Get Your Students Hired
Doing your due diligence in any venture is essential to the overall success of the endeavor. Partnering with the communities and industry professionals can really open the possibilities for graduates which can be a valuable selling point in attracting new students to the organization.
My biggest takeaways are:
Feasibility study is a prerequisite for any new project/academic program ... this may involve
- fact finding
- needs analysis
- supply and demand
- strategic value of the program/product
- iterative research
- data analysis and interpretation
- compliance issues
- interaction with external entities
- brainstorming
- projections and forecasting
- organizational/departmental (internal) core competencies and key-value deliveries
I find that researching your program specific niche and doing a feasiblity study is crucial and not just look at your competition but what you can do better within your purview. Also, to be fully aware of what the price you are offering based on your demographics to see if they can afford.
This module reenforces the importance of researching and selecting advisory boards/committes.
A feasability study along with the correct group of indfividuals from staff, the community and program graduates is essential in the formation of a new program for a school.
It is easy for us to just jump into developing a new program, especially when we feel that we understand the steps it will take. However, without the right research we will be unprepared for any issues which will arise. This module has taught me the importance of conducting a feasibility study, as well as the importance of forming a commitee to help plan and prepare for new program implementation.
Job posting analytics and workforce growth projections can inform many of the skills and abilities an institution might develop with a new program. Another excellent source of information is schools with which an insititution already has articulation agreements. If another school has some two plus two programs set up, connect with their partnership directors and liaisons to see what other programs you can help your target students prepare to pursue. Remember, workplace skills are not the only necessary outcome of post secondary education; many of us help our students continue on to more advanced studies.
For universities that adding new programs, they must bring colloboration from the community and every department that is needed to have a much better program for the university. Communication and collobaration are the heart of a good program.
We are just beginning to do the work to expand our existing programs and offer a new degree program. The importance of involving staff, faculty and alumni as well as community and experts in our field will be key to developing a plan that will match the quality of education we expect to offer and create opportunities to integrate this program into related fields in our area.
Planning is essential, market need, employment opportunities and community based support are critical to the success. When creating a planning committee, we need to create standards from which the committee functions.
A feasability study is one of the most important aspects of starting a program. It helps the group to determine the need for a new program. This yeild extremely valuable information!
We have gone over this process several times and although it can be lengthy, it is very important to complete. We have found that inviting key individuals from current and potential employers is of key importance. Their insight provides the committee with relevant infomation that is vital for the development of a new program. Engaging in an analysis of what our competitors are offering is a necessary step as well.
Question: are there schools that have delayed their plan on launcing new programs due to COVID-19? If not, what are you currently doing to lauch your new programs?