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Getting students to enroll in a university is important, but the real test of higher education’s impact on learning is the graduation rate at every college.

University leaders can boost their graduation rates with these strategies.

Seek edtech solutions

One of the ways colleges are improving their graduation rates is with software solutions like Starfish. By measuring continuous progress, academic achievement, student engagement, and providing feedback, the company has shown efficacy in helping universities increase retention rates with early alerts for college students. Starfish connects students with measuring progress toward meeting goals toward finishing degree programs.

Get a life coach

Having a coach who can help you overcome obstacles and meet the milestones you set in completing your degree can help you acquire that sheepskin and move forward with your career.

Surprisingly, the academics aren’t the most significant challenges most students face when trying to complete a degree. Non-academic obstacles can thwart hopeful candidates from getting their degrees.

Unlike therapists, who work on issues from the past with their clients, life coaches work in the present to help a client identify barriers to graduation. The coaches also help these students identify solutions and implement them so they can reach the higher education finish line.

Go Greek

Positive peer pressure works.

Research at DePauw University in Indiana revealed that the students most likely to drop out of college were the ones who did not identify with any one particular group. Students who were members of sororities and fraternities, however, were more likely to complete the college degrees.

By encouraging involvement with Greek societies in college or creating structured engagement opportunities for non-Greek students, universities can improve their graduation rates.

Merge and integrate rather than separate

Students complain about increasing tuition costs, but the cost of operating a university is rising as well, thanks to reduced funding.

Although a merger between similar schools can raise college costs, a merger may make sense when it comes to attracting, enrolling and graduating students. The most effective mergers take place between two- and four-year schools, like Perimeter College and Georgia State University, where there is a strong academic rather than a vocational focus. Because they have similar, shared goals, the merged system can save money. Systems are expanded rather than replicated.

As a result, students have a pipeline to graduation. Course credits transfer easily throughout the system, which helps students stay focused on completing their degrees with as little frustration as possible.

Boosting graduation rates in higher education can be done. Leaders have to be willing to explore new alternatives or tweak those attempted in the past. The end result of graduating more students will be worth the effort.

Affirmative action has roots going back to 1957, with the Civil Right Movement. As part of the Civil Rights Act, college admissions officers were tasked with the responsibility of ensuring that higher education is equally available to all students regardless of race or ethnicity. Historically, most colleges and universities have taken this mandate even farther with policies that actively pursue racial and ethnic diversity on their campuses.

In the last few years, such policies have become increasingly controversial. Here is a look at some of the issues around affirmative action and where it may be headed in the future.

Is This Discrimination?

Some argue that Affirmative Action, when not carried out according to the mandates of the Constitution, actually results in discrimination against white Caucasian applicants. A few years ago, a young white woman named Abigail Fisher brought a case against the University of Texas at Austin claiming that she was unfairly discriminated against based on her race. Although the case was not decided in her favor at the district court, she brought it to the Supreme Court and was successful.

Last year for the first time, Harvard admitted an incoming class in which the majority was non-white, begging the question as to how much race weighs in their admission decisions to the possible exclusion of other relevant factors. Is Affirmative Action still necessary? Or has it devolved into reverse discrimination?

Who Really Benefits?

Even today, it can’t be denied that there are deserving but underprivileged students among us who need some admissions advantages. One study found that the top colleges in the U.S. admit more students in the top 1% of income levels than from the entire bottom 60%. And the pursuit of racial diversity seems to accomplish little to nothing in resolving this discrepancy: even among admitted minority students, 86% are in the middle or upper class.

Alternatives

It is unlikely that we will see Affirmative Action go away in the future. Ethnic and racial diversity is essential to preserving a vibrant, meaningful campus life. But many schools are revising the way they think about Affirmative Action to keep it in the true spirit of the Civil Rights Act. In most cases, they are required to show that they’ve made an effort to choose students on racially neutral measures before resorting to Affirmative Action. As a result, we will see more inclusive and race-neutral policies, such as granting an admissions edge to economically disadvantaged students or admitting the top 10% in every high school class. Such policies can help ensure diversity without employing race as a primary factor in the admissions process. We have already seen such policies at play in places like Texas A&M and the University of Florida.

While diversity will always be cherished, it may be a good moment for college admissions officers to redefine the term.

What are the defining features of a quality educational experience?

Without thinking much about it, we would probably cite elements like knowledgeable and responsive instructors, clearly structured curriculum, and engaging learning activities.

In the current educational climate, where online learning increasingly is becoming the norm, the question arises whether these qualities still matter. After all, most students take courses online because of the demands of their schedule. It seems that in this context, convenience would be a top concern.

But the data says otherwise.

What Students Truly Want

A 2017 study of online college students showed that they place a high value on a sense of community and connection. They want to feel connected to their instructor and they want a feeling of group cohesiveness with their classmates. These students often experience a kind of “buyer’s’ remorse” after purchasing an online course, and they are beginning to “comparison shop” at a variety of different schools when making a selection.

These trends reveal that students want more than simply a storehouse of information, as is available through platforms like MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses). They want the consistent presence of their instructor and frequent discussions and communication among classmates. Students reap the most benefits from online coursework when it engages their emotions. When they feel that such engagement is lacking, they look for it somewhere else.

Quality Matters

When surveyed, the majority of students indicated that the design standards outlined in the Quality Matters rubric were critical in determining their overall sense of success and satisfaction with a course. Clear learning objectives, frequent interactions with classmates and instructor, and smooth navigation were among the many indicators of a quality online education experience.

A Bright Spot in a Darkening Landscape

The last few years have seen a dramatic drop in college enrollment at most post-secondary institutions. The reasons cited are a dropping birth rate, rising tuition costs, and an improving economy which draws more students into the working world sooner.

But online course enrollment is a bright spot in this landscape, as these have been steadily increasing in direct proportion to the decrease in traditional college enrollment.

These trends say volumes about the changing educational experience and the things that our students require from their colleges and universities.

Online courses can be highly relevant, even life-transforming, exposing students to experiences they could never find in a traditional classroom environment. It is worth the effort to improve the quality of online courses in the same way that we have always worked to improve the face-to-face classroom experience.

Many people think of branding when they think of college marketing, but branding alone does not generate marketing. Institutions of higher education are discovering that to prevent enrollment numbers from flat-lining, they will have to plan for the future of college marketing.

The future of college marketing is about the sophisticated use of data, experiences, and technology for identifying prospective students.

Psychographics

Colleges once studied the demographics of the students the attracted to their campuses. Factors such as age, gender, and ethnicity were analyzed in the hopes of finding the right applicants.

Smart colleges today explore psychographics to identify the students most likely to succeed at their campuses. Psychographics go far beyond demographics, because they measure subjective areas, like attitude and interest, in an attempt to understand their potential students.

In short, colleges are taking their cues from social media, determining what applicants care about the most.

Showcasing perks

Knowing who your potential students are means knowing what they want. Colleges can now provide incoming students a plethora of perks and amenities designed to attract them to the university and keep them enrolled until graduation.

These perks may include late night sushi bars, updated technology, and access to cultural events, and they may be the ticket to attracting students and keeping them in school.

Technology

There is no doubt that technology will continue to play a huge role in the future of college marketing. Colleges will continue to review big data, and they’ll still need to cater to student interests.

Most students are interested in acquiring hands-on experiences, which is something difficult and expensive for universities to provide. Technological advances, however, are changing that. Colleges are able to offer simulated experiences for their students. These experiences can also be used for marketing purposes.

Rather than send out a brochure or post a video on the campus web site for prospective students, students could participate in a simulated tour of the campus. Colleges could and should customized these tours according to individual interests.

Simulation-based marketing may become common one day in college marketing, creating high-end user experiences and attracting more students to the campus.

Developing the right environment for higher learning means providing students with what they want.  University marketing can engage them with their environment. It’s time for colleges to go beyond branding. College must initiate future marketing strategies today to increase their enrollments.

Potential students want the most bang for their buck when it comes to getting a college degree. Considering that the average bachelor’s degree can cost $100,000 or more, that’s a wise decision.

Finding the right university is about finding the right program as well as the right fit, and you want a degree that’s from a respected university. College accreditation can help to assure you that your school has merit and that your degree has value.

Reviewing a school’s accreditation status can help when choosing a university, but accreditation can trick potential students.

How accreditation works

A regional or national stamp of approval, known as accreditation, is an affirmation that the school’s educational program meets quality standards.

A university may seek accreditation  for its overall academic program, but its doesn’t stop there. Colleges/schools and their departments/programs must also become accredited. For instance, a college/school of education worth its salt will seek CAEP accreditation, and its individual departments/programs will also seek accreditation via CAEP.

Ultimately, accreditation can assure potential students that the university and its colleges are respected institutions of higher learning.

The university is accredited; the program is not

Problems can arise when the school has been accredited, but specific colleges or programs within the university system have not been certified.

Students assume their chosen degree will be honored upon graduation, but there is no guarantee the diploma will be respected unless the program is also accredited. Be aware of disclaimers like “accreditation pending.” The accreditation may never come, leaving your engineering or law degree worth no more than the paper it was printed on. 

National or regional accreditation? 

For some potential students, the tricks don’t end there.

Regional accreditation assures that you are receiving a premium education, but the drawback is that your degree will cost more – if you meet the admission requirements.

Schools with national accreditation are often more affordable, and they are easier to gain admission into. The caveat here is that not all credits and degrees are transferable, nor do all corporate tuition programs provide reimbursement. 

What benefits will accreditation provide?

By choosing an accredited school, potential students can reap several benefits. These include:

• More opportunities to seek financial aid
• Receiving an education of higher quality
• Earning a degree that will be recognized by other institutions if you choose to pursue graduate-level work
• Acceptance by industry professionals

The U.S. Department of Education (USDE) or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) are the two organizations who certify accrediting agencies.

Potential students who look carefully at university and individual accreditation are less likely to be tricked when selected their colleges.

While parents often think they are raising kind children, a glimpse at the adults around us proves this isn’t true. Sadly, kids are surrounded by adults who are cruel, mean, and selfish. Since children learn from what they see, parents must make every effort to encourage their children to be kind.

Many parents think they are teaching their children to be kind, but studies show this is not the case. According to a new study by Richard Weissbourd, a Harvard psychologist, “About 80 percent of the youth in the study said their parents were more concerned with their achievement or happiness than whether they cared for others.” It is common for parents to place more emphasis on success rather than kindness. Let’s look at some ways you can redirect your focus today.

1. Be a Kind Adult

First, you must be a kind adult yourself to raise kind kids. Children learn more from your example than from your words. Therefore, you must strive to be kind. Be kind to yourself, your family, and others. Your children will notice.

2. Speak Kind Words

When you are upset or frustrated, remember to watch your words. A gentle word in a difficult situation is a great way to show your children how to be kind. Simply using kind words when dealing with people rather than losing control or speaking harshly is a wonderful way to encourage kindness. Avoid negativity at all costs.

3. Compliment Freely and Regularly

Some adults feel uncomfortable giving and receiving compliments. If you are one of these adults, you need to change this habit today. Compliments are easy ways to be kind. Whether you are complimenting your children or the store clerk, a kind compliment goes a long way.

4. Have a Family Motto

As I mentioned earlier, consider what key lesson you are teaching your children. Are you teaching them that success in the classroom is more important than being kind? If so, take some time to reevaluate. For example, talk with your kids about what matters the most to you. Consider developing a family motto that you can recite. It can be something as easy as, “Be loving and kind.”

5. Practice Gratitude

Cultivate an attitude of gratitude by regularly practicing thankfulness. Teach your children to say, “Thank you” whenever someone does something for them. Grateful children are kind children.

6. Engage in Random Acts of Kindness

As a family, come up with a list of simple ways you can show kindness. Then, put these ideas into practice. Engage in random acts of kindness such as paying for the car behind you at the drive-thru, giving away bubbles at the park, or taking a plate of cookies to your neighbor.

7. Serve the Community

Make it a point to volunteer in your community. The practice of serving just for the sake of helping others is a fantastic way to encourage kindness in children. There are many opportunities to serve with children such as delivering meals or sorting clothing at a shelter.

8. Read Books About Kindness

Kids learn from examples. If you need some immediate examples of people who are kind, go to the library to find books with characters who are kind. For instance, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids by Carol McCloud is a great resource.

9. Foster Empathy

Help your children to see the world beyond your door. When we encourage our children to consider the needs of those around them, it helps to foster empathy. These feelings will then lead to kind acts.

10. Catch Your Kids in the Act

One of the best ways to encourage kindness in children is to catch them in the act. Whenever you see your child being kind, praise him or her! Let your child know you saw what he/she did and how much it meant to you.

In a world filled with unkind people, you can encourage kindness in your kids. The changes the world needs, start in your home.

If you’re looking to improve the quality of life for those living in your state, begin by helping more poor students attend college.

Here’s how:

Provide financial aid to those who need it the most

Scholarships, loans, and grants can help to make college more affordable for those who need it the most. Governors, make sure that these forms of aid are based on need or performance, but most importantly, help poor students understand that if they want to go to college, there is a way. Some of these opportunities include:

• State grants
• Teacher education assistance
• Military service grants
• Offsets for additional expenses

Students can’t apply for them if they don’t know they exist

Eliminate the limbo of remedial courses

Remedial classes are an expense poor students can’t afford. Three out of every five students enrolled at a community college are required to take at least one remedial course.

Classes designed to bring students up to par with university learning standards are built on good intentions, but in reality, are more detrimental than helpful. Remedial courses cannot be taken for college credit. As a result, they waste time and money that could be spent pursuing a college education.

If students could take their remedial classes outside the university system, the bridge between high school and college would be less costly and more effective.

Low income does not mean low cost or low prestige

Far too often, poor students set their sights low because they don’t want to incur more debt than necessary. While that’s a smart way to mitigate financial risk, students from low-income households are selling themselves short when selecting their colleges.

They may be surprised to know they qualify for more financial aid if they choose to attend universities with more prestige and higher tuitions. The return on investment can offset the initial expenses of their degrees.

Students need to know what their options are, and you Governor can assist with that by funding outreach programs that address the issue in high school.

Cutting money from education budgets mean eliminating opportunity

People get it. Times are tough, but reducing the amount of funding allocated for schools may resuscitate the bottom line, but it doesn’t help the average citizen get ahead. Improving one’s outlook is even harder for poor students, and cutting funding for higher education virtually eliminates a poor student’s prospects for going to college and creating a better life for himself or herself, much less the surrounding community.

Begin early

Preparation for college doesn’t commence in one’s junior or senior year. Even 9^th and 10^th grades are too late.

Helping disadvantaged students attend college begins in early childhood. Students from low-income backgrounds need high-quality early childhood education as a way to level the playing field and give them the start they need.