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Transforming Academic Scheduling for Improved College Completion Rates

Ad Astra, a leader in academic scheduling solutions, recently released an insightful report in collaboration with Complete College America. This comprehensive document outlines a renewed approach towards academic scheduling that could significantly uplift college completion rates across the U.S. More than 550 colleges and universities already partner with Ad Astra, utilizing their expertise to ensure students not only enroll but also graduate on time.

In today’s competitive educational landscape, with enrollment and completion rates stagnating, the time is ripe for a shift in how academic schedules are constructed. As Sarah Collins, president of Ad Astra, highlights, the timing and manner in which classes are scheduled are pivotal elements that can influence a student's journey toward graduation. This report, titled “Building a Healthy Culture for Academic Scheduling,” emphasizes that by prioritizing scheduling in the educational framework, institutions can remove barriers and help students maintain their academic pathways.

Challenges Within Current Scheduling Practices

The findings from Ad Astra's 2024 Benchmark Report raise significant concerns: approximately 26% of courses necessary for program completion are not available during designated terms. Additionally, nearly one-quarter of courses are frequently overloaded, while 45% remain underutilized. These discrepancies are crucial as they create hurdles for students, especially those who are working, commuting, or managing caregiving responsibilities. For many, these barriers can lead to halted academic pursuits.

The report articulates that outdated scheduling practices often create conflicting course offerings and inefficient class sizes, complicating students' paths to graduation. Institutions that have embraced a more balanced approach to scheduling have noted improvements in student retention and course completion. Dr. Yolanda Watson Spiva, president of Complete College America, reinforces the report’s premise, asserting that reorienting academic schedules towards student needs rather than administrative logistics can substantially enhance student outcomes.

Five Steps to a Better Scheduling Approach

To effectively transform the scheduling culture, the report offers five actionable strategies:

1. Assess Current Practices: Colleges should audit their existing scheduling practices to identify bottlenecks and assess course demand. This assessment helps unveil the real needs of faculty and students, allowing for informed decision-making.

2. Create a Strategic Scheduling Team: By assembling a team that includes leaders, faculty, and student support staff, institutions can champion scheduling reforms using data-driven insights on student experiences and resource allocation.

3. Implement Smart Scheduling Principles: Aligning course offerings with structured academic pathways ensures that students have timely access to necessary courses, thus preventing scheduling conflicts that can lead to delays in graduation.

4. Build Capacity: Enhancing technical skills related to data analysis and scheduling software is essential. Additionally, fostering leadership and collaboration skills among staff can facilitate smoother transitions to new scheduling paradigms.

5. Measure and Sustain Progress: Continuous tracking of student success and other relevant metrics is vital. Institutions should celebrate their achievements and utilize diagnostic tools, such as Ad Astra's Course Scheduling Diagnostic Survey, to measure the effectiveness of their strategies.

Successful Case Studies

Several institutions have already begun to apply structured schedules and guided pathways effectively:

• - The University System of Georgia’s Momentum Year employs block and default schedules that help first-year students earn 15 credits while following clear, conflict-free pathways, resulting in higher retention and graduation rates.
• - The Talent Strong Texas Pathways initiative has successfully implemented 8-week terms, which have proven beneficial for credit accumulation and persistence.
• - Tennessee’s Board of Regents has adopted 7-week courses, providing working adults with greater flexibility and showcasing improved outcomes compared to traditional 15-week courses.

In summary, Ad Astra and Complete College America are leading the charge for an academic scheduling overhaul that could rectify long-standing issues in higher education. By prioritizing student needs and embracing innovative scheduling strategies, colleges can foster a culture conducive to academic success and increased graduation rates. To access the full report and explore detailed findings, case studies, and recommendations, visit the official site of Ad Astra.