Systemness in Action: Southern Illinois University’s Course Sharing Success
July 19, 2024
NASH is continuing to build systems’ capacity to use improvement science to address stubborn obstacles to college access and completion. Building on the success of our ongoing Transfer NIC, we are starting to see the positive effects of our Course Flexibility NIC. Through this NIC, NASH and four of its member systems are pioneering innovative solutions to help college students access the courses they need to graduate on time. This initiative, known as “course sharing” or cross-registration, allows students to take courses at different institutions within their system without formally transferring, reducing time-to-degree, which facilitates on-time graduation and minimizes student debt.
Increasing Flexibility for Courses and Academic Programs
Students often face challenges securing spots in required courses, which can delay their graduation. Through participation in NASH’s course sharing NIC, systems were able to expand access to high-demand classes and reduce the need for students to transfer, switch majors, or extend their studies. Enhanced course flexibility also empowers students to manage their schedules around other commitments, like work or family. Course sharing benefits not only students but also higher education institutions, especially those that are under-resourced and may struggle to attract sufficient enrollment to justify certain offerings. It increases course availability, improves student outcomes, and allows institutions to collaboratively offer programs they couldn’t deliver independently.
Currently, with funding from the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, NASH has facilitated
solutions across four state university systems: Southern Illinois University System (SIU),
University of Hawaii System, Texas State University System, and Montana University System. Below, we will explore how SIU has put this model into practice:
SIU System Course Exchange
Before partnering with NASH, SIU was not engaged in course sharing within its system. After joining the NIC, SIU leaders created the SIU System Course Exchange to make online classes more broadly accessible. The SIU System Course Exchange is a student-centered initiative that aims to provide convenient learning opportunities, catering to a diverse community of learners and positioning the SIU System as a leader in online education. The SIU System Course Exchange’s online course catalog has shown steady growth, with the number of available courses increasing from 20 to 28 within the past year, a 40% increase, as highlighted in SIU’s strategic plan.
Specifically, this program offers students at SIU Edwardsville and SIU Carbondale the opportunity to take online classes offered at the other institution without enrolling or transferring. Hear from students at both campuses and learn how this program has greatly impacted their higher education journey:
SIU Carbondale
SIU Edwardsville
Enrollment in SIU online shared courses has grown significantly in the last year, with the number of students more than tripling. This growth highlights the collective success in making higher education more accessible and inclusive. The initiative also supports higher retention and graduation rates, as students find it easier to balance their studies with other commitments.
This is just one of the many examples NASH is excited to share to celebrate the success of its NIC model. Stay tuned for more news and information coming out of the work being done within this NIC cohort and others.