Arcadia University Enhances Student Success Through Unified Data Systems
One School Is Unifying Student Data to Improve Outcomes
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Arcadia University in Pennsylvania has shifted to a 'whole-life' advising model, integrating student data through a centralized platform to improve academic outcomes. This approach has notably increased retention rates for Pell-eligible and first-generation students, highlighting the importance of holistic support in education.
- 01Arcadia University transitioned from traditional academic advising to a 'whole-life' advising model in 2021.
- 02The centralized Student Success Hub integrates data from various campus systems, reducing the need for students to navigate multiple offices.
- 03Retention rates for Pell-eligible students increased from 83.2% to 92.2%, while first-generation student retention rose by 8.4 percentage points.
- 04The national second-year persistence rate is 77.6%, making Arcadia's performance significantly above average for these demographics.
- 05Implementing a holistic advising model requires alignment of technology, culture, and communication practices, necessitating training and budget allocation.
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Arcadia University, located near Philadelphia, has adopted a 'whole-life' advising model aimed at enhancing student support by integrating various aspects of student life, including social and emotional well-being. This shift, initiated in 2021, involves the creation of a centralized Student Success Hub that consolidates data from multiple campus systems. Lindsay McGann, the assistant dean of student success, emphasizes that this model allows for a more comprehensive understanding of each student, reducing the burden of navigating different offices. The results have been promising, with retention rates for Pell-eligible students rising from 83.2% to 92.2% and first-generation students improving by 8.4 percentage points. These figures surpass national averages, demonstrating the effectiveness of holistic advising. However, McGann notes that successful implementation requires not only technology but also cultural alignment and ongoing evaluation. A phased approach involving pilot users is recommended to enhance system usability and foster buy-in across the campus.
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The holistic advising model at Arcadia University is expected to enhance student retention and success, particularly for underrepresented groups.
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