This week we had a chance to interview Tara Warden, Assistant Vice Provost at the University of Cincinnati about her upcoming SEM 2023 Conference session "Delivering on a Promise - Improving Outcomes for All". This session focuses on how proactive advising, actionable analytics, and community partnerships can make good on the promise of higher education.
When asked why she would present this session Ms. Warden commented:
We’re excited to share the University of Cincinnati story. With some strategic investment and design, we’ve increased graduation rates by 15 percentage points over the last 10 years for the university overall. And our acceleration in equity-based outcomes is highlighted by graduation rates for our Black and African American students dramatically improving, closing the equity gap from 14 PP to just 5 PP in the last 5 pre-pandemic years alone. The focused investment in our student supports, technology, and proactive culture are paying off for everyone.
Ms. Warden's session will also examine the imperative urban research universities have to provide pathways to social and economic mobility. And how for the past decade, the University of Cincinnati has continued to improve retention and graduation rates, set enrollment records, achieve diversity goals, and close equity gaps. For example, In 2019, UC launched Bearcat Promise, a pledge that students will graduate career-ready. Speaking on the university's success in this area Ms. Warden said:
We set a new enrollment record again this year, at nearly 51,000 students, which is 4,000 students stronger than last year. Our commitment to the Cincinnati Public Schools and the expansion of college opportunity in our city has been a key factor.