Chicago State University: A Journey of Transformation
Chicago State University (CSU) faced a significant challenge with over 12,000 students who had stopped out of their academic journey. Many of these students were close to completing their degrees but lacked the resources, support and guidance needed to return and finish what they started.
The Approach:
In partnership with the TMCF-DSU Joint Center, CSU implemented a comprehensive strategy to re-engage these students. The approach included targeted outreach, personalized advising and individual education plans to accommodate the unique needs of adult learners. Through our dedicated partnership, CSU was able to buy capacity in marketing and advising, and capacity building for enrollment services, leveraging external expertise to accelerate their program’s success.
Impact:
The success of this initiative not only brought significant financial benefits to CSU, but also provided life-changing opportunities for hundreds of adult learners. CSU’s experience underscores the potential of strategic partnerships in transforming institutional outcomes and helping students achieve their educational aspirations.
The Result:
Re-enrollment
Success:
More than
303
students re-enrolled
as part of the initiative,
and more than
900
students were qualified
to re-enroll.
Graduation
Outcomes:
34
returning students
graduated, with
19
As of Spring 2024
Financial
Impact:
$2.6
revenue
Engagement metrics
More than 54,000 individual engagements with stopped-out students within 1.5 years.
–
started Fall 2022
Partner with Us Today
Take the first step in transforming your institution’s capacity to serve adult learners. By partnering with the TMCF-DSU Joint Center, you’re not just improving your institution’s infrastructure—you’re creating opportunities for thousands of students who need a second chance. Together, we can build a sustainable model that empowers your school to re-engage stopped-out students and guide them toward successful degree completion. Don’t wait—partner with us today and lead the way in higher education innovation.