Learning Resources

Strategic Alignment for Degree Completion

Leverage an Integrated Planning Approach to Improve Credit Momentum and Student Success

By: Nicole DeCapua, EdD, Mildred Mihlon, PhD, and Tracy Louisse S. Chacon, MEd

By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, a university bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff.

From Volume 53 Number 4 | July–September 2025

Abstract: This article presents how a small, resource-constrained university leveraged integrated institutional planning to launch a 30-credit completion strategy that significantly improved student momentum, graduation rates, and institutional planning culture. By coordinating cross-functional teams, employing real-time data, and strengthening communication systems, the university built a scalable and sustainable framework that bolstered student retention and completion without requiring new funding or staff. This case offers a roadmap for similarly situated institutions aiming to align credit accumulation initiatives with broader strategic goals to drive measurable student success outcomes.

Planning Types: Institutional Effectiveness Planning
Tags: Alignment, Communication, Dashboards, Data, Institutional Effectiveness, Institutional Planning, Student Retention, Student Success

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 23, 2024

Finding the Beauty in Right-sizing the KU Campus

By: Barbara Bichelmeyer, Provost & Executive Vice Chancellor | Callie Long, Interim Vice Provost | Mark Reiske| Gautam Sundaram, Principal

The constraints that universities face in terms of capital, declining enrollment, and surplus capacity in campus facilities causes escalation of deferred maintenance costs.

Abstract: The constraints that universities face in terms of capital, declining enrollment, and surplus capacity in campus facilities causes escalation of deferred maintenance costs. The University of Kansas (KU) master plan focuses on the value and impact of right-sizing the campus through change management and the implementation of a data dashboard. This session will share a sustainable path to establish a culture of transparency in decision making, stakeholder engagement, and environmental stewardship. We'll outline a data-driven process and lessons learned for leveraging resources, enacting policies that enable change management, and meeting the challenges of implementing a bold cultural shift.

Planning Types: Campus Planning
Tags: Dashboards, Data, Deferred Maintenance, Facilities Assessment, Master Plan, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

All Things Considered: Collaborative Approaches to Academic Program Proposals

By: Ashley Strong-Green, Director of Academic Planning and Assessment | Mickey Williford, Vice President

Academic program misalignment can have serious consequences for institutions, such as a lack of support for competing priorities and unwieldy maintenance of administrative oversight.

Abstract: Academic program misalignment can have serious consequences for institutions, such as a lack of support for competing priorities and unwieldy maintenance of administrative oversight. Students may also obtain degrees that are difficult to explain or find themselves caught in programs that require teach-outs to complete a discontinued course of study. This session will cover how planners can strategically invest institutional resources in academic program proposals to ensure programs are student centered, institutionally aligned, and collaborative. Join us to discover how you can effectively analyze and align programs, engage stakeholders, and manage expectations for academic programs at your institution.

Tags: Academic Program Prioritization, Academic Program Review, Determining Academic Program Viability, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference, Student Success

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Conference Presentations

Published
July 22, 2024

Navigating Academic Success: Dashboards for Data-informed Decision Making

By: Nasrin Fatima, Associate Provost for Assessment and Analytics, SUNY at Binghamton

The role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated.

Abstract: The role of data-informed decision-making can't be overstated. By leveraging advanced data visualization techniques, these dynamic dashboards provide real-time insights into key performance indicators, enabling informed and strategic decision making. We'll embark on a visual journey into the heart of data-informed decision making with a focus on exceptional dashboards, delving into visual analytics to illuminate the transformative impact they have on leadership and student success. Come learn about the transformative impact that Binghamton University's dashboard creation and visual analytics has on academic leadership, departmental efficiency, student success initiatives, and institutional excellence.

Tags: Assessment / Analytics, Dashboards, Data, Institutional Effectiveness, Planning Technology, SCUP 2024 Annual Conference

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Democratizing Data to Close Equity Gaps

Engage Teams to Dismantle Systemic Barriers That Impede Student Success

By: Neva Lozada, EdD, Carlos Rodriguez, EdD, Michael Salvatore, PhD, and Joseph Youngblood, II, JD, PhD

Kean University strategically reframed and visualized student data, merged planning processes, and harnessed analytics to dismantle impediments to bridging equity gaps in higher education.

From Volume 52 Number 3 | April–June 2024

Abstract: Through the inception of the Division of Strategic Analytics and Data Illumination (SADI), Kean University has cultivated a capacity for data literacy and analytics, empowering its community to employ data for evidence-based decision-making to overcome barriers to student success.
Employing optimal practices in integrated planning, SADI unified disparate offices into one cohesive data team to strategically reframe and visualize student data, identifying specific needs for continual improvement. This article underscores SADI’s initiatives in democratizing data, merging planning processes, and harnessing analytics to dismantle impediments to student success, particularly in bridging equity gaps in higher education.

Institutions Mentioned: Kean University
Planning Types: Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Planning, Institutional Effectiveness Planning
Tags: Alignment, Assessment / Analytics, Attracting and Retaining Underrepresented Students, Dashboards, Data, Diversity Equity and Inclusion (DEI), Engaging Stakeholders, Organizational Change, Racial Equity, Student Retention, Student Success, Underserved Students

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Effective Academic Cost Stewardship: Strategies for a Sustainable Future

By: Mike Cogan, PhD, Unicus Decision Support | Hesham El-Rewini, Ph.D., P.E, Executive Vice President and Provost

Join us for a transformative exploration into the dynamic world of academic cost stewardship within higher education institutions.

Abstract: Join us for a transformative exploration into the dynamic world of academic cost stewardship within higher education institutions. This webinar, based on the comprehensive guide Effective Academic Cost Stewardship Ecosystem: A Practical Guide for Administrators, Faculty, and Governing Boards, delves into tailored solutions and best practices that can help your institution navigate financial challenges while simultaneously enhancing academic excellence. Discover innovative strategies for academic planning and cost stewardship, leveraging data for informed decision-making, and fostering a culture of transparency and adaptability. Whether you're an administrator, faculty member, or institutional planner, this session will equip you with actionable insights to steer your institution toward a sustainable future.

Planning Types: Academic Planning, Resource Planning
Tags: Academic Program Review

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Survival of the Financially Fittest

Leverage Strategic Decision-Making and Key Financial Metrics to Achieve Financial Stability

By: Aaron Meis, EdD, and Julee Gard, EdD

Leaders must look closely at financial trends that may reveal signs of trouble—in the short or immediate term—and have the courage to act to address them.

From Volume 52 Number 1 | October–December 2023

Abstract: This article explores a methodology for assessing and managing the financial viability of private, tuition-dependent institutions as well as institutional tactics and strategies used to improve their financial strength. The resulting model will help institutions understand the trends and predictive value of key financial metrics directly impacting their liquidity and operations and how senior leadership can drive change. Institutional examples illustrate how to engage senior leadership in strategic decision-making that includes assessment of revenue growth and/or expense management.