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The National Learning Mobility Challenge

Improving Transfer Time-to-Decision

The NASH Center for Postsecondary Improvement (CPI) is thrilled to partner with The American Association of Collegiate Registrars and Admissions Officers (AACRAO) on a groundbreaking initiative: the National Learning Mobility Challenge: Improving Transfer Time-to-Decision. This challenge is designed to revolutionize how learners move through their educational and career journeys.

We invite systems, institutions, and partners to engage in real, data-driven action to ensure learning counts for every student. This year's Challenge leverages cutting-edge improvement science methodology to help you meaningfully move the dial for transfer students and their success.

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Spreading What Works: Lessons Learned from the NASH NIC on Transfer Student Success Fuel the Challenge

This Learning Mobility Challenge is an opportunity to scale an intervention discovered through the NASH NIC on Transfer Student Success. Through testing across many campus teams over various cohorts, we’ve determined that reducing time in the transfer student admission decision process positively impacts transfer student enrollment. This challenge gives all systems and campuses an opportunity to implement this practice and benefit from the results.

Our Partner: AACRAO

 

AACRAO is a non-profit, voluntary, professional association working to make higher education more responsive to learners. With a membership of more than 18,000 higher education professionals at approximately 2,300 institutions in more than 40 countries, collectively representing over 16.5 million enrolled learners, the association provides advocacy, research, and policy-based guidance and training to higher education professionals to smooth the path for learners at every stage of their journey.

Join the movement to transform learning mobility!

For more information and to get started, please visit the official AACRAO page.

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Challenge Phases

Phase 1: Your Data, Our Future

Contribute to a National Dataset on Transfer Student Admissions

We are building the nation's first-ever dataset focused on the critical "time-to-admit" for transfer students. Your institution will simply share its current baseline data on how long it takes to process a transfer student application from submission to decision.

How Data Empowers Your Decisions:

  • See Where You Stand: Gain unprecedented insights into national trends and instantly understand your institution's position.
  • Pinpoint Improvement Areas: Analyze your data against a national benchmark to identify hidden inefficiencies and highlight areas of excellence in your operations.
  • Empower Decisions with Real Data: Move beyond assumptions with concrete insights into what's actually happening on the ground.

This is an opportunity for growth and massive impact. Join this groundbreaking national effort at no cost, positioning your institution at the forefront of innovation. You do not need to be an AACRAO member or a NASH member to participate–all are welcome.

Phase One Timeline:

  • Phase One runs through December 15, 2025.
  • Challengers will complete modules and answer a reflection question in the AACRAO learning platform. Completion of these tasks should take between 90 - 120 minutes.
  • The time-to-decision data entry will be completed by only one challenger from a given institution.

 

Phase 2: Action, Acceleration, Achievement

Utilize Improvement Science to Accelerate Learner Journeys

Building on the collective insights from Phase One, you'll delve into the practical application of improvement science methodologies. This phase is all about rapidly testing changes to measurably reduce the time-to-admit for transfer students at your institution, transforming theory into tangible results.

Your Path to Measurable Results:

  • Become a Pioneer of Change: Get hands-on experience with powerful improvement methodology and data-informed decision-making.
  • Access Proven Solutions: Discover "bright spots" and successful interventions from other institutions.
  • Unrivaled Expert Support: Benefit from interactive webinars, exclusive coaching, and monthly office hours with seasoned NASH improvement coaches.
  • Faster Results, Greater Efficiency: Test, iterate, and spread change initiatives at unprecedented speed for measurable improvements.
  • Champion Learner Success: Directly dismantle systemic barriers for a seamless and equitable journey for transfer students.
  • Build Lasting Internal Capacity: Cultivate a culture of continuous improvement with practical, transferable solutions.

Earn Valuable Recognition: Opportunity to earn micro-credentials or other recognition artifacts verifying your skill development.

FAQ

What is The Time to Admit Challenge?

The Challenge is a national call for action, experimentation, and transparency. Our Center for Postsecondary Improvement, along with AACRAO, invites all colleges and universities nationwide to participate in adopting rapid cycles of testing and learning, utilizing continuous improvement methods to accelerate change initiatives.

What do participating institutions commit to doing?

Participants commit to:

  • Measuring their own time-to-decision for transfer admissions.
  • Identifying internal or systemic friction points that cause delays
  • Testing solutions to reduce these delays
  • Contributing to a new national dataset on transfer student admissions processes