Implementing data-driven strategies to improve course performance: A case study at the University of Houston

CUMU MEMBERSCUMU MEMBERSThis program is open to individuals from CUMU member institutions only, including faculty, staff, students, or community partners   LEARNINGLEARNING These programs invite attendees to participate in a way that works best for them. These sessions may include a chat or poll, but do not require participants to keep their cameras on or work in groups. Examples: webinars and pre-recorded, on-demand content.

This webinar is part of the CUMU Student Success Webinar Series sponsored by Rokwire.

PRESENTERS: Teri Longacre and Caroline Neary, University of Houston

In order to achieve equitable completion rates for students from underrepresented populations, our large urban university launched an initiative to improve course performance in gateway courses using an equity-informed approach. This session will highlight case studies of the strategies and lessons learned from three courses that successfully reduced DWIF rates by 9 to 35 points overall and for students of color, first generation students, and Pell eligible students. Redesign elements included early detection of student challenges, more time engaging with course material in a meaningful way, new assignments, and amnesty opportunities.

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ABOUT THE PANELISTS

Teri Elkins Longacre, Ph.D., serves as senior vice provost and dean for undergraduate student success in the Office of the Provost at the University of Houston. In this role, Dr. Longacre is responsible for the design and implementation of student success initiatives with oversight of Enrollment Services including Scholarships and Financial Aid, Admissions, Office of the University Registrar, Enrollment Services Communications and Marketing, and Campus Solutions Services. Dr. Longacre also provides operational leadership for Houston Guided Pathways to Success which includes supporting transfer pathway development across fourteen participating two and four-year institutions in the greater Houston region. She is an associate professor of management at the C. T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston, where she joined the faculty in 1997 and previously served as associate dean for academic affairs in Bauer as well as the University of Houston faculty and staff ombudsperson. Dr. Longacre received her undergraduate degree from Baylor University and a Ph.D. and J.D. from the University of Houston.

Caroline Neary, Ph.D., is the director of student success research and analysis at the University of Houston, where she supports data-informed decision making in student success and enrollment management. Her 2024 dissertation research focused on the impact of financial aid on college access and completion for historically underrepresented students.