Thought Leadership
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In higher education today, institutions and educators are grappling with issues such as evolving student needs, ensuring equitable access to resources, and a rapidly changing workforce. In 2024, Kaplan's All Access License™ caught attention as an innovative new resource for navigating this complex environment, providing an actionable solution for academic success.
As we enter the new year, and reflect on our journey thus far, we look back to when we hosted some insightful conversations and saw new wins with universities achieving their goals. Showcasing these experiences, our 2024 top articles featuring the All Access License™ delved into critical themes of equity, career readiness, and innovative pedagogical approaches, offering a roadmap for institutions and individuals alike to thrive in the dynamic world of higher education.
Our top read article from 2024 features my interview with New York University’s (NYU) Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Dr. Mark Siegal. Going beyond recounting NYU's initiatives, the interview serves as a compelling case study in how institutions can strategically reduce barriers to student success. Through a lens of prioritizing helping all students flourish even beyond graduation, key takeaways include:
Creating a data-driven approach to equity: Dr. Siegal shared how they use data to identify and address equity gaps in student outcomes, particularly in courses with high DFW (D, F, and withdrawal) rates. They are actively working to improve teaching practices and support systems to ensure all students have the opportunity to succeed.
Collaboration is essential: NYU recognizes the importance of breaking down silos between different departments (Academic Affairs, Student Success, Student Affairs) to create a unified approach to student support. This collaborative effort ensures that student success initiatives are integrated and comprehensive.
Thinking about career readiness in multiple frames: Career readiness is an increasingly important topic in higher education today - and one of the main drivers to answer the question about the ROI of a degree. Dr. Siegal shares an insightful perspective on how much of the work of student success is very localized and what they’ve done to have a broader impact instantly across the entire student body. Specifically, he delves into his experience in launching Kaplan’s All Access License™.
“This is why Kaplan’s All Access License™ program is a game changer. We can actually flip a switch and say, ‘NYU students, you now have access to the leading test prep courses for these professions and career goals you have.’ The ability to do something right away that we knew our students would value—and would value across the student body—was huge for us.”
- Dr. Mark Siegal, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, New York University
NYU's holistic approach serves as a blueprint for other institutions seeking to foster student success by addressing the diverse needs of their student population. By embracing a similar strategy, institutions can create a more equitable and supportive environment where all students have the opportunity to flourish.
» Related News: Fast Company Names Kaplan’s All Access License™ as a Winner in its 2024 World Changing Ideas Awards
Our second most read article from 2024 highlighted research and examples of how universities are bridging gaps between education and employment. It emphasizes the growing importance of tearing down barriers to career readiness and equipping students with the skills necessary to thrive in the current workplace.
Some of the research highlighted includes:
Three-quarters of high school students say the most important thing they look for in a college are services to help with postgraduate education and careers.1
Only 34% of employers believe graduates are well-prepared for career advancement.2
Only 50% of employers believe new graduates have skills such as teamwork and professionalism.3
Institutions play a pivotal role in preparing students for the challenges and opportunities of the workforce as they move on their journey after graduation. By exploring the ideas shared in this article of how other universities are addressing career readiness and bolstering the skills gap, it may spark new creative thinking for institutions seeking to enhance their career services and ensure their graduates are well-equipped for success in their chosen fields.
To round out our top three All Access License™ articles from 2024, my colleague Brittany Wampler, Director of the All Access License™ at Kaplan, wrote this article delving into the power of scaffolding and exploring how this technique can be strategically employed to unlock student potential. It emphasizes the importance of providing students with the appropriate level of support as they navigate new concepts and challenges, ultimately fostering deeper learning and greater self-efficacy.
The best part? Tapping into her almost 20 years in higher education, Brittany applies this concept by weaving how she’s seen this work out in real use cases. By telling her story, you get a practical viewpoint and inspiration for your own journey.
“Universities need to adopt a growth mindset, just as they encourage students to do, always refining and improving the way they provide support.”
- Brittany Wampler, Director of All Access License™, Kaplan
This article serves as a valuable resource for educators seeking to create a more engaging and supportive learning environment. By embracing scaffolding, educators can help students at each stage of their journey and empower them to reach their full potential.
These top articles from 2024 underscore the power of shared narratives and actionable strategies in driving student success. By embracing innovation and collaboration, we can unlock new pathways to achievement, ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential – whether that's securing a fulfilling career or pursuing advanced studies. Kaplan's All Access License™ offers a new solution, empowering both institutions and students with the tools they need to thrive.
Make an impact on your students with Kaplan’s All Access License™.
With more than 25 years of experience in higher education, Kim Canning is passionate about enhancing student success and access to education. Kim has a deep understanding of the challenges facing higher education today and leverages this expertise to drive solutions that respond to the needs of students and institutions alike.
In her current role as the vice president of university partnerships at Kaplan, Kim leads a dynamic team focused on collaborating with colleges and universities to enhance academic support resources at an institutional level. Kim’s leadership in spearheading Kaplan’s All Access License™ initiative has garnered several EdTech industry awards. Connect with Kim at allaccess@kaplan.edu or on LinkedIn.
1 Value of Post Graduation Readiness Services, Kaplan, May 2024.
2 Source: The American Association of Colleges and Universities How College Contributes to Workforce Success: Employer Views on What Matters Most
3 Source: The National Association of Colleges and Employers’ 2024 Job Outlook Survey
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