The Solution:
MVCC laid the groundwork for defining pathways by creating model/sample pathway templates for its desired programs. This was followed by refining course sequences using data analytics and identifying key milestone courses. MVCC employed initial scale implementation to ensure pathways were digitized or imported before analyzing pathways for alignment-to-scheduling practices. With this in place, the institution could begin recommending key changes to support the scale implementation of pathways.
After defining the pathways, Lynch used Ad Astra software to perform curricular mapping and assessment of roadblocks. Using mapping techniques, Lynch could look at prerequisites and identify what was missing from the program. Once these elements were identified, Lynch used Ad Astra data to identify the outliers.
Using Ad Astra reports, Lynch could look at alignment and enrollment ratio to determine the impact of running classes out of sequence from the pathway. Alignment included an analysis that integrated advising, scheduling, and registration, in addition to a discovery process of the impact of students in non-credit developmental classes. He could also determine if a program was making or losing money and the value the program offered students.
After working through a range of challenges, including a pandemic, MVCC saw projected credits-to-degree drop from 86 to 76. Lynch also saw momentum year completion improve by 30%. Close to six years into the endeavor, MVCC has now created a solid foundation of pathways and has discovered a clear route to Degree Velocity© and student success. As a result, MVCC students take fewer unnecessary credits, further decreasing the time to degree and boosting scheduling efficiencies throughout the institution.
