By Ben Sibley, Associate Vice Provost
We all rely heavily on our phones and GPS mapping to help us get where we want to go. It’s one of the many ways technology makes our lives easier and more efficient. We tend to feel more confident as we head in the direction of our desired location, knowing that the steps are clearly mapped out and we can check our progress along the way.
Inspired by the ways we map our physical destinations—and how it aids us in getting there faster and more efficiently—Strayer University is developing a “GPS” for education—a map of a student’s entire learning journey that tracks progress and identifies the most efficient routes to graduation. The mapping program will ultimately help Strayer students balance their many priorities while maximizing their time and investment.
It is critical that Strayer students are aware of their own “mobility”—how academic achievement can lead to progression in employment and economic status. The GPS program, planned to launch in 2020, will offer a customized view of a student’s academic route, dotted with progress milestones that lead to the ultimate destination—a career goal.
This program, and any interaction with Strayer student support, should serve as a source of inspiration and motivation, and help visualize the options and steps to the achievement of a college degree.
GPS in Action
Once the program is fully developed, students will be able to explore career interests and identify career goals.
Step 1: Enter the destination.
What is your ultimate career goal?
Step 2: Select the route.
Use a personalized academic pathway that leads to your chosen career—the programs, courses, degrees, credentials, and certifications that will get you where you need to go
Step 3: Maximize efficiencies.
Don’t just get there—get there quickly. The result of the GPS journey is an optimized, personalized education that can help lead to employability.
