (seeing as the founder has the background for this) then branch from there.

---

As an aside, one might be surprised how often entrepreneurs and other businesspeople will agree to an informational interview with someone who is simply genuinely interested in what they're doing.

I believe that is why he is so open to it, as we have seen him do this in the past with other students. I believe he is just very passionate about accessible education & the students personal development, and to talk about something he made on his own. Regardless, I am grateful to have the opportunity. He seems to be a very humble guy.

[bjcheung77]

I recall Nexford and Newlane have posted on DegreeInfo or this board, don't recall which... If the founders/owners have time to interact, they may want to do so and have an FAQ on their website with these updates. It's cheaper, easier, faster, and all in one place, instead of having a third party or a student relay that info...

[ritz]

I recall Nexford and Newlane have posted on DegreeInfo or this board, don't recall which... If the founders/owners have time to interact, they may want to do so and have an FAQ on their website with these updates.  It's cheaper, easier, faster, and all in one place, instead of having a third party or a student relay that info...

They have done that many times, and do have FAQ pages and student guidance/enrollment counselors. I never painted this as a “I’m a student and I am the only way information will get out about this college!”. Nor is this the founders intent. I had questions for the founder, he was willing to make the time to speak with me about those questions, and I was extending the ability for others to have questions asked on their behalf. The founders have done everything right, interacting with students in the past few months even, but a lot can happen in a few months! 

Not sure where you got the idea that Ben Blair was relying on me to relay information to the masses, but it’s simply just not true. From what I understand, as previous posters have mentioned, Ben just seems excited to speak with anyone that is interested in participating in his vision, which I am.

[MFG]

I recall Nexford and Newlane have posted on DegreeInfo or this board, don't recall which... If the founders/owners have time to interact, they may want to do so and have an FAQ on their website with these updates.  It's cheaper, easier, faster, and all in one place, instead of having a third party or a student relay that info...

They have done that many times, and do have FAQ pages and student guidance/enrollment counselors. I never painted this as a “I’m a student and I am the only way information will get out about this college!”. Nor is this the founders intent. I had questions for the founder, he was willing to make the time to speak with me about those questions, and I was extending the ability for others to have questions asked on their behalf. The founders have done everything right, interacting with students in the past few months even, but a lot can happen in a few months! 

Not sure where you got the idea that Ben Blair was relying on me to relay information to the masses, but it’s simply just not true. From what I understand, as previous posters have mentioned, Ben just seems excited to speak with anyone that is interested in participating in his vision, which I am.

So how did the meeting go?

I mentioned a while back that I learned they were discussing at NEWLANE a possible Master's in Philosophy and another in Humanities (or cognate areas as Great Books/Liberal Studies). Follow-up queries have gone unanswered. Any data on this?