NYU’s Alternate Pathways to A Top-Tier Degree – Part 2

Changing Higher Ed

NYU is flipping the script on many traditional educational models and mindsets, embracing a strategic shift to offer alternative pathways to top-tier degrees. This strategic evolution reflects a profound commitment to access and flexibility, directly addressing the needs of an expanded demographic of students.

Dr. Harrison shines a light on the practical implementations and thought processes behind such forward-thinking initiatives, aiming to demonstrate the successful delivery of education to a larger, non-traditional population.

In Part 2 of this two-part podcast, Drumm McNaughton and Doug Harrison continue the conversation where they left off in Part 1, discussing New York University's Applied Undergraduate Studies program at its School for Professional Studies' four key components of the delivery modality, which are: 1) Transfer credit friendly/expanded. 2) The delivery modality. 3) Offering an associate degree. 4) Prior learning assessment.

Podcast Highlights

Enhancing Online Learning Modalities

• NYU's approach to online learning, encompassing both synchronous and asynchronous modalities.
• Benefits of providing a flexible learning environment to accommodate the needs of diverse learners.
• The role of support services in enhancing the online learning experience, including professional advising and career services.

Prior Learning Assessment and Additional Credits

• Importance of recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of students through prior learning assessment.
• Examples of crediting students for external experiences, such as military service or professional certifications, to accelerate degree completion while containing cost.

Student Support Services and Data Analytics for Successful Outcomes

• Utilizing data analytics to support successful outcomes.
• The shift from reactive to proactive strategies in identifying and supporting at-risk students.
• The comprehensive analysis of student data to allocate targeted resources and interventions effectively.
• NYU's holistic approach to student support, spanning from enrollment through graduation, accommodating skill gaps due to K-12 inequities.
• An explanation of various support services offered, including financial aid and career services.
• The importance of a coordinated approach to ensure students receive comprehensive support throughout their educational journey.

Public-Private Partnerships for Workforce Alignment and Opportunities

• The significance of partnerships with public schools, industry leaders, and community organizations in aligning education with workforce needs.
• NYU's initiatives in creating pathways for students that lead to relevant and rewarding careers.
• Examples of collaborations aimed at expanding economic opportunities and fostering a diverse workforce.

Pricing and Accessibility Strategies to Broaden Higher Ed Pathways

• Strategies to make education more accessible through pricing models and financial aid options.
• The impact of NYU's pricing policies on broadening access to higher education, including associate degrees at reduced prices.
• NYU's commitment to supporting students from families with limited income, ensuring an affordable path to degree completion.

How Leadership’s Learning Mindset Impacts Student Success

• The role of leadership in fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement within educational institutions.
• Examples of how unified vision among board members and executives can drive the adoption of innovative educational strategies.
• The importance of learning from failure and the strategies for implementing changes based on outcomes and evaluations.

Three Key Takeaways for University Presidents and Boards

1. Strategic Focus: Prioritize your institution's core strengths and values, directing resources and efforts towards areas of excellence to navigate the disruptive pressures in higher education.

2. Innovation and Learning: Foster a culture of innovation tailored to your institution's unique mission, encouraging experimentation and valuing the lessons learned from failure to build resilience.

3. Humanity and Civility: Champion a culture of integrity, professionalism, and collaboration, modeling these values to navigate the sector's challenges and maintain a positive, supportive community.

Read the transcript and detailed show summary: https://changinghighered.com/nyus-alternate-pathways-to-a-top-tier-degree-part-2

About Our Guest

Douglas Harrison leads the Division of Applied Undergraduate Studies at NYU's School of Professional Studies. Prior to NYU, Harrison founded the School of Cybersecurity and Information Technology at the University of Maryland Global Campus. He has published and presented widely on access and inclusion in online learning, assessment security, and academic integrity. He is a past director on the board of the International Center for Academic Integrity and currently serves on Turnitin's Customer Advisory Board for AI in higher education and for the Sounding Spirit Collaborative at Emory University’s Center for Digital Scholarship. His scholarship has been awarded the John Kluge Residential Fellowship at the Library of Congress and the NEA’s Award for Excellence in the Academy.

Social Link: Doug Harrison on LinkedIn →

About the Host

Dr. Drumm McNaughton, host of Changing Higher Ed podcast, is a consultant to higher education institutions in governance, accreditation, strategy and change, and mergers.

To learn more about his services and other thought leadership pieces, visit his firm’s website: https://changinghighered.com/.

The Change Leader’s Social Media Links

• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drdrumm/
• Twitter: @thechangeldr
• Email: [e-mail]

#NYU #HigherEdInnovation #InclusiveEducation #AlternativePathways