Services We Can Provide Your College
Opportunities To Drive Student Success
DC Education Group is committed to providing services tailored to meet the individual needs of you, your department, and your institution. Contact us today to start a conversation about your specific goals.
Online Courses
Online courses and certifications designed to increase student and employee success
Program Assessments
On-site or remote consulting, assessing your current college efforts and providing tailored solutions to meet your student success goals
Professional Development
Individual or group coaching and training resources available, enhancing your current training efforts
Program Assessment Services
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Current Assessment
We can employ objective qualitative and quantitative data collection techniques, remotely or onsite, to assess your current strengths, challenges, opportunities, and threats. Analyzing the data, we can provide themes and data summaries, along with intervention strategies to maximize student success
2
Innovation Implementation
With strong data in-hand on your current strengths and needs, we can provide proven and customized implementation strategies to better ensure a successful deployment of any new strategies, helping to ensure effective and lasting impacts.
3
Customized Training Modules
Our team can customize training modules specific to your team's needs or provide access to our already created certificate programs to best meet the needs of your college and students. We can offer customized course schedules, remote or on-side guided discussions, or supplemental materials to maximize learning and effectiveness.
Service Example
Web Presence Evaluation
When today’s students need answers and support, the first places they go are the websites for your student services departments. Let’s find out where you stand with your web presence.
Our Web Presence Report Card will help you get a clear sense of where you are and where your opportunities are.
Deliverbles includes:
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Audit: A detailed review of your student services websites by our team
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Data Collection: Qualitative data collection from your students, including observations and interviews
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Benchmarking: Compare your web presence with peer institutions and national exemplars
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Scoring: Score your website on readability, approachability, navigation, language selections, accessibility, inclusion, and more, using our proprietary industry best practices Report Card
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Executive Summary: Detail your strengths, opportunities, and personalized recommendations
A Web Presence Evaluation starts at $3,500. Contact us today to discuss your goals.
Service Example
Mixed Methods Program Evaluation
Colleges and universities should consider an outside consultant to perform a mixed methods analysis of their student services. Using rigorous quantitative and qualitative data collection techniques and analysis, we offer an unbiased and objective viewpoint. Being external to the institution, we can provide an impartial assessment of challenges and opportunities, free from internal biases or preconceptions.
Bringing in an outside and objective perspective to assess student services provides evidence of accountability. We can expedite our evaluation, delivering results more efficiently and quickly than internal evaluations, allowing your team to focus on other institutional needs.
Deliverables includes:
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Data Collection: Qualitative and quantitative data collection from your students and employees, including focus groups, interviews, and survey distribution.
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Data Analysis: Rigorous data analysis for emerging themes, correlations, etc.
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Executive Summary: Complete results packages, including an analysis of your strengths, needs, and opportunities, and personalized recommendations and action plan
Optional on-site or remote professional development sessions available, customized based on the executive summary needs analysis.
A Mixed Methods Program Evaluation starts at $3,500. Contact us today to discuss your goals.
Why hire an outside consultant for assessing student services?
Colleges and universities should consider an outside consultant for various reasons, depending on their specific needs and goals. Here are some common reasons why colleges and universities turn to us:
Objective Perspective: We offer an unbiased and objective viewpoint. Being external to the institution, we can provide an impartial assessment of challenges and opportunities, free from internal biases or preconceptions.
Demonstrating Accountability: Bringing in an outside and objective perspective to assess student services provides evidence of accountability to various stakeholders, including students, parents, governing boards, and accrediting bodies. It demonstrates the college's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
Efficiency and Speed: We can expedite program assessments, training plans, strategic planning, and more by focusing solely on the tasks at hand. We are not distracted by internal responsibilities, allowing us to deliver results more efficiently and quickly.
Change Management: We can assist in managing organizational change, implementing new strategies, or introducing new ideas. Our experience can help navigate potential challenges and ensure a smoother transition.
Cost Savings: While hiring consultants incurs a fee, it can be more cost-effective than hiring full-time employees for specialized tasks.
Training and Development: We can provide training programs to enhance the skills of existing staff or introduce new methodologies, contributing to the overall growth and development of one office, a division, or an entire college. Training is essential but time consuming, and we can reduce your training burden, allowing your supervisors to focus on internal needs.
Specialized Expertise: We specialized skills and expertise that may not be available in-house. We can provide insights, knowledge, and best practices from our several decades of experience in higher education.
Hiring DC Education Group can offer a range of benefits, including specialized skills, objectivity, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness, making us a valuable resource for colleges and universities facing specific challenges or pursuing strategic initiatives. After an initial consultation, we can design a tailored plan for your consideration, aimed at meeting your budget, needs, and goals, while exceeding your expectations.
Why colleges should assess the effectiveness of their student services
Colleges must assess the effectiveness of their student services for several important reasons. Ensuring that student services are meeting the needs of the student population contributes to the overall success of the institution. Here are key reasons why colleges should consider using DC Education Group to assess the effectiveness of their student services:
Continuous Improvement: Assessment provides valuable insights into what is working well and what areas need improvement. Colleges can use assessment data to make informed decisions, implement changes, and continuously enhance the quality of their student services.
Demonstrating Accountability: Assessment provides evidence of accountability to various stakeholders, including students, parents, accrediting bodies, and funding agencies. It demonstrates the college's commitment to transparency and continuous improvement.
Alignment with Goals and Mission: Assessing student services ensures that they are aligned with the institution's overall goals and mission. This alignment is crucial for maintaining a cohesive and purposeful approach to supporting students in their academic and personal endeavors.
