Bachelors Completion Strategies:Practices and Partnerships

for Student Success

IntroductionsWhy are we here today?

Breaking down the barriers that prevent people from getting an

education has been the foundation of Lasallian education since the 1700s.

Who were the students in

the 1700s?

18th and 19th Century France:•Only the wealthy received education •Courses were taught in Latin (not practical)

•The majority working and non- working poor remained uneducated

“This social situation is not good:”

•Established schools for the poor•Taught courses in French •Provided education that was practical•Provided education on social skills that helped students integrate into society

So who are today’s bachelors completion students?

What barriers do they face to completing a bachelors degree?

Here’s what the research states…

Barriers to Completion

Time demands • Limited time for school • Length of time in school

Life RolesWorker, Spouse/Partner, Parent, Caregiver, Community Member

Financial Barriers

Lack of degree planning

Identifying the Adult Learner & Non-Traditional Student The National Center for Education Statistics

(NCES)Delays enrollment after high schoolAttends part-timeWorks full-time while enrolledIs financially independentHas dependents other than a spouseIs a single parentDoes not have a high school diploma

National Student Clearinghouse • Anyone 25+ years of age

Identifying the Adult Learner & Non-Traditional Student

73% Non-Traditional (NCES) 38% 25+ years of age (NSC)

2010 – 2020 (NCES)11% increase in enrollment under 2520% increase in enrollment 25+

The “New” Majority

Most Important

1. Academic Reputation

2. Evening/Weekend Courses

3. Cost

4. Financial Aid/Scholarships

5. Location

So who is Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota, and what strategies have we

been implementing to help students complete bachelor’s degrees?

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

• Transfer of Credit Policy

• Partnerships with community & technical colleges

• Location, location, location

• Credit for Prior Learning

• Program Directors as Academic Advisors

• Popular Degrees

Bachelor of Science

Programs• Accounting• Business• Human Resource Management• Human Services• Industrial Technology• Information Technology• Marketing• Police Science• Sales and Marketing

SMU programs are:

• Evening accelerated courses for non- residential students and working adults

• For individuals who have completed some college but have not finished a bachelor’s degree

• All SMU students in the Twin Cites area are transfer students

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Transfer Credit Policy:

•“C-” or better from regionally accredited institutions•No limitations on specific subjects• Note: PhyEd courses are capped

•Preliminary degree plans

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Partnerships with Community & Technical Colleges:

• Articulation Agreements• Leveling of course work – Saint Mary’s only

offers 300 and 400 level courses

• Office Locations

• Tables and Events

• 4-Year degrees offered on location.

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Location, location, location!•Minneapolis•Apple Valley•Plymouth•Oakdale•Rochester•Other sites

Winona Campus

Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota has been a network of people dedicated to

advancing our students in their individual pursuits of higher education

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Credit for Prior Learning:

•We have our own process•We honor prior learning assessments

from other schools.

•We’ll take CLEP & DANTES, too!

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Program Directors as Academic Advisors• Individualized attention

• Up-to-date programmatic information

• Feedback loop between students and program directors regarding program quality

• Career guidance and mentoring

Overview of the SMU Bachelors Completion Model

Practical Degrees• Accounting• Allied Healthcare Management • Business Administration• Human Resource Management• Human Services• Information Technology • Marketing• Nursing• Police Science• Psychology• Sales & Marketing

Admission

• Remove Barriers to admission

• Be responsive to inquiries

• Realize students are consumers and they have choices

• Understand motivation for obtaining a degree

Additional ServicesStudent Services• One-stop model from admissions to

matriculation• Financial Aid – Bridge to Bachelor’s

Scholarship• Writing and research support• Tutoring• Dedicated advisor throughout program

Marketing and Communications Special Programs

When isn’t this program model

a good fit for some students?

• “I’ve earned 20 credits and I want to transfer to Saint Mary’s University.”

• “I want to major in social work.”

• “I need all online courses.”