GLENVILLE STATE UNIVERSITY

The Solution:

Multi-term planning helped align course pathways to improve course access

Glenville State recognized there were limitations to the number of credits students could take and without clear pathways, students couldn’t advance. Clearing the necessary roadblocks began with making improvements between programs sharing requirements. The University worked with Ad Astra to analyze pathway requirements for its Associates of Business and Bachelor of Business Administration on two campuses, along with needs for students in the Second Chance program.

These programs were chosen for their similarities and the interactions in their requirements. But pathway guidance had the requirements in different terms and years, increasing the need for additional courses in multiple terms. Ad Astra’s assistance allowed Glenville State to determine pathways as a framework toward an annual schedule, allowing the institution to transition from a model following student demand to one directing student demand.

An annual planning approach featuring optimized program pathways and courses took advantage of the shared course requirements to benefit students both on campus and in the off-campus Second Chance program.

With the new annual schedule, students can earn the Associates of Business on their way to earning the Bachelor of Business Administration with the option to on-ramp classes, as needed.

Reducing the number of under-enrolled sections and expanding paths to completion through alignment of course offerings across programs offered leeway for the University to align requirements and create a more predictable schedule for students that also enhances staffing predictability.

“This data allowed me to go to the Provost and the Chief Financial Officer and demonstrate the number of potential seats needed as well as the ability to get the position for another faculty member approved to serve that need,” Dr. Clements said.

In cases where enrollment was limited within upper-level requirements, consideration is given to a junior/senior rotation of courses. This allows seniors and juniors to complete similar requirements in the same term, aggregating demand. This concession ensures on-track student progression through sustainable course offerings. Through this additional insight, the university also has the data necessary to navigate toxic course combinations and minimize DFWs.