A new system that helps students in the DirectConnnect to UCF program as they transfer to the university is one of four winners of a national innovation award announced by the WICHE Cooperative for Educational Technologies.
The Pathway program was created to help student development, academic and career planning, and academic and social integration. The program was recognized with the annual WCET Outstanding Work (WOW) Award, which is presented to colleges, universities and other organizations for exceptionally creative, technology-based solutions to a significant problem or need in higher education.
麻豆精品 S淭he new Pathway component of DirectConnect to UCF enhances the transfer experience for students, and is intentionally and purposefully designed using innovative features that will increase student engagement and success, 麻豆精品 S� said Jennifer Sumner, director of Regional Campuses 麻豆精品 S� academic support services.
The program was launched as a pilot in January with students from each of UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 five partner institutions: Daytona State College, Eastern Florida State College, Lake-Sumter State College, Seminole State College, and Valencia College. Pathway was fully launched this fall. There are 120 students in the program, and now that it has been fully launched, Regional Campuses expects the numbers to grow.
To help students, Pathway:
Touch-points have been set up to guide students along the way, such as when to complete career assessments, declarations of majors, attendance at skills workshops, participation with various student groups, and guided assistance in meeting requirements for the UCF application and transfer process.
The Pathway uses online advising tools, and students can track their own academic and professional growth.
麻豆精品 S淲hat makes the Pathway unique and innovative are the exclusively created technology elements designed to engage the students, 麻豆精品 S� Sumner said. 麻豆精品 S淭he Pathway is built and accessible within UCF 麻豆精品 S檚 learning-management system of Canvas, provides students with 24/7 online access to advising and resources, uses virtual advising tools such as chats and video sessions, and awards digital badges that are themed to enhance student engagement. 麻豆精品 S�
Jeff Jones, vice provost for Regional Campuses, said Pathway is the culmination of work by Sumner, the state college partners, Regional Campuses and students themselves.
麻豆精品 S淎ll played key roles in developing this tool, 麻豆精品 S� he said, 麻豆精品 S淎s always, our team puts the success of our students as our primary goal. We feel that the Pathways project will further enhance our students opportunity 聽for success. 麻豆精品 S�
Cali Morrison, communications manager for WCET, said the Direct Connect to UCF Pathway was selected as an award winner because it answers a significant need with targeted goals and proven impacts in a creative and sustainable manner.
“It serves as a model to the entire higher education community of a replicable program for planned transfer pathways and support can make a difference for students,” she said.
The other winners for this year 麻豆精品 S檚 WOW Award are: