Universities Adapt To Enhance Student Experience And Retention

Universities are making changes to increase their students' chances of success in a world that is rapidly evolving. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for universities to adapt and become more agile in response to global challenges. With uncertain funding, increasing competition, and the impact of the pandemic, universities are having to make changes to ensure they can continue to provide a high-quality education and support their students. This includes a shift towards online learning, with many universities now offering a blend of online and in-person instruction, as well as a focus on providing more affordable education and increasing diversity and inclusivity. Universities are also having to adapt to external influences such as government policy, technological advancements, and international competition, while also ensuring they remain true to their core values and academic missions. These changes aim to improve the student experience and better prepare graduates for the future job market.

More online courses and degrees

The university experience has been evolving to meet the demands of the digital age and a more diverse student body. One of the most significant changes is the shift towards online learning, with universities offering more online courses and degrees to cater to a wider range of students. This trend was already underway before the Covid-19 pandemic but was accelerated by the need for remote teaching and learning during the crisis.

The rise of online education has made university more accessible to students with other commitments, such as working professionals or those with caring responsibilities. It has also enabled universities to reach a global audience, with students able to access courses from anywhere in the world. This has increased competition between institutions, as they compete for students, staff, research funding, and league table standings.

The University of London, for example, has offered a broad catalog of pure online courses and degrees for almost 20 years. Other universities, such as the University of Maryland and Harvard University, have also developed pioneering online programs. During the pandemic, many more universities were forced to move their teaching online, and this has continued to some extent, even as in-person teaching has resumed.

The benefits of online learning are clear. It offers flexibility, allowing students to blend online courses with on-campus instruction to suit their needs and circumstances. It can also be more affordable, as students can continue to work while studying and avoid the costs associated with living on campus. This increased affordability, in turn, promotes diversity, as a wider range of students can access higher education.

However, the shift to online learning has not been without its challenges. Universities have had to adapt quickly, and there has been a learning curve for both teachers and students. The traditional university experience, with its focus on classroom teaching and campus life, has had to change, and this has been met with some resistance.

Despite these challenges, the trend towards more online courses and degrees is likely to continue, as universities recognize the benefits of this model and seek to reach a wider audience. The pandemic has accelerated a change that was already underway, and it is now an established part of the university landscape.

Greater diversity and inclusion

Universities have been making changes to increase diversity and inclusion by fostering LGBTQ-friendly campuses and classrooms, creating LGBTQ support networks, and implementing LGBTQ-friendly campus policies. The LGBTQ-Friendly Campus Pride Index publishes objective assessments and ratings of US universities' LGBTQ-friendly policies and resources to empower and inform students and ensure that inclusivity remains a priority.

Additionally, there has been an increase in the diversity of the student body, with more mature and international students than ever before. This contributes to a more inclusive and diverse higher education landscape.

To further promote inclusivity, universities can offer bridge programs, robust new student orientation, and first-year learning communities with a thematic or career focus. This helps to acclimate diverse undergraduates to college life, nurture their study skills, and instill a sense of belonging.

Another way universities are increasing diversity and inclusion is by promoting inclusive student success in highly demanding fields of study. They can also offer more holistic, comprehensive, and proactive support services to address students' academic success and personal well-being.

By making these changes, universities are creating a more welcoming and inclusive environment for students from diverse backgrounds, contributing to a richer and more representative student community.

More flexible and proactive approaches

Universities are increasingly adopting more flexible and proactive approaches to teaching and learning. The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for universities to become more adaptive and responsive to global challenges and market changes.

One significant change is the shift towards online learning. The pandemic has forced universities to establish more widespread remote teaching and learning, and this has led to a realisation that online instruction can be a platform for a genuine exchange of ideas and the creation of a community. This new approach to teaching outside the classroom is taking time to develop, but it offers a more flexible option for students, particularly those with other commitments such as work or family.

The University of London, for example, has offered a broad and deep catalogue of pure online courses for almost 20 years. They have found that partnering with local schools and co-working communities adds value by providing a physical community to enhance the student experience.

Other universities, such as Seattle Pacific University, Williams College, and Southern New Hampshire University, have lowered direct costs for students in the long term, making higher education more affordable and, therefore, more accessible to a wider range of students.

To remain competitive, universities are also offering new courses and attracting new students. This includes the development of hybrid models that combine online courses with on-campus instruction. For example, administrators at the University of California system and Northeastern University in Boston are planning to give students more choice in blending these options.

Additionally, universities are becoming more proactive in planning their calendars with the needs of future students in mind. They are also being braver in their decision-making, moving away from a low-risk approach and embracing new opportunities. This includes reflecting on their successes and stabilising their organisations while transforming them to ensure they are fit for the future.

Focus on lifelong learning

Universities are increasingly focusing on lifelong learning to improve the student experience. This involves developing customised programs with collaborative learning methods, both in the classroom and online. The key to a successful university experience is the quality of teaching, and universities are recognising that they need to adapt to create better opportunities for their students.

Small class sizes and different methods of teaching, such as 'Service Learning' or 'Learning By Doing', could be part of the future student experience. Universities are also offering more flexible models, such as mixed-mode pedagogy and learning while earning, to ensure they remain relevant to the societies in which they exist.

The COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the need for universities to become more adaptive and resilient, with many institutions establishing more widespread remote teaching and learning. The University of London, for example, has offered a broad and deep catalogue of pure online offerings for almost 20 years. Other universities, such as the University of California and Northeastern University, are planning to give students more choice in blending online courses with on-campus instruction.

Online instruction has now been woven through just about every program at every university, and this will have a powerful effect on the affordability of higher education. Lower costs for universities, such as those associated with large lecture courses, can be passed on to students. Additionally, the opportunity to take courses while still being able to work will be a precious opportunity for millions.

Universities are also partnering with local schools and co-working communities to create learning zones close to clusters of students, recognising that local partners add value by providing a physical community to help students learn more and build community.

Improved affordability

The rising cost of higher education is finally being addressed by universities, and some are lowering direct costs for students. Seattle Pacific University, for example, reduced its tuition fees by 25% for the 2021-22 academic year. Well-endowed colleges like Williams College have also cut fees, and Southern New Hampshire University plans to trim costs by 60% for the upcoming term.

The rise of online instruction has also improved affordability. Online courses allow students to continue working while studying, which is especially beneficial for single parents or those who cannot afford to go without a salary. The University of California system and Northeastern University in Boston are among those planning to give students more choice in blending online courses with on-campus instruction.

The increased availability of online courses will also have a powerful effect on the affordability of higher education. In the past, online programs were often carefully distanced from the core university brand, especially at elite schools, due to concerns about their reputation among undergraduates. Now, online instruction has been woven into almost every program, giving students the chance to take courses at well-regarded universities while still being able to work.

The affordability of higher education is also being improved by the rise of hybrid models, which combine online instruction with in-person teaching. This approach can reduce the costs associated with traditional classroom teaching, such as the need for large lecture halls that can accommodate hundreds of students.

Additionally, universities are partnering with local schools and co-working communities to create learning zones close to clusters of students. This approach can help reduce travel costs for students and provide a physical community to support their learning and persistence through their degrees.

The improvements in affordability are also being driven by the competitive dynamics of the higher education market. Universities compete for students, staff, research funding, league table standings, and awards. This competition is driving universities to become more agile and responsive to the needs of students, including the need for more affordable options.

Overall, the improvements in affordability being made by universities are a positive step towards making higher education more accessible and reducing the financial burden on students.

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