The Continuous Cohort / Carousel Jeff Spear, Principal May, 2016

Some History Mid 1990s degree completion Cohort-based programs grow rapidly Face to face at corporate sites in metro areas Significant financial contributors to traditional Peaking in mid 2000s, followed by rapid decline Billboards, radio ads, brochures and open houses CFO Colleague

Online bursts on the scene Initially panned by purists in late 90s Blended classes show up in early 2000s Full online programs arrive by mid 2000s Accreditors send mixed signals, limit percentages Rapid growth vs rapid decline in face to face Digital marketing, search engine optimization CFO Colleague

Why did online explode so? Digital natives born in early 80s and thereafter Traveling up and comers work in their hotel room Weaving family responsibilities into the week Advent of telecommuter and video presenter Marketing of dominant programs - SNHU etc. Sneaking in submissions during work down-time CFO Colleague

As the World Changes … Higher ed knows they need to change fast – but how? Enter the revenue sharing concept – “We handle it all.” Pressure to start people on a near weekly basis Marketer pushes for meager course starts Infinite permutations of sequences Serious deterioration of retention Price reductions and poor performance

Question Does this describe your institution? Colleague

Getting back to basics Most adult students failed at the education game Various sources needed for encouragement Faculty, Business Office, Advisor – and other students! Research supports the superiority of cohorts http://www.calpro-online.org/eric/docgen.asp?tbl=pab&ID=114 How do we make it work economically? CFO Colleague

The Continuous Cohort / Carousel Two primary modules within a program - A and B Entry and exit points at those two intersections An “on-ramp” course prepares you to join An “off ramp” course is used as a capstone Pre & post reqs contained within each module Staggered programs increase entry points as well CFO Colleague

Brand new students will take a separate on-ramp course before joining “A” on 10/4. Students who completed Modules A then B peel off for their off-ramp (capstone) course. On-ramp and off ramp FO Colleague

New students join the Module A carousel

The Details Brand new students join Module A or Module B The “on-ramp” course is taken outside of the modules Graduating students take their off ramp course upon completion of both modules (A then B, or B then A) Both modules are academically self-contained pre-reqs and follow-ons fully contained within each module. Experienced students and new students intermingle with but one disruption in a program. CFO Colleague

Module A concludes 8/15/17 Note that both of these courses exist outside of the modules. The first is taken by brand new students preparing to enter Module B first. The second is taken by those who likewise started with “B” and finished with “A.”

In with the new, out with the old Those who started with Module B head for the off-ramp / Capstone course Another start begins with Module B after completion of the on-ramp course CFO Colleague

Module B is also self-contained FO Colleague

A few more notes Unique course titles avoid transfers into the core (Accounting and Finance for the non-financial manager) Example has 7 week courses. 6 week turns over more frequently. 5 week is common. For a 15 month curriculum, a new start every 7.5 months or so. CFO Colleague

So, are students supposed to wait? The 7.5 month “jump-in” opportunity becomes a 2.5 month option with three staggered programs. Nearly every student will need some amount of elective credits. Start students right away, on electives, as they prepare to join the next available module’s cohort CFO Colleague

The sales pitch … Play up the success of cohorts for adult learners Seasoned “upperclassmen” will guide you and your new cohort. When the upperclassmen move on, you take on the role of guide and encourager. Have a social gathering of students who could start with the next jump-in. CFO Colleague

Some quotables “We are confident that the cohort is the most successful way to ensure that you achieve success.” “Not only are we with you all the way, your dedicated classmates will be, as will those whose cohort you join.” CFO Colleague

The Continuous Cohort / Carousel Jeff Spear, Principal May, 2016