2u operates as an online program manager. it does not confer degrees. rather, it provides its clients with technology and other resources to create online classes and degree programs taught by the client institution's instructors with live video and recorded classes with multimedia presentations. the programs set-up by 2u and its clients generally have small class sizes and career services. students meet in a live video chat room with the professor and the other students. this approach has led to a student retention rate of 84 percent.