Other colleges and universities that earned honors and a $15,000 gift include:

California State University Channel Islands, which expanded the use of a chatbot to all undergrads to improve student retention through support and encouragement, and also through a microcourse on learning online.
Georgia State University, which created a Financial Hardship and Emergency Assistance Program to serve its many Pell eligible students; took its Student Health Clinic and Counseling Center and made much of it virtual through telehealth; and increased advising to more than 100 staff.
Houston Community College (TX), which forged a Live Virtual Lobby for students via Zoom where they could get vetted for support they needed and attain one-on-one consultation with the student services team.
Montgomery County Community College (PA), which launched a web portal and app called "Montco Connect" in July to keep its students connected and alerted to happenings and supports across campus.
San Diego State University (CA), which launched CARES teams that performed outreach for its disadvantaged students and a @CORE program that served first-generation and underrepresented students.
University of Arizona, recognized for its Student Success and Retention Innovation (SSRI) that pivoted to 100% virtual and in turn, forged the highest first- and second-year retention rates in its history.
University of Florida, which was honored for the efforts of its Multicultural and Diversity Affairs' early arrival programs (EAP) to offer assistance virtually.

The 100 institutions that were vetted by an advisory committee were judged on eight categories: connection building among students, peers and administration; their holistic approach to students; ingenuity; equity; scalability; technology use; collaboration; and the use of data in determining the viability and impact of their programs.

Instant Insights /

10 colleges honored for virtual support during pandemic

Related Stories

Recommended For You