What Works? Utilizing Intrusive Advising Practices with New Online Learners Brandi Stocker, Ed.D. Asst. Director – Graduate Programs Eastern Kentucky University

BACKGROUND OF EKU ONLINE -Serving online students for over 10yrs -Offering 100% online degrees -Over 30+ degree programs -Assistant Online Coordinators

Lack of technical support Lack of Social Presence/Connectivity NEEDS AND BARRIERS OF ONLINE STUDENTS Self efficacy Issues Time Constraints Financial Aid Lack of technical support Lack of Social Presence/Connectivity Personal Issues

Who is the High Achieving Online Student? -Age of Student -When did student register for class? -How many transfer credits?

RN-BSN Online Degree Program 2 – 3 year program Primarily taking core nursing courses Most have been working in the nursing field Min. admissions gpa req. is 2.5

Research Project Initial advising model vs. Current advising model Program went online in Spring 2015 EKU Direct Blackboard Textbooks Financial Aid Program Info Student Concerns Formal advising call/Skype/Adobe Connect session

COHORT 1: NON-INTRUSIVE ADVISING COHORT 2: INTRUSIVE ADVISING Comparative Results Among Both Cohorts COHORT 1: NON-INTRUSIVE ADVISING COHORT 2: INTRUSIVE ADVISING 58 new RN-BSN students in spring 2015 42 out of 58 students were retained in Fall 2015 72.4% retention rate 55 new RN-BSN students in spring 2016 43 out of 55 students were retained in Fall 2016 78.1% retention rate (+ $32,400)

Comparative to All New Online Learners? Not necessarily…………Why? Students have prior college experience Students transfer in a lot of credits (some are gen ed certified) RN-BSN Degree is becoming requirement for the profession

So Now What? EKU Online intends to use this advising model on all FTF Will refuse to give pin # prior to formal Advising apt 1 wk check in New student success coaching program

? ? ? ? What practices do you have in place with new online students? ? ? ? ? ?