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

2. 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

3. 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

4. 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

5. 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

6. Question
Does this describe your institution?
Colleague

7. 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
How do we make it work economically?
CFO Colleague

8. 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

9. 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

10. New students join the Module A carousel

11. 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

12. 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.”

13. 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

14. Module B is also self-contained
FO Colleague

15. 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

16. 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

17. 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

18. 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

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