Guided Learning Pathway for Unstructured AA Degree
Dean for the School of Liberal Arts and Science, Key Faculty, Advising, Enrollment Management
Project Purpose
The purpose of this project is to develop two to three structured AA pathways that appeal to students and encourage Fall to Fall persistence. This is in response to a drastic decline in enrollment and retention in M State's AA degree.
Deliverables
Two to three GLP models will be developed within the AA degree.
- Phase I: Data collection from focus groups of students (early Fall 2023), develop a tracking mechanism (cohort code) to track students’ progress.
- Phase II:
- Using the data, develop experiential co-curricular components to align with identified cored courses within the areas of interest.
- Based on student input, develop 2-3 areas of interest in which we develop a GLP.
- Use the HSBF and Engineering pathways as a guide.
- Phase III: Roll out a soft launch in Spring 2024, with a full pilot of a cohort GLP for Fall 2024.
- Explore re-branding the AA in LAS as something else. Determine how to market a liberal arts degree in this current political/economic era.
Project Scope
In Scope
Determine what experiences may be missing from enrollment in the AA degree and what the college can do to provide a robust experience for AA students to promote retention. Provide resources to help students understand how they can finish and how they can “see the path” towards a goal.
Effectiveness Measures
Project Goals
- Increase student enrollment, first-term success, and fall to fall success through developing 2-3 GLP for AA degree.
- Determine if re-brand of the AA in liberal arts and sciences is warranted. If so, discern what a new name would be.
Key Performance Indicators/Metrics
- Student enrollment into GLP / Cohort.
- Student success rates in first term.
- Student retention rate to spring term.
- Student fall to fall graduation or retention rate.
Metrics Collection and Review Schedule
- Data will be collected term to term and annually. Results will be shared via written reports.
Constraints
- Student and parent buy-in.
- Community college stigma.
- Many variables as to why students leave.
Financial Impact
If the college increases Fall-to-Fall retention, it will be a net positive financial gain for the institution.