Student Success: The primary goal of student services is to support student success. Regular assessment helps colleges determine whether the services provided are positively impacting students' academic achievements, personal development, and overall well-being.
Retention and Graduation Rates: Effective student services positively impact retention and graduation rates. By assessing these services, colleges can identify factors that contribute to student persistence and success, ultimately improving overall institutional outcomes.
Student Satisfaction: Assessing student services provides valuable feedback on student satisfaction. Understanding how students perceive and experience services helps colleges identify areas of strength and areas that may need improvement to enhance overall satisfaction.
Resource Allocation: By assessing the effectiveness of student services, colleges can make informed decisions about resource allocation. This includes budgetary decisions, staffing levels, and the deployment of resources to ensure that services are aligned with student needs.
In summary, assessing the effectiveness of student services is a fundamental practice for colleges to ensure they are meeting the needs of their student population, enhancing student success, and continuously improving their support systems. It is a proactive approach that contributes to the overall health and effectiveness of the institution.
Vincent Tinto maintained that effective advising programs had to be the core of any institutional retention efforts.
NACADA
How can higher quality academic advising and success coaching impact your student retention and graduation rates?
Excellent academic advising plays a crucial role in positively impacting college student retention. When students receive effective guidance and support throughout their academic journey, they are more likely to persist in their studies and successfully complete their degrees. Here are several ways in which good academic advising contributes to high college student retention:
Encouragement and Motivation: Advisors serve as mentors and motivators, encouraging students to persist through challenges. Positive encouragement and guidance can boost students' confidence, helping them overcome obstacles and remain committed to their education.
Transition Support: For first-year and transfer students, the transition to college can be challenging. Advisors offer support during this critical period, helping students acclimate to the academic environment and providing guidance on navigating campus resources.
Building a Sense of Community: Effective advising contributes to a sense of community on campus. When students feel connected to their academic advisors and peers, they are more likely to stay engaged in the college experience, fostering a supportive environment for retention.
Personalized Support: Good academic advisors offer personalized support based on individual student needs. Understanding students' strengths, challenges, and aspirations allows advisors to tailor guidance, fostering a sense of belonging and support that contributes to retention.
Early Intervention for Academic Issues: Advisors can identify early signs of academic struggles and intervene promptly. Whether it's connecting students with tutoring services, study skills workshops, or addressing personal challenges, early intervention can prevent issues from escalating and leading to dropout.
Information on Support Services: Academic advisors provide information about available support services on campus, such as counseling, career services, and academic resources. This helps students access the resources they need to overcome challenges and succeed academically.
Clarifying Educational Goals: Academic advisors help students clarify their educational and career goals. When students have a clear understanding of their academic path and career aspirations, they are more motivated to stay in college and complete their degrees.
Course Planning and Progress Tracking: Advisors assist students in developing a realistic and coherent course plan. By helping students navigate program requirements and tracking their progress, advisors ensure that students stay on track to meet graduation requirements, reducing the likelihood of course-related setbacks.
In summary, good academic advising is a key factor in promoting student retention by providing personalized support, addressing challenges, and fostering a positive and connected learning environment. Institutions that invest in effective advising services, especially with high-quality training, professional development, and program assessment, are more likely to see higher levels of student persistence and success.
Why is student retention so important?
Student retention is crucial for colleges for several reasons, as it directly impacts the institution's success, reputation, and overall effectiveness. Here are key reasons why student retention is important to a college:
Financial Stability: Retaining students is vital for the financial stability of a college. Tuition and fees contribute significantly to an institution's revenue. When students drop out, the college loses not only the current year's revenue but also potential future revenue from those students.
Community Impact: Colleges often play a vital role in the local community and economy. A thriving college with high student retention rates contributes positively to the community by attracting students, faculty, and staff, and fostering economic growth.
Rankings and Accreditation: Some college rankings take student retention rates into account. Maintaining high retention rates can positively influence a college's position in various national and international rankings. Additionally, accreditation bodies may consider student success metrics in their evaluations.
Educational Effectiveness: A college's primary mission is to provide education and foster student learning. High retention rates indicate that the institution is effectively delivering its educational programs and supporting students in their academic pursuits.
Academic Reputation: A high student retention rate is often seen as a positive indicator of an institution's academic quality and student satisfaction. Colleges with strong retention rates are more likely to be perceived as effective in providing a quality education and supporting student success.
Student Satisfaction: High student retention rates are often correlated with high levels of student satisfaction. Satisfied students are more likely to stay enrolled, contribute positively to campus life, and speak favorably about their college experience.
Diversity and Inclusion: A diverse and inclusive student body is essential for a well-rounded and enriching educational environment. Improving student retention rates can contribute to a more diverse campus community, fostering a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
Graduation Rates: Student retention is closely tied to graduation rates. A college's ability to retain students until they complete their degrees reflects positively on its commitment to supporting student success and ensuring that students achieve their educational goals.
Alumni Engagement: Retained students are more likely to become alumni. Alumni engagement, including donations and support, is often linked to positive experiences during their time at the college. High retention rates contribute to a larger and more engaged alumni network.
Resource Utilization: When students drop out, the resources invested in their recruitment, orientation, and initial education are not fully realized. Improving retention ensures that the resources allocated for student acquisition and onboarding are maximized.
In summary, student retention is a multifaceted metric that impacts the financial, academic, and social aspects of a college. Institutions that prioritize and achieve high retention rates are better positioned for long-term success and positive contributions to their communities. Institutions with hire retention rates understand that their student services, such as advising and coaching, are key drivers of retention and they must invest in these offices with high-quality training, professional development, and program assessment.