What's Happening?
Ad Astra, a course scheduling software provider, and Complete College America have released a new resource aimed at improving college course scheduling to enhance student success. The report highlights the impact of poor scheduling on timely college completion, which benefits both students and institutions. According to national data, only 17% of students at public two-year colleges complete their degrees in two years, and 40% at public four-year institutions graduate on time. The report identifies that 26% of program requirement courses are not offered during the terms indicated in pathway guidance, leaving students without a clear roadmap to completion. The resource provides strategies for institutions to reconsider class scheduling, emphasizing the need for additional support in scheduling and charting academic pathways. It also addresses the challenges faced by nontraditional students, such as adult learners and working students, who often encounter scheduling difficulties.
Why It's Important?
Improving course scheduling is crucial for increasing student retention and timely graduation rates, which can significantly reduce student debt and enhance earnings potential. Institutions that adopt student-centered scheduling practices can benefit from continuous enrollment and improved student satisfaction. The report underscores the importance of convenience in higher education, drawing parallels to consumer services like Uber and Amazon. By embracing students as agents of change, institutions can better meet diverse scheduling needs, particularly for nontraditional students. This shift can lead to higher enrollment and retention rates, ultimately benefiting both students and educational institutions.
What's Next?
Institutions looking to implement changes in course scheduling can start by assessing their readiness for change, including current practices and faculty concerns. Ad Astra's report provides a framework for administrators to identify inefficiencies and resources needed for change. It emphasizes the importance of change leadership practices and sustained support to embed changes into institutional culture. Celebrating positive changes and prioritizing data collection are key steps in measuring impact and affirming the benefits of improved scheduling practices. Engaging the student voice in scheduling conversations is crucial to ensure that institutions are meeting the diverse needs of all learners.
Beyond the Headlines
The report highlights the cultural challenges associated with changing course scheduling practices in higher education. Institutions are often designed around strategies rather than students, which can hinder efforts to become more student-centered. By prioritizing data collection and storytelling, institutions can effectively measure the impact of scheduling changes and convince stakeholders of their importance. The report also calls for a broader inclusion of post-traditional students in scheduling discussions, recognizing their unique needs and challenges.
