Enrollment in existing online degree programs up 44% through prospective student coaching partnership with nonprofit InsideTrack
BAKERSFIELD, C.A. (DECEMBER 2, 2020) — California State University, Bakersfield (CSUB), a part of the California State University system serving more than 11,000 students in Bakersfield and the Antelope Valley, today announced initial results of a new initiative that equips students interested in online degree programs with dedicated success coaches. The professional coaches from national student success nonprofit InsideTrack help prospective students select the right program, navigate the enrollment process and prepare for a strong start.
At a time when many colleges and universities are facing steep enrollment declines, CSUB’s coaching program increased enrollment across four existing online bachelors and masters degree programs offered through its Division of Extended Education and Global Outreach by 44 percent. It also supported the successful launch of the university’s new online M.S. in Kinesiology.
“As COVID-19 continues to reshape the higher education experience, students are grappling with an increasingly complex range of barriers to access and success, including personal, financial, work and health challenges,” said Rhonda Dawson, Director of Extended Education at California State University, Bakersfield. “Our partnership with InsideTrack is about equipping students with personalized support to overcome these hurdles, identify programs that fit their unique professional and educational goals, and successfully start their higher education journeys on the right foot.”
Through one-on-one meetings and ongoing digital communication via voice, email and text messaging, coaches help prospective CSUB online students define their long-term goals, evaluate program options and develop the habits that will ensure their success. In addition to growing enrollment and better preparing students for success, the coaching program is also generating insights on student behaviors and preferences that the university is using to refine the overall student experience.
“Navigating the college enrollment process while balancing work and family obligations can be challenging — even in the best times,” said Angela Jaramillo, Strategic Partnerships Director at InsideTrack. “Fortunately, leading public universities like CSU Bakersfield are stepping up and giving busy adult learners what they need to succeed, increasing access and success.”
InsideTrack has supported the CSU System for more than a decade working with nearly half of the system’s 23 campuses and the Chancellor’s office on a broad range of student success initiatives for both traditional-age and adult learners. A master enabling agreement provides all CSU campuses with access to a broad range of InsideTrack services at special rates.
A nonprofit member of the Strada Education Network, InsideTrack’s seasoned team of professional coaches, trainers and consultants enables institutions to realize immediate impact as they build for the future.
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About California State University, Bakersfield
California State University, Bakersfield is a comprehensive public university committed to offering excellent undergraduate and graduate programs that advance the intellectual and personal development of its students. An emphasis on student learning is enhanced by a commitment to scholarship, diversity, service, global awareness and life-long learning. The University collaborates with partners in the community to increase the region’s overall educational attainment, enhance its quality of life, and support its economic development. The University was founded in 1965 and opened for classes in fall, 1970, and currently serves more than 10,000 students between the main campus in Bakersfield and CSUB Antelope Valley.
About InsideTrack
InsideTrack is passionate about student success. We partner with institutions and organizations to improve enrollment, persistence, completion and career readiness. Our student support methodology uncovers first hand feedback about student goals and challenges. Through strategic guidance, staff training and student coaching, we help institutions turn this feedback into actionable insights that drive better student outcomes. As a nonprofit member of the Strada Education Network, we offer partners access to a comprehensive range of student success solutions as well as the latest research and insights on student success. We’ve supported more than 2 million students since 2001 and currently serve over 4,000 programs. Visit us at www.insidetrack.org and follow us on Twitter @InsideTrack